CHUNE

Riddim: N/A

Producer: Specialist Moss

It feels unfair to compare Mr. Williamz to Jurassic 5, but it also works: both are modern artists who employ a throwback sound without getting mired in nostalgia. Where J5 extols the unison-chant virtues of old-school hip-hop, Williamz feels like early dancehall reincarnated. He’s called his 2021 album Sound Killa Mindset a tribute to Nicodemus, but he sounds even more like Supercat (his professed idol)—and nowhere more than on this ode to sartorial splendor:

From Bally shoes and diamond socks
Mesh marina and Casio watch
Wallaby Clarks and Kangol hat
Bandana pon head, jeans fulla patch
Corduroy, acid-washed, stonewashed,
An if a linen suit that mean everyting match…

Additional Listening:

• Mr. Williamz, “Lyrics Collection” (2021): This is where the Nicodemus homage really shines. Not only does Williamz shout him on on the intro, and perform in the video in front of a hand-drawn portrait of the late DJ, but the track uses the riddim (Mad Mad) and hook straight from…

• Nicodemus, “Boneman Connection” (1981): It’s not what you think, I promise.