Reggae and dancehall music has seen a mixed year in 2013. There were a handful of hits in rotation but none with the longevity of some hits we saw in 2011 and 2012. A few of those hits even dominated the airwaves in 2013.
In 2013 most of the biggest names in dancehall were noticeably absent from the airwaves including Bounty Killer, Aidonia, Beenie Man and more.
Some names though have consistently appeared on the list year after year including Mavado, Popcaan, Sean Paul, and Vybz Kartel, who has been incarcerated for over two years.
Lets take a look at the 10 biggest dancehall/reggae singles of 2013.
10. Vybz Kartel – Business
Despite being incarcerated since 2011, Vybz Kartel managed to score a slew of hits in dancehall both locally and overseas this year. “Business” was a major hit particularly among underground dancehall fans. The song received more than a million views on YouTube without an official music video. The official music video for the single rocked up almost 7 million views on YouTube since its release in February.
9. Macka Diamond – Dye Dye
Macka Diamond scored one of her biggest hits in year with her catchy and raw single “Dye Dye.” The song has been on every dancehall playlist at some point this year. The official video for “Dye Dye” rocked up more than a million views on YouTube despite being censored.
8. Sean Paul & Beenie Man – Greatest Gallis
Sean Paul and Beenie Man collaboration “Greatest Gallis” was an instant hit from the day it was released. This track could have garnered more attention if it was pushed more by the two artists management.
7. Mavado Ft. Nicki Minaj – Give It All To Me
Mavado scored a major hit when he enlist Nicki Minaj for the single “Give It All To Me.” The two Cash Money labelmates created one of the best dancehall/hip-hop crossovers of the last few years.
6. Snoop Lion – Lighters Up ft. Mavado, Popcaan
Many of us didn’t take Snoop Lion reggae transformation serious until he dropped “Lighters Up” featuring Mavado and Popcaan. Not only did the single garnered a lot of attention in dancehall/hip-hop circles, but it also united two artists from rival camps Gully and Gaza.
5. Lady Saw – Heels On
Lady Saw “Heels On” will go down in dancehall history as a classic. “Heels On” defines the epitome of female dancehall bangers. Although the track was released in 2012, “Heels On” is on almost every dancehall playlist worldwide to date. There is also a remix featuring Miami rapper Flo Rida.
4. QQ Ft. Venomous – One Drop
QQ and Venomous created an instant classic with their dancehall banger “One Drop.” Every year a dance song dominate dancehall space and 2013 belongs to “One Drop.” If you want to vibes up a dancehall party just take “One Drop” for a couple spin and observe the reaction from the ladies.
3. Bugle – Nuh Compatible
Bugle’s “Nuh Compatible” is undoubtedly one of the biggest dancehall singles of the last few years. The single garnered so much attention that the deejay’s ex-girlfriend Raine Seville had to release a response. “Nuh Compatible” is like dancehall poetry and is fit for airplay in any dancehall setting.
2. Konshens & J Capri – Pull Up To Mi Bumper
Konshens and J Capri raunchy single “Pull Up To Mi Bumper” reminds us of Patra’s classic “Pull Up To My Bumper” with some modern dancehall twist. The track is is much bigger worldwide than in Jamaica and is growing more popular with time. The single received over 6 million views on YouTube.
1. Busy Signal – “Watch Out For This (Bumaye)”
To get an idea of how big this dancehall single is worldwide, think about 35 million views on YouTube. The Major Lazer produced single was fitted with a retro music video that just make you want to watch it over and over. Busy Signal “Watch Out For This (Bumaye)” is the biggest dancehall single for 2013.
At the top its just us should have been on it , alongside give it all to me which has over 8 million veiws, so that song was a big success
unruly rave not on the list? that list is weak
only chune I agree with is the busy chune
Uno know seh a pure fu—ry uno do dats y uno caah mek ppl comment freely
i respect the attempt.
Twin of Twins “up wid the Money” is the biggest thing right now, These top 10 are what the media would like to believe are hot tracks, but do not represent what the streets are listening to
Busy Signal “Bumaye” is the baddest. Nicki Minaj and Mavado is garbage. worse crossover ive ever heard it don’t belong on the list but all the artists are solid dancehall tracks this year. Thumbs up.