We are midway the year and who are the leading reggae/dancehall artists so far?
This is a list featuring the top 5 artists in Reggae/Dancehall since 2019 whether it be through hit songs or controversy and even both. Here are the top dancehall artists of 2019 so far with half of the year gone. The list comprise of some familiar names like Popcaan and Vybz Kartel, as well as, some new faces like Koffee, Chronic Law, and Squash. The genre is going through an era similar to the 1990s when we saw the breakout of some big acts like Shabba Ranks, Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Buju Banton, and many more.
Koffee – We have all run out of praises for this breakout star. Her rise to prominence has been so immediate it’s almost incredible. Her blockbuster breakout hit “Toast” is dominating reggae charts worldwide and also got featured in Jordan Peels’s box office hit “US.” Her Rapture EP topped the Billboard Reggae charts along with her feature on Apple Music “Up Next” program and Ebro’s highly acclaimed radio show. She is set for big things, The new hope of Jamaican Music. Reggae Princess Koffee!
Vybz Kartel – Due to his work ethic alone the incarcerated Deejay leads the pack with big hits like Any Weather, Millenium Gyallis, “Ready “and “Can’t Kill We” to name a few released singles. Which have each amassed millions of views not to mention music videos he dropped for songs like Shape Nice ft Afro B and Come Home which has all placed high on youtube’s trending charts. How he continues to do it, nobody knows but Vybz Kartel still a beat dem bad.
Squash – Bursting into the scene as the leader of the 6IX movement Squash has since then had a chokehold on the dancehall game with hits like “Trending “and “Money Fever” last year. This year he proceeded to release the highly anticipated videos for these songs which have gotten rave reviews along with recent hit releases. Two of those came with Vybz Kartel with songs “Cyah be the Same” and “Beat Dem Bad “both of which are hit songs. All while leading a crew of trending artistes like Chronic Law and Bobby Six and until recently Jahvillani as well. The 6ix boss is here people.
Popcaan – This artiste needs no introduction, the now OVO Label resident is easily identifiable as one of dancehall’s best. 2019 has been no different he has produced hit songs such as “Traumatized” in which he addressed the death of his friend “Shagel “in his house while he was away on tour. A highly emotional track which gives his fans a much-welcomed insight into his mindset following the incident. Other songs like Unstoppable and Unruly Law have also made big impressions on the local scene. Popcaan again, as expected.
Chronic Law – What can I say about this new artiste? Nothing but good things, great lyrics, melodies, and unique subject matter Chronic Law is the new sensation in dancehall. He releases a song a day, all of which are celebrated by the younger audience and the street. He is definitely on his way to dancehall superstardom if he keeps it up. Hits like “Hillside” and “Cyah kill We” with Vybz Kartel carry the hit power while his other songs are getting serious rotation in the street. Well done, Law Boss.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS: Tommy Lee Sparta, Shenseea, Spice, Alkaline, Quada, Jahvillani, Teejay, Shaggy.
