2011 had its share of memorable hits as many Dancehall stalwarts proved that the foundation and depth of their genre remained strong.
Dazzling local and international charts with their musical masterpieces, these internationally-acclaimed artistes elevated their statuses while creating new avenues for the genre overseas. Ten songs in particular encompassed said sentiment while blazing the airwaves with the results of their creativity; making them relevant throughout 2012 and many years to come.
10. Mavado – Delilah: The first single off Mavado’s newly founded Mansion Records showcased a sound not familiarly associated with the “Gully Gaad.”
Delilah, released in May 2011, presented a crossover effect with its R&B soundinginstrumentals but resonated with his fan base locally and overseas.
The singjay’s vocals were on full display as the single topped several Dancehall charts, including in the United Kingdom while earning constant airplay across clubs and concerts locally and in the United States.
9. I-Octane – Badmind Fi Di Year: I-Octane followed up an extraordinary 2010 with a resolute showing in 2011; primarily with the release of his single, Badmind Fi Di Year.
The Cashflow Records produced single, released in March 2011, proved I-Octane could continue to produce thought-provoking songs with substance. The single topped several charts across the Caribbean as well as Europe; statistically making this one of his most successful singles.
A regular on the local airwaves, Badmind Fi The Year was a fan favorite across sessions and mixtapes within the Dancehall; sparking another strong run for the singjay, whose debutalbum will hit stores later this month.
8. Beenie Man – Go Go Club: 2011 witnessed somewhat of a renaissance year for the self-proclaimed “King of the Dancehall,” Beenie Man.
Go Go Club, released in March 2011, became an instant sensation within parties on the local scene while featuring in several promotions and advertisements.
More importantly, Go Go Club marked Beenie’s first number one hit of 2011; topping the HYPETV charts as well as other prominent Dancehall charts in Jamaica. It began a strong stretch of hit singles from Beenie including Let’s Go on the Overproof Riddim and Young Bud on the Notnice-produced, Takeover Riddim amongst others.
7. Tiana – Pum Pum Phat: The only female on this top 10 list, Tiana shot up the Dancehallranks; gaining popularity with the released of her raunchy single, Pum Pum Phat.
Previously a lowly-heralded deejay with a few notable hits, Tiana grabbed the attention she’d long been seeking for with the release of Pum Pum Phat, a remix of Popcaan’s summer hit, Ravin’.
Though the song’s raw nature never copped airplay, it certainly captured many accolades for her as radio stations and charts locally, across the Caribbean and Europe made the song a fixture while, in turn, helping her emerge as an in-demand superstar.
The single was just a highlight in a stellar year for the “Princess of Dancehall” who reeled off several top-class efforts such as Bruk Out and Wine on the Overproof Riddim, Gyal Mi Luv Yuh featuring Konshens amongst several others.
6. Popcaan – Only Man She Want: There’s now more than one superstar within the Portmore Empire as Popcaan won the respect of Gaza fans and long-time detractors through several number one efforts, including Only Man She Want.
The girl-friendly single off the Lost Angel Riddim showed Popcaan’s range as he copped his second number one success of the year; topping Dancehall charts locally and internationally while unleashing his potential as an elite act
Additionally, the song’s earned well over 2 million YouTube views to its credit, making one of the most viewed Dancehall songs in 2011 after its release in late August.
5. Konshens – Do Sumn: Not normally known for an aggressive delivery or tone in his music, Konshens defied all critics with the release of his sharpshooting single, Do Sumn.
Generally underrated within the Dancehall ranks, Konshens proved his worth as a Dancehallsuperstar with this effort; placing well on several Dancehall singles charts locally and internationally.
Perhaps what makes Do Sumn more of a fixture was the accompanying visuals to the song; shedding the spotlight on some of Jamaica’s most prominent dancers as a way to promote all sectors of Dancehall, earning a growing reputation as one of the genre’s spokesmen.
4. Mavado – Pepper: Marking his second number one hit of 2011, the Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor produced Pepper proved a spicy single for Dancehall fans worldwide to enjoy.
Released in February 2011, Pepper topped the Jamaican singles charts as well as several other local and international charts while showing an unprecedented swagger from the “Gully Gaad.”
Honestly, there are several choices worthy of honorable mention from Mavado as Tump, Star Bwoy, Settle Down and Final Destination also charted strongly last year.
3. Khago – Tun Up Mi Ting: Arguably the fastest rising star in 2011, breakthrough singjay, Khago perhaps took Dancehall’s most acclaimed Overproof Riddim with the release of Tun Up Mi Ting.
Known as a primarily conscious artiste, Tun Up Mi Ting offered a different side of Khago; scoring the artiste his third ever number one success as he topped several local and overseas charts while scoring MOBO Award nominations and the top spot on MTV Africa and BBC Radio charts.
2. Popcaan – Ravin’: Vybz Kartel’s main protégé, Popcaan drew several comparisons to his mentor after landing his first number one, Ravin’.
The club anthem instilled confidence in his fans that the young “Gaza” deejay could carry the Portmore Empire for years to come. Showing off his lyrical dexterity, Ravin’ topped local charts while earning him a spot on the BBC 1XTRA rotation in the United Kingdom. To date, it remains an evergreen sampling of the many talents that the deejay has on offer.
1. Vybz Kartel – Summer Time: However, the master class of Dancehall and Portmore Empire leader, Vybz Kartel showed his recruits how to stamp their authority on the genre with the release of the summer anthem, Summer Time in June 2011.
Topping the Jamaican singles charts, featuring in several advertising campaigns including Red Stripe andSmirnoff Dream Weekend amongst others, Summer Time triggered memories of Ding Dong’s classic single, Holiday two years prior.
Summer Time re-assured Kartel’s fans and critics that he remained capable of unveiling top-draw material despite the constant controversy that surrounded his persona.
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