With origins that stretch back to late ‘70s Jamaica, dancehall has been a cultural force for nearly 50 years. Evolving from traditional reggae, from the beginning, this subgenre has boasted an upbeat tempo and rhythmic style, reflecting the urgency of social issues and the political uncertainty of the time. Over the years the term “dancehall” – which has since become synonymous with the music genre that spawned superstars from Sean Paul to Buju Banton – came from actual dance halls, where communities gathered to hear music from local sound systems. DJs and “selectors” were an early version of hip-hop MCs, gaining massive popularity by riffing, pontificating or chanting over the instrumental beats coming from the speakers. Barrington Levy, Sugar Minott and Yellowman were some of the pioneering artists who emerged from this style of DJing.
As important as analog sound systems were during the rise of dancehall, the digital revolution in the mid-1980s would be the catalyst that would propel the genre onto the global stage. Ignited by the release of Wayne Smith’s “Under Me Sleng Teng,” which showcased digital instrumentation, the trend quickly cracked open the possibilities of experimentation and a faster pace emerged. Shabba Ranks, Beenie Man and Buju Banton were among the next-generation artists who led the international breakout of the sounds, style, dance culture and patois language of Jamaica into the 1990s.
Sean Paul brought his take on dancehall to the mainstream in a new way when he collaborated with Beyoncé on their 2003 hit, “Baby Boy.” That year, his track “Get Busy” became the first dancehall single to reach No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100. This was just three years after the release of Beenie Man and Mya’s breakout single “Girls Dem Sugar,” which featured production by the then-red-hot duo the Neptunes. Soon, artists such as Popcaan, Vybz Kartel and Spice would continue to carry the dancehall torch and blaze new trails. Mainstream superstars including Rihanna and Drake would fuse dancehall elements into smash hits like Ri’s song “Work” (feat. Drake) and Drizzy’s ‘Views’ album, both of which came out in 2016. More recently, modern dancehall icon Popcaan has been popping up on tracks with Jamie xx, Gorillaz, Aluna George and PARTYNEXTDOOR, as well as recruited Drake to appear on his 2023 single, “We Caa Done.” Influential hitmaker Diplo has also played a role in bringing dancehall aesthetics to the mainstream, teaming with Walshy Fire and Ape Drums to form the trio known as Major Lazer.
The dancehall vibe continues to evolve, enduring the same level of urgency and DIY ethics that launched the movement and brought the regional sound beyond the borders of Jamaica. Newer artists ranging from Bayka – a Jamaican artist and songwriter who is “determined to capture the heart of his Jamaican people” – to Valiant, who spreads messages of positivity over infectious beats, are ushering in a fresh take on the beloved genre. Get to know dancehall’s next generation of tastemakers with this collection of recent sounds from the aforementioned fast-rising acts, as well as artists including Jada Kingdom, Kraff and more.
LISTEN TO THE NEW ERA DANCEHALL PLAYLIST ON SOUNDCLOUD NOW
Bayka - MOB STYLE
Barely into his 20s, the artist born Ronaldo Romario Billings has quickly emerged as one of dancehall’s freshest faces
Kraff - Narly (feat. Jiggy D)
Beginning with his 2022 hit “Dinero,” this newcomer has established himself at the forefront of dancehall/hip-hop fusion
Masicka - Carbon
With hot tracks such as “Guh Haad N Done” and “Whistling Clean,” he has jumped to the front of the pack
Valiant - Lumbah
Latest from Raheem Bowes, another new dancehall game-changer
Waves Vault - Skippa - 3 Days
Brand new from an artist some are calling one of Jamaica’s best young voices
450 & Weekday - Levels
Born Tristen Escoffery in Kingston, 450 teams here with the producer born Jahvanie Morrison
Nigy Boy - Judgement
Hailing from Montego Bay, the visually impaired artist is currently studying political science at Stonybrook University
Brysco - Brawd Thickaz
Club hits such as “Code” and “10th Floor” have established this emcee as one of the island’s airwave mainstays
DJ FLAMEZ - Soun Bwoii - Pump Up (Official Music)
New hype track from Bronx-based DJ and Jamaican newcomer
SQUASH - Big Breeze
Hardcore dancehall from this member of Montego Bay’s infamous G City crew
Aidonia - Bruki
Old-school dancehall sound from one of the elders of the younger generation
Jada Kingdom - What's Up (Big Buddy)
AKA “twinkle,” this former swimsuit model brings some female energy to the male-dominated dancehall field
Kraff - Sum Time
Sometimes billed as Kraff Gad, he’s part of the new wave of trap-influenced dancehall stars
Kranium - Higher Life
Kemar Donaldson first busted out with his 2013 single “Nobody Has to Know”
Mavado - BUBBLE & BRACE
A protege of the dancehall legend Bounty Killer, he’s made multiple appearances on DJ Khaled’s records
Najeeriii - Bubbie
Not yet 20, he’s already had a massive virla hit with “Paddle Boat”
LISTEN TO THE NEW ERA DANCEHALL PLAYLIST ON SOUNDCLOUD NOW
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