‘BREAKING NEWS’: 2020 is over!

But before we wrap up a ‘Heavy’ year, let’s‘ Ramp Up’ the good vibes for 2021 with some of the hits from last year that had us wuking up in our living rooms.

While the ‘Lockdown’ stopped us from giving these riddims its proper seal of approval from a live audience, 2020 has still ‘Blessed’ us with ‘Stress Reliever’ tunes to ‘Slow Down’ and ‘Slow Wine’ to in our yards, crazy riddims that would send ‘Tony Montana’ ‘Loco’ and even a song dedicated to the ‘Sidechicks’.

So without further due, here’s a look at some of the biggest hits from 2020 and some artists to watch out for this year.

2021, we ‘Ready’!

BIG IMPACT TUNES

Koffee – Lockdown

If 2020 needed an anthem, it would be this one. Despite a lot of things being put on hold due to covid, Koffee has continued to soar professionally. Not only did she get the fourth nod on Barack Obama’s official playlist, but she became the face of both Jordan, Mastercard, and H&M.

Buju Banton – Blessed

Probably one of the most highly anticipated comebacks of the year. Buju is back! And his first album release in ten years – Upside Down 2020 – doesn’t fail to disappoint. But don’t just take our word for it, Rolling Stone and The Guardian both gave it 4 stars.  

Skip Marley & HER – Slow Down 

Not only is this song a complete vibe, but ‘Slow Down’ cemented Skip Marley in music history by becoming the first Jamaican-born artist to top the Billboard adult R&B Songs chart. And did we forget to mention, it was nominated for a Grammy this year?!

Chronixx -Television Is The Worst 

Many will know Chronixx for his staple ital sounds, so it’s nice to hear the reggae star switch it up and dip into his dancehall bag. Still keeping it conscious, Chronixx’s ‘Television Is The Worst’ goes just as Loco as the riddim. 

Vybz Kartel – Tony Montanna 

The legend is back like he never left (most likely because he never has). Despite still being behind bars, Kartel hasn’t missed a beat, flooding the music scene with hit after hit. And while we had MANY tunes to pick from, this one went crazy this year. The World Boss isn’t missing any meals when it comes to running Dancehall. 

Popcaan & Drake & PartyNextDoor – Twist & Turn 

Popcaan and Drake linking up on a track is always a good combination. And then you add OVO artist PARTYNEXTDOOR and we have a whole movie on our hands. Not only is ‘Twist & Turn’ a bop, but Fixtape, from which the single originated, scored Popcaan his first Billboard 100 position at #94. 

Agent Sasco Ft Chronixx – Represent 

Agent Sasco and Chronixx definitely represented on this dancehall fusion track.  Not only is it good to hear Sasco’s signature growly voice against Chronixx songbird like tones, but the conscious track has multiple lyrical gems for the listening ear. 

Dexta Daps – Call Me If 

If there is one thing that Dexta Daps knows how to do, that makes a hit. ‘Call Me If’ was a perfect follow-up to the star’s 2019 smash ‘Underwear’ and also sees the artist pay respect to Louie Culture who performed the original, ‘Gangalee’. 

Tarrus Riley Ft Shenseea & Rvssian – Lighter

‘Lighter’ definitely garnered massive internet success from the 34 million views on YouTube to the endless TikTok videos and Reels of fans singing the punchlines. Definitely a hot one for 2020.

Protoje – Self Defence

Hot off the release of his seventh studio album, ‘In Search Of Lost Time’, Protoje isn’t afraid to touch on controversial subjects like police brutality, poverty, domestic violence, and hypocrisy in the church just to name a few. His thought-provoking lyricism combined with his roots reggae sound is no doubt a huge factor as to why RCA records couldn’t wait to sign him in 2020. 

Lilaike – Thy Will 

Lila Ike’s soulful tones on top of this nostalgic reggae/ska beat easily seals the deal for this entry of ‘Thy Will’. The reggae star is definitely one to keep an eye (and an ear) out for in 2021 if her EP ‘The Experience’ is anything to go by. 

Koffee Ft Buju Banton – Pressure

Now, what happens when new school reggae meets old school reggae? Ah pure ‘Pressure’ pon our head tops. A Koffee and Buju link-up was the collab we never knew we needed to get us through 2020. 

BREAKOUT ARTISTS 2020

Skillibeng – Mr Universe

Skillibeng rightfully holds the crown of ‘Mr. Universe’ as well as breakthrough artist of 2020 with his growing catalogue of hits. And with a penned publishing deal with Sony behind his back, we’re sure Skillibeng is only just getting started. 

Prince Swanny – Catch 22 

If you weren’t singing this song in 2020 then where have you been?! Coming straight out of the sunny isles of Trinidad with his catchy hook and smooth delivery, Prince Swanny proved why he’s definitely one to watch this year. 

Badda General – I Wish 

We’re wishing, we’re wishing, we’re wishing Badda General pops out more tunes like this one in 2021. His bitter-man anthem was definitely a stand-out tune last year with it’s comedic gems. We’re looking forward to seeing what he has up his sleeve next. 

Intence – Yeng

Intence definitely put his stamp on 2020 with hits such as ‘Yeng’ and ‘Nuk Talk Long’ which saw him in Jamaica’s Top 5 YouTube videos a number of times this year. And while the newcomers beef with a number of dancehall artists regularly took centre stage, Intence’s musical talent can’t be denied. Let’s see what’s to come for the star this year.

ONES TO WATCH 2021

Shaneil Muir – Same Guy

Think Brandy Vs Monica, Dancehall style and just as catchy. Denyque and Shaneil Muir were definitely onto something with this tune, representing for the ladies in the scene. If 2020 is anything to go by Shaneil Muir is an artist we should definitely not sleep on this year.

D’Yani – Heaven Telegram

2020 has been a tough year for many, with a lot of people losing their lives to covid-19 among other things. So D’Yani’s timely ‘Heaven Telegram’ hit different for music fans globally. Quickly garnering a reputation for his vivid storytelling in songs, D’Yani has cemented himself as a stand out artist and definitely one to keep an eye on in the future.

BIG RIDDIMS

Soul Survivor Riddim  produced by Tru Ambassador Ent

You know it’s a madness when Mavado, Alkaline, Kranium, Jahmiel, and Star Captyn all jump on a riddim! The Soul Survivor Riddim is a complete vibe that still went off during the lockdown.

Style A Style Riddim produced by Chimney Records

If the clubs were still open, we can only imagine this one would. Go. OFF! We can already picture the dance formations taking over the dancefloor. Chimney Records were on one with this one.

Liquid Sunshine Riddim produced by Good Good Production

This one is a certified hot juggling riddim for 2020. We’ve already included some of the individual offerings in our playlist respectfully, but the riddim definitely needed a salute in its own right. If ever you need a soundtrack for last year, this would be it. All 23 artists that jumped on the beat, definitely didn’t leave any crumbs when it came to delivery.

Written by Keisha

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