Sizzla’s Ten Greatest Hit Songs Of All Time

Sizzla Kalonji, whose real name is Miguel Collins, is a household name in Reggae music internationally and has become synonymous with the creation of conscious and inspiring anthems.

His repertoire of music boasts over 400 tracks – spanning his 25-year career – and has received several accolades locally and internationally, despite his experiences with controversy.

His timeless discography has inspired and influenced many renowned artistes, who have sampled his melodies and lyrics in their own projects. With the release of Kalonji’s latest 12-track album, Million Times , it’s only fitting to reminisce on the Reggae icon’s greatest hit songs of all time.

Just One of Those Days (Dry Cry) (2002)

This is one of the classics from Sizzla’s chart-smashing album Da Real Thing, which was released in 2002 and went on to peak at number 6 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/ Hip Hop Songs chart in the same year. Frequently referred to as “Dry Cry”, Just One of Those Days quickly became an anthem for introspection and hope for better days. This hit track, produced by renowned producer Bobby Digital, has received international acclaim and repeated airplay locally since its debut 18 years ago. It has become a staple Reggae track heard at any party in Jamaica.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKg0UGhlsA0

Solid As A Rock (2002)

Sizzla’s most sampled track, Solid As A Rock, is a well-known Reggae anthem that was released in 2002 as a part of the 15-track Da Real Thing. Giving rise to the popular phrase, “They can’t keep a good man down”, Solid As A Rock is a verbal affirmation of self-awareness and self-worth in a society built to entrap and oppress. The track has since been sampled by American rapper Jay-Z in his 2013 track Crown, and by Ja Rule and 50 Cent in the songs The Crown (2003) and My Crown (2012) respectively.

Thank U Mamma (2002)

Sizzla’s Da Real Thing album was the birthplace for many of his timeless records. Another hit track from the album is Thank U Mamma, which is known globally as one of the most popular Reggae tributes to motherhood. Blasted across the airwaves annually on Mother’s Day, Thank U Mamma is appreciated by many as a heartfelt ode to mothers for their strength and unconditional love and support for their children. Sizzla poured out emphatic emotions onto the track, expressing his gratitude for his mother’s sacrifices in birthing him and supporting his growth.

Rise To The Occasion (2003)

“Rise to the occasion, look at yourself then say you’re strong. No one can stop you.” As another addition to Sizzla Kalonji’s collection of inspirational music, Rise To The Occasion definitely ranks within his top five most motivational songs of all time. Rooted in self-confidence and intrinsic motivation, Rise To The Occasion formed a part of Kalonji’s 2003 album of the same name – which peaked at number 10 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/ Hip Hop Songs chart. As a staple in Reggae music, this track joins the list of Sizzla’s tracks that are a must-play in parties locally.

Black Woman & Child (1997)

As a member of the Bobo Ashanti order, Sizzla has always advocated for the protection and empowerment of Africa, Africans, and those in the diaspora through his music. Black Woman & Child is one of Kalonji’s earliest tributes to the African identity on his album of the same name, which was released in 1997 through Brickwall Records. Black Woman & Child celebrates the continuation of the African race and royalty passed through generations of leaders and children, and Sizzla’s love and appreciation for black women and children rather than money and material gain. The appreciation of African culture is a virtue for which Sizzla continues to lobby musically.

To The Point (2001)

Released on Sizzla Kalonji’s 2001 album Taking Over, To The Point is one of the artiste’s more aggressive tracks calling for retribution for religious and political oppressors of Rastafarians and youths from the ghetto. The track’s four verses vehemently rebuke the cruelty of the Roman Catholic Church, the British monarchy, and the Jamaican government. Although To The Point, which was released through VP Records, ranks high on the list of most memorable songs from Sizzla, it is one of the artiste’s more controversial tracks because of its homophobic lyrics.

Give Me A Try (2003)

Known for his melodic serenades for the ladies, Sizzla released yet another love song dedicated to his beloved. Give Me A Try was released in 2003 on Kalonji’s Rise To The Occasion album, which was released through Greensleeves Records. Give Me A Try is a gentle appeal for the acceptance of the artiste’s love, admiration, dedication, and promise of a better life. This hit has become one of the most popular Reggae songs of all time, appreciated internationally by fans and other celebrities.

Simplicity (2002)

Simplicity we use to survive quickly became and still remains a popular mantra following the release of this great track from Sizzla Kalonji. Released on the Da Real Thing album in 2002, Simplicity encourages mindfulness and intelligence as means of assuring peace of mind and enjoying life. To Sizzla, simplicity in living is rooted in meditation, compassion, understanding, and humility – virtues frequently recurring in his music. Simplicity was later sampled by Tarrus Riley and Konshens in their 2018 track Simple Blessings .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWLpWmiHzIc

Woman I Need You (2002)

Woman I Need You is a renowned serenade from Sizzla, released on the Da Real Thing album in 2002. Produced by Bobby Digital, this ode to black women joins Sizzla’s timeless hits dedicated to the love, appreciation, and celebration of black women and their strength and sensuality. What makes this track timeless is a combination of the rich Reggae melody, Sizzla’s husky vocals, and the sincerity of the track’s lyrics.

Praise Ye Jah (1997)

Released on Sizzla’s third studio album of the same name, Praise Ye Jah joins songs like To The Point and Solid As A Rock in rebuking the repression of the poor by religion and politics. Praise Ye Jah, produced by Phillip “Fatis” Burrell through Xterminator Records in 1997, is a part of Kalonji’s earlier repertoire of music that deeply analyzed and criticized the role of Christianity in the concealment of factual African history and the ostracizing of Rastafarian beliefs. Citing great leaders in the African community such as Bob Marley, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King, Sizzla uses this track to reaffirm his unwavering belief in Rastafarianism as a member of the Bobo Ashanti order.