June 2022: 7 Reggae/Dancehall Songs Worth Streaming
June was an interesting month for Jamaican music but as always, the variety in reggae dancehall was inspiring. The sound continues to evolve; the debates about its identity persist, but it remains two of the most listened to genres on the island, region, and in many communities abroad. This list isn’t based on statistics and it’s not in order of best to worst.
This month’s playlist:
Tom Brady Freestyle by Masicka
This release was interesting because the official music video was released before the official audio. The teaser that Masicka posted pre-release generated a great deal of buzz and demand. The lyrics are very impressive, the flows are varied, complimentary, and mix well with the fast pace up tempo modern dancehall instrumental.
Cherish My Love by Ce’Cile
As one of Jamaica’s most consistent and beloved leading ladies in music, it’s nice to add this new single by Ce’Cile because often times we don’t give as much attention to established acts even when the music is quality. Trust me this new single featuring Bahamian artist Padrino, is quality. It’s a groovy tune, with a relatable message and some smooth sultry vocals from the icon herself Ce’Cile.
Life Has Meaning by Earth and the Fullness
This new single by the band or music group Earth and the Fullness is a soothing reggae tune fit for some great evening reflection. It talks about the abundance of nature, the inherent meaning and “the fact that our true nature is greatness. At the end of the day our land can and does tell us who we are,” according to lead singer Olivia Wilmott. This track is a nice vibe to throw into your playlist to balance it out.
So Me Stay by Beenie Man
Beenie Man is one of Dancehall’s most iconic stars and even after an illustrious forty-three years in the music game he’s still making hits. This fresh single by Beenie Man is still one hundred percent authentic to his image and sound. The beat is still very much hardcore, classic dancehall, and the lyrical tone is simial, but the sound is clean and it absolutely slaps. This one also comes with a dope video featuring some of dancehall’s current top dancers.
Madda Badda by Buju Banton
Speaking of hardcore dancehall, Buju Banton, the grammy winning Gargamel himself Buju Banton has released a new track titled Madda Bada and it is masterful. The new single is a mix of classic dancehall rhythm and more contemporary sounds. It highlights the hardcore dancehall lyrcism and flow that brought Buju Banton to prominence in the 90s. Madda Badda is released in collaboration with Ghetto Youths International and Gargamel Music.
Wanted by Lila Ike
It’s been a minute since we heard from Lila so this new single is welcomed. It’s a fresh reggae sound matched by the strong soulful vocals from the In.Digg.Nation songstress. The lyrics are poignant and the subject matter is timely as it touches on the difficult conversation about harboring criminals in Jamaican culture. The single has a classic vibe and the video is good about trying to match that. The track is backed by their label RCA and with its global appeal will most likely do very well.
Static by Alkaline
As always the production on this new single Static by the vendetta boss is very close to immaculate. Alkaline definitely has a beat type. The instrumental is stripped down to the most essential elements contributing to the intended feel-good vibes. The lyrics are admittedly gorey, but as many have been assuming it might be in reference to a metaphoric war. There are those speculating that this song is bait for a clash with dancehall’s top dog Masicka. Can’t say I see where that is the case but Alkaline does have a history of cerebral warfare rife with subs.