September 2022: 7 Reggae/Dancehall Songs Worth Streaming

The summer came and brought with it a sea of songs vying for the summer song title. But as we enter the last quarter of the year, what appears to be the resurrection of the legendary stage show Sting, has revitalized the seasonal clash atmosphere. The sound of Dancehall’s war drums have been ringing out this September and our list features some of the most outstanding songs adding to the atmosphere.

Umbrella by Masicka

This one is still fresh, released only two days ago, but it’s already heard playing in Jamaica’s streets. In this track, Masicka uses a mix of his own melodies and harmonies from backup singers to create a smooth chorus and foundation for a song that is sometimes inspirational and at others violently self-defensive.

If Sting is actually to take place, I can see this being a big hit in Masicka’s set against whoever. It’s an artful demonstration that clash songs don’t have to sound grim.

The Kalling by Kabaka Pyramid featuring Protoje, Jesse Royal & Stephen Marley

This is one of the honorable mentions that manage to rise above what seems to be the season of conflict in dancehall. It’s the titular track for Kabaka Pyramid’s new studio album, which is a collection of excellent songs. There are so many good songs on the album, it must have been a task to choose the singles. But as far The Kalling goes, the choice was excellent. It features some of Kabaka’s most frequent collaborators, Protoje, Jesse Royal and Stephen Marley.

Late At Night by Protoje featuring Lila Ike

This is one of the singles from Protoje’s own new album Third Time’s the Charm. It easily makes this list because both artists use it as a platform to give a voice to the social atmosphere.

With Jamaica’s homicide rate on the rise, Lila’s somber spectral intro chorus sets the tone for the nefarious activities taking place in the city’s dark that Protoje describes in lyrical detail. The production complements the mood and the story with the use of frantic horror sound effects that amplify the music and the tone.

Sorry by Silk Boss

Coming in at 3 million views a mere three weeks after its September fourth release, this single is perhaps the biggest hit of the month. This song is the product of the tumultuous incident involving the new dancehall star Silk Boss, which was publicized with the intention of sullying the artist’s reputation. Still despite the tragedy, or perhaps because of it, Silk Boss has landed himself another genuine hit. People sympathize with his experience, which adds a great deal of support but the song itself slaps.

Often it is said that many of the greatest hits, from our greatest artists/musicians were born out of tragedy and heartbreak. Perhaps this is more proof of the same.

Og Bobby Johnson by Kraff

This track was a creeper for sure, because it sounds good on first listen, but the artist is relatively new. Dancehall audiences take time to warm up to a new artist but this happened quickly for Kraff because this song is playing everywhere.

Rightly so. It’s a good song with a great vibe. That is to be expected from Droptop productions. After releasing on the third of September, in just a few short weeks the official video has managed to rack up almost a million views.

Correction by Intence

Much of the conflict in the air of dancehall is due to the crossing of clique lines but one artist who seems not to care is Intence. Recently Aidonia and Govana spoke out at a party in support of Boom Boom who is a native of Grant’s Pen and a known affiliate of Jahshii. We know a feud has been brewing between Jahshii and Intence, which the fourth genna captains were trying to defuse. As apart of the fourth genna camp, Intence owes some allegiance Aidonia and Govanna but he just doesn’t care and this new track Correction is proof. It’s a great song for the time because it addresses several of Intence’s rivals like Vybz Kartel in a rather brawling manner. 

People by Teejay

This track is a single from Teejay’s upcoming album Rags To Riches. It also manages to rise above the conflict season, with the inspirational high notes Teejay is known for, whilst still managing to speak about conflict in a different way. In People, Teejay meditates, and ruminates on the relationships throughout his life and the lack of love he often feels despite being a beloved star. Teejay has a lot of potential and he has displayed that throughout his career but this upcoming album is a platform that could create crossover opportunties for him. People is one of the singles with the most crossover potential so far.