The 50 Best Dancehall Songs Of 2022
In 2022, some Jamaican Dancehall artists seemed to have had an epiphany that nudged them onto more reflective and introspective-sounding tracks. However, that quiet revolution didn’t stop the undercurrent of ‘choppa’ and violent music. The year also saw a few female artists stepping up to seize their moments, reaffirming that they too had something to say.
We’ll be exploring the 50 best Dancehall songs of 2022 in this list, which is by no means definitive, nor was it easy to compile. Our staff considered a variety of factors in making these selections including, but not limited to, each song’s production and replay values, popularity, and vocal performance of the artist. Whether you’re a fan or simply looking to discover some new music, there’s something for everyone on this list of superstars and up-and-comers.
50. Profile – Alkaline
Laid on a catchy beat, Profile is a bragging song in which Alkaline sings of his ability to earn copious amounts of cash, as well as using his magnetism to take away other men’s girlfriends.
Released: August 31, 2022
Producer: Troyton Rami Music, Black Shadow, Autobamb Records
Album/Riddim: –
49. MONEY-POWER-RESPECT – Jahvillani
MONEY-POWER-RESPECT finds Jahvillani faithfully sticking to the flow that landed him breakout hits in 2018-2019, but his fans aren’t complaining.
Released: April 1, 2022
Producer: YGF Records
Album/Riddim: Ruff EP
48. Girl Next Door – Vybz Kartel
Even while being behind bars – a fact he reminded his fans of in the opening of the music video for this track – Vybz Kartel continues to be among the movers and shakers in Dancehall. The song sees Kartel playing on the public’s interest in his (sex) life, all while documenting how he enjoys the thrill of secret rendezvous with women willing to go the extra mile for him.
Released: March 11, 2022
Producer: TJ Records
Album/Riddim: –
47. Clockwork – Stefflon Don, Spice
Stefflon Don and Spice’s Clockwork gave the 2022 summer releases some stiff competition. The hypnotic track took over the club scene in the weeks following its release and remains a popular Dancehall dance-tune that will carry through for many years to come.
Released: August 19, 2022
Producer: Dim Crux, Dutchboi, Nathan Butts, Tyree Hawkins
Album/Riddim: –
46. Gang Bang – Skeng
Skeng continued his hot streak this year with another anthem for the “dunce thugs” containing the usual shout-outs to Ratty Gang and Spanish Town. The song takes a casual tone highlighting gang life and Skeng’s commitment to being down for whatever that life brings. He also made reference to his growing fame and influence, telling his fans that his ascension cannot be stopped.
Released: June 10, 2022
Producer: DiTruth Records
Album/Riddim: –
45. Peace of Mind – Squash
A vulnerable plea for peace of mind made the track an extremely relatable one for most listeners.
Released: August 4, 2022
Producer: 6ix Real Records, Hemton Music
Album/Riddim: –
44. Pack A Matches – Masicka
Masicka proved himself to be, yet again, a well-oiled hit machine. The Genahsyde artist, whose real name is Javaun Nicholas Fearon, has been touted as the closest thing, lyrically, to the incarcerated Vybz Kartel, and with songs like Pack A Matches, it’s clear to see why. Aside from validating the high expectations placed on Masicka, the Dunw3ll-produced track was constantly heard on the streets.
Released: July 26, 2022
Producer: Dunw3ll
Album/Riddim: –
43. Amazing – Vybz Kartel, Stefflon Don
Vybz Kartel and Stefflon Don teamed up on this one for a flirtatious, sexually charged banger on Dunw3ll’s authentic Dancehall riddim.
Released: July 3, 2022
Producer: Dunw3ll
Album/Riddim: Playstation riddim
42. Mannaz – Shaneil Muir, Govana
Govana continues to strut his stuff as one of Dancehall’s most versatile and entertaining artists, and 2022 was no exception. This track, with the equally talented Shaneil Muir, was a colorfully told story exploring the heights of infidelity and extra-marital affairs and is a commentary on how some of those risky relationships can become incredibly brazen ordeals.
Released: July 3, 2022
Producer: Raheef Muzik Group
Album/Riddim: –
41. Therapy – Rygin King
Rygin King’s road to recovery, after being shot two years ago to now being wheelchair-bound, is one he hasn’t been shy talking about. Therapy, from his 2022 album of the same name, sees the Tuff deejay passionately expressing his frustrations at his current situation, coming to terms with the fact that he almost lost his life and career, and rebuking the people who constantly want things from him. He speaks about the advice of his therapist that he needs to vent, and the song seems to be his way of practicing that.
Released: August 5, 2022
Producer: Rygin Trap Records
Album/Riddim: –
40. St Mary – Valiant
Unlike his peers, who are chopp’n di line through other criminal means, Valiant turns to “Guzu” and reveals the peculiar acts of obeah that have brought him riches in his single St. Mary.
Released: August 12, 2022
Producer: Jair
Album/Riddim: –
39. Tom Brady Freestyle – Masicka
This Masicka “freestyle” draws some well-earned parallels between himself and NFL GOAT, Tom Brady. It was a light flex by the Leader artist, who sought to show just how crazy his life is and, simply, how great he has become.
Released: June 3, 2022
Producer: 1syde Records
Album/Riddim: –
38. Pretty Suit – Runkus, Chronixx
Runkus and Chronixx gave music fans the conscious gem Pretty Suit which urged youths to embrace their spirituality and where they come from. Capleton delivered a quick one-liner, shouting out the track’s producer Toddla T.
Released: July 22, 2022
Producer: Toddla T
Album/Riddim: OUT:SIDE
37. Legend – Jahmiel, Masicka
This collaborative effort between Masicka and Jahmiel was an unsurprising hit. The title track from Jahmiel’s album of the same name, Legend proved to be a well-needed song overflowing with words of affirmation and encouragement for life’s toughest challenges.
Released: April 8, 2022
Producer: Sweet Music
Album/Riddim: Legend
36. Life Changes – Skeng
Skeng kickstarted 2022 with a conscious and reflective look at his life, and his track, Life Changes, perfectly encapsulated that tone and how the Dancehall star felt about his journey up to that point. He reminded his fans he was living his dream, and that he couldn’t be happier with how far he has come with some of his closest friends.
Released: January 21, 2022
Producer: Ditruth Records, Dansky Records, Attomatic Records
Album/Riddim: –
35. Likkle Miss (Remix) – Skeng, Nicki Minaj
Skeng’s unique vocals complemented the track, which felt like a fusion between old and new school dancehall. It was so nice, he had to do it thrice. The summer anthem spawned a remix with reputed Queen of Rap Nicki Minaj, and then a Fine Nine Remix with Spice, Pamputtae, Lisa Mercedez, Dovey Magnum, London Hill, Lady Leshurr, Destra Garcia, and Patrice Roberts.
Released: July 7, 2022
Producer: DropTop Records, Ditruth Records
Album/Riddim: –
34. Ride It – Shaneil Muir, Vybz Kartel
Shaneil Muir took a walk on the wild side with this track featuring the Worl’ Boss. An obvious deviation from her usually virtue-touting persona, Muir joined the incarcerated deejay in a spicy exchange of carnal desires they each promised would be a thrilling experience.
Released: March 4, 2022
Producer: Shab Don
Album/Riddim: Active riddim
33. Sun Comes Up – Shenseea
Shenseea’s Sun Comes Up is an inspirational, upbeat song about perseverance and faith. Produced by Rvssian, it was masterfully delivered by her. Her son Rajerio Lee also has songwriting credits on the track for an endearing mother-son moment—an audio clip of him giving her directives as to the manner in which she should deliver her lyrics for the song—which made into the outro.
Released: March 11, 2022
Producer: Rvssian
Album/Riddim: Alpha
32. Next To Me – Popcaan, Toni-Ann Singh
Popcaan and former Miss World Toni-Ann Singh brought loads of drama with their collaboration Next To Me. Adding even more heat to their rumored love affair, the two appeared in the NABIL-directed music video, sharing tender moments and a romantic kiss by the river, which sent Dancehall fans talking.
Released: November 30, 2022
Producer: Anju Blaxx
Album/Riddim: –
31. People – Teejay
Teejay’s People is a passionate song about his fear of those who pretend to be there for him, but would leap at an opportunity to abandon or hurt him. It’s an insightful piece about trust, betrayal, and faith.
Released: September 14, 2022
Producer: Top Braff Music
Album/Riddim: –
30. Sorry – Silk Boss
After going through a very public and painful ordeal of abduction and physical assault at gunpoint the month prior, Silk Boss shared his feelings of distress and hopelessness in the aftermath. The song is a poetic narrative, describing the lessons he learned from betrayal and deceit.
Released: September 4, 2022
Producer: Ice Queen Records
Album/Riddim: –
29. Wi Deh Yah – Kranium
In Wi Deh Yah, Kranium sings of a typical party scene with smoking and drinking with sexy girls passing by. According to the Montego Bay native himself, the song is about having a good time living an affluent lifestyle, with friends and women, and letting everyone know you are “here.”
Released: January 27, 2022
Producer: Bordeaux, Non Native
Album/Riddim: –
28. Umbrella – Masicka
Masicka bares his aspirations in Umbrella, which also speaks to overcoming challenges and persevering in spite of them. His flow and clarity relay a message of persistence, big dreams, and hard work.
Released: September 27, 2022
Producer: 1syde Records
Album/Riddim: –
27. Faded Way – Kabaka Pyramid, Buju Banton
Sampling Junior Byles’ Fade Away (1979) for their hybrid track – which warns of the dangers of senselessly pursuing vanity, Kabaka Pyramid and Buju Banton deliver a reality check in Faded Away.
Released: September 29, 2022
Producer: Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley
Album/Riddim: The Kalling
26. Guaranteed – Christopher Martin
Christopher Martin’s feel-good Guaranteed is an underrated ode to Jamaican culture and its places of pleasure.
Released: September 9, 2022
Producer: Robert Livingston
Album/Riddim: –
25. Henkel Glue – Shenseea, Beenie Man
A standout track from Shenseea’s debut album was her collaboration with Dancehall titan Beenie Man, Henkel Glue. The catchy track was a sexy exchange between the two, with Beenie proving he’s still got the magic from his crossover hits released over 20 years ago.
Released: March 11, 2022
Producer: Banx & Ranx, Chimney Records
Album/Riddim: Alpha
24. Cool Reminder – Elephant Man
Elephant Man’s Cool Reminder was the title track for producer Ainsley “Notnice” Morris’ ‘jugglin’ riddim. In that track, Elephant Man reminisces on trendsetting aspects of Dancehall culture, particularly when Dancehall ruled the 1990s and its artists were well sought after globally, and their “style and patterns” copied by others.
Released: July 14, 2022
Producer: Ainsley ‘NotNice’ Morris
Album/Riddim: Cool Reminder riddim
23. Bwoy affi” Watch Eh Style – 1Biggs Don
OTP Control’s viral TikTok video introduced the world to 1Biggs Don, and eventually led to the song being officially released as a single by Outta Space Records in June. Though 1Biggs Don hasn’t quite been able to recapture the spotlight since, Bwoii Affi gave him a strong start to his quest for stardom.
Released: July 17, 2022
Producer: Outta Space Records
Album/Riddim: –
22. Richer Than Ever – Jahvillani
Jahvillani, who’s had a quietly successful year, took a refreshing turn at reflecting on the journey to stardom in Richer Than Ever–a song in which he speaks about overcoming doubts, remaining consistent, and being appreciative of the lessons he’s learned from poverty. The song has substance but still appeals to those who clamor for the more ‘grimy’ aspects of Dancehall music.
Released: July 16, 2022
Producer: Poppinz Records
Album/Riddim: –
21. Empty – Chronic Law
The Law Boss won over Dancehall fans with Empty – a deep, reflective ballad about his struggles of despair and the heavy burdens of a hard knock life.
Released: July 13, 2022
Producer: DJ Mac Productions, Jano Don Records
Album/Riddim: Born Fighter riddim
20. Light My Fire – Sean Paul, Shenseea, Gwen Stefani
The groovy Light My Fire, from Sean Paul’s eighth studio album Scorcha, which featured Shenseea and Gwen Stefani, sees the American singing the hook while the two Jamaicans provide some solid deejay verses.
Released: July 13, 2022
Producer: KoOoLkOjAk, AC, Jason ‘Jigzag’ Henriques
Album/Riddim: Scorcha
19. Bong Bing – Laa Lee, Cristale
Another wildly successful TikTok anthem from Laa Lee, Bong Bing was the base for thousands of viral dance videos this year, numbering over 600,000. The track also served as Cristale’s reconnection with her Jamaican heritage, having last visited the island at age 5.
Released: April 14, 2022
Producer: Shane Brown
Album/Riddim: –
18. Talibhan – Skeng, Stalk Ashley
Talibhan, Skeng and Stalk Ashley’s tale of betrayal, thrill and desire, set in Spanish Town, was another hit created by two promising members of the new school of Dancehall.
Released: March 21, 2022
Producer: Ditruth Records, Alva Muzik, West & East Ent, Daze Records
Album/Riddim: –
17. Dinero – Lila Iké
Lila Iké and Sean Alaric’s Dinero, which has hints of Dancehall’s pioneering Sleng Teng riddim, is a song that saw that 29-year-old Manchester native reveling in her self-confidence. While it was largely a reflection on Iké’s early days, it fits easily into the familiar trope of being singularly focused on stacking one’s money in the pursuit of success. Her Reggae singles True Love and Wanted, also released this year, were equally intriguing.
Released: October 13, 2022
Producer: Sean Alaric
Album/Riddim: –
16. Ambala – Squash
Ambala is a party-rocking anthem by Squash, who is known for, among other things, his penchant for having a good time. The song carries with it a catchy chorus that is still capable of swaying the stiffest of crowds, even now, ten months after its release.
Released: February 6, 2022
Producer: Hemton Music, 6ix Real Records
Album/Riddim: –
15. blessing me – Mura Masa, Skillibeng, Pa Salieu
Skillibeng once again left listeners flabbergasted with his inventive rhymes in blessing me with British rapper Pa Salieu and Guernsey-born producer Mura Masa. The provocative yet highly infectious track, which describes an unorthodox ‘baptismal’, was named TikTok’s first ‘Summer Song of the Week’ in July during their initiative to champion the songs and sounds of Europe that will “have you dancing across the continent.”
Released: May 25, 2022
Producer: Mura Masa
Album/Riddim: demon time
14. C.A.L (Cut All Losses) – Valiant
Valiant again impressed Dancehall fans in October, this time sharing his experience with manipulation.
Released: October 28, 2022
Producer: Extol Music
Album/Riddim: –
13. Bounce – Ding Dong
Ding Dong struck gold, yet again, when he released Bounce – the global hit produced by Dunw3ll, which was released in early May. Interestingly, the song’s wild success is as much about Ding Dong’s constant finger on the pulse of dance music, as it is about his patience. The song, Ding Dong explained earlier this year, was recorded two years prior to its release. Given that the pandemic had been at its height then, he held off on releasing it. That paid off immensely, with the song popping up in a plethora of spaces and viral videos.
Released: May 18, 2022
Producer: Dunw3ll
Album/Riddim: –
12. Code – Brysco
Brysco’s Code gained notoriety and racked up streams due to one controversial line, which essentially gave a thumbs-up to prostitution at Back Road in Portmore, incorporating the use of the liquid supplement Ensure in sex acts. The song had even caught the attention of a flabbergasted Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who decried the lyrics. However, Brysco expressed delight that the PM knew the “Code.”
Released: April 30, 2022
Producer: DJ Mac
Album/Riddim: –
11. North Carolina – Valiant
Valiant left fans pleasantly intrigued with his single North Carolina upon its debut last October. While braffing his riches — a 100 million in cash, expensive whips, big-ticket brands, and a movie-like lifestyle — he credits his sudden source of income to witchcraft!
Released: October 1, 2022
Producer: Quandan Muzik, Crown Heights Entertainment
Album/Riddim: –
10. History – Masicka
Masicka’s aptly-named track History is an unsurprisingly conscious and introspective look at the Genahsyde artist’s journey, from humble beginnings burning and selling CDs.
Released: April 3, 2022
Producer: 1syde Records
Album/Riddim: –
9. HILLS – Protoje
In HILLS, Protoje raps on a thumping beat about his love for being isolated up in the mountains, where the air is fresh, life is simple, and he can go about his business unbothered. He contrasts that beautifully with the situation in the big city.
Released: April 21, 2022
Producer: 8TRACK, IV The Polymath
Album/Riddim: Third Time’s The Charm
8. GPP – Jada Kingdom
Very few songs feel like a classic upon their debut, but GPP was undoubtedly one of them. Jada Kingdom and Di Genius made their claim for hit of the summer when they released their fusion project about the singer’s peculiar dilemma of “putting it on” a man so good, he ended up losing his mind over her.
Released: August 8, 2022
Producer: Stephen ‘Di Genius’ McGregor
Album/Riddim: –
7. London – Skeng
Protocol deejay Skeng continued shining in the first half of 2022 with the release of his infectious ‘gunman’ flossing tune London. The deejay managed yet again to captivate listeners with his signature thug appeal and catchy lyrics.
Released: April 22, 2022
Producer: Ditruth Records, Droptop Records
Album/Riddim: –
6. Dunce Cheque – Valiant
Dunce Cheque, Valiant’s melodic, party-moving banger, is a highly infectious song about having reckless fun with loads of good vibes, money, alcohol (and molly), and women. The song’s popularity grew rapidly and widely, even making its way into political debates about its ‘dunce’ sentiments.
Released: November 8, 2022
Producer: Music UK Records / Diplomats Records
Album/Riddim: –
5. Pull Up – Koffee
Koffee, rarely, has a miss, and Pull Up was no exception. For the 22-year-old, the song is just about celebrating good vibes without paying attention to what others around you might be saying. She shared: “Trust me, even if it’s not my reality at the time, or there’s no party, I consider myself a happy enough person to find the vibe within me.”
Released: February 3, 2022
Producer: JAE5
Album/Riddim: Gifted
4. Whap Whap – Skillibeng, F.S.
Even though it wasn’t fully embraced by Jamaicans, Skillibeng’s Whap Whap is the most viewed video on YouTube on this list. In fact, Whap Whap has become a global sensation, capable of sending crowds of thousands into a frenzy with just those two words, as evidenced by the St. Thomas native’s performance at the UK Wireless Fest earlier this year. The original track, which featured upcoming Jamaican artist F.S., later spawned an official remix with rappers Fivio Foreign and French Montana.
Released: March 10, 2022
Producer: Wizical
Album/Riddim: Mr. Universe EP
3. Elevate – Popcaan, Imeru Tafari
Popcaan and Imeru poured elevation, prosperity, and separation where necessary into this track that celebrates growth and happiness, despite challenges.
Released: February 12, 2022
Producer: Dan Sky Records, Attomatic Records
Album/Riddim: –
2. Born Fighter – Jahshii
In Born Fighter, Jahshii mourns the loss of a friend (presumably, his producer Tadmar, who was killed in a police-involved shooting in late 2021) and questions the value of his own life in the face of depression and other dangers. He pivots to focus on his faith, despite not being a churchgoing man, and how it has kept him on his journey thus far.
Released: January 15, 2022
Producer: DJ Mac Productions, Jano Don Records
Album/Riddim: Born Fighter riddim
1. Dark Room – Shane O
Often considered one of Dancehall’s most underrated artists, Shane O delivered one of the most impactful songs of the year with Dark Room. His rich, melodic vocals carried the themes of despair and depression in this track, which even caught the attention of Grammy-winning producer, DJ Khaled. A remix, featuring Chronic Law, later tried to capitalize on the impact the song has had on listeners.
Released: February 6, 2022
Producer: HR Records
Album/Riddim: –