Five Reggae/Dancehall Albums That Should Have Been Nominated For A Grammy

The Grammy Awards’ history in relation to the Best Reggae Album category, is one not without its share of controversy. For all its successful selections, from Black Uhuru’s ‘Anthem’ to Sean Paul’s ‘Dutty Rock’, the Recording Academy has unfortunately ignored some compelling works, much to its own detriment.

In this article, we share five picks of those projects we believe, at the very least, were deserving of a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album, but were ultimately snubbed.

Their inclusion on this list does not invalidate those who were rightfully nominated and subsequently honored with the award. It, however, highlights a recurring suggestion the Academy has so far failed to heed – add a another category for Jamaican music, besides Best Reggae Album. 

We begin this list with Sizzla.

Sizzla – Da Real Thing (2002)

While Sizzla’s prolific and extensive catalog is one that can easily cause outstanding works of his to be overlooked, his 2002 masterpiece Da Real Thing, will never suffer such a fate. Produced by Robert “Bobby Digital” Dixon, this timeless record has managed to maintain relevance, and even prominence, even as Sizzla has gone on to record countless albums after it.

With deeply moving, purpose-driven tracks like Mash Dem Down, Simplicity, Solid as a Rock, Thank You Mamma, Woman I Need You, Bless Up, Why Should I, Got It Right Here, and Just One of Those Days, the album’s greatness should have been further validated with a Grammy nomination.

Winning Album:  Jamaican E.T. by Lee “Scratch” Perry

Nominees:

Merci – Alpha Blondy
Ghetto Dictionary: The Mystery – Bounty Killer
Still Blazin’ – Capleton
Anything for You – Freddie McGregor

Masicka – 438 (2021)

Easily one of the most impactful Dancehall albums in recent history, Masicka’s 438 displayed boundary-pushing artistry. It flourishes as a project effortlessly fit for Grammy consideration in 2023 owing to its refreshing blend of grit and heart – none of which is abandoned for aimless swings at algorithm-pleasing hooks. The album keeps Masicka, whose real name is Jevaun Fearon, honest. From the very first note in Ultimate, all the way to the last in They Don’t Know, the Genahsyde/1Syde artist manages to remain consistent, even amidst features with other intimidating heavyweights like Popcaan and Dexta Daps.

Winning Album:  The Kalling by Kabaka Pyramid

Nominees:

Gifted – Koffee
Scorcha – Sean Paul
Com Fly Wid Mi – Shaggy
Third Time’s The Charm – Protoje

Popcaan – FIXTAPE (2020)

FIXTAPE is a refreshing testament to what happens when the Unruly Boss fully commits to the task at hand, it also stands as a scathing reminder that for all his success, Popcaan has, surprisingly, yet to notch a Grammy nomination. Its absence from the list nominees in 2021, most would argue, was an oversight by the Recording Academy, and he said as much: “Big up the nominees for this year Grammy SALUTE!!!!??? @recordingacademy differently tho unu corruption levels high nuh bombocl@#t!! We unstoppable tho dancehall music we nah stop until unu accept we. #UNRULYFOREVERSOLID mi unruly family them me love unu #POLITRICKS”.

Winning Album: ‘Got to be Tough’ by Toots and the Maytals.

Nominees:

Upside Down 2020 – Buju Banton
Higher Place – Skip Marley
It All comes Back To Love – Maxi Priest
One World – The Wailers

Alkaline – New Level Unlocked (2016)

Alkaline chart-topping debut New Level Unlocked did not feature on the Recording Academy’s list of those deserving of consideration for the prestigious award in 2017. While the album’s new tracks showcased the best of the Vendetta Boss, the addition of hits like Champion Boy, ATM and City, among others, pushed the DJ Frass-produced 15-track project over the top, and deservedly made it a body of work that stood with the best of Dancehall and Reggae that year.

Winning Album:  Ziggy Marley by Ziggy Marley

Nominees:

Rose Petals – J Boog
Everlasting – Everlasting
Falling into Place – Rebelution
Live in Virginia – SOJA
Sly & Robbie Presents… Reggae For Her – Devin Di Dakta & JL

Queen Ifrica – Montego Bay (2009)

Montego Bay was released when Queen Ifrica was in the peak of her Black-conscious, Africa-centric phase. The 13-track album came drenched in themes of upliftment, love, and commitment to a purpose that not only seemed far greater than career aspirations but at points seemed to ignore them. Hits like Lioness On The Rise, contemplative tracks like Daddy, and swoon-worthy anthems like Far Away make the album a mystifying absentee from Grammy considerations that year. The album was released on May 16, 2009, and its name is an homage to Queen Ifrica’s home city, Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica.

Winning album:  Mind Control – Acoustic by Stephen Marley

Nominees:

Rasta Got Soul – Buju Banton
Brand New Me – Gregory Isaacs
Awake – Julian Marley
Imperial Blaze – Sean Paul