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Today: 16/09/2024
Some of the artist with the most commercially successful dancehall songs include Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, Shaggy, Rihanna, VYBZ KARTEL, Major Lazer and more
Some of the artist with the most commercially successful dancehall songs include Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, Shaggy, Rihanna, VYBZ KARTEL, Major Lazer and more

What makes a song a dancehall song?

WMV’s list of the 50 Biggest Dancehall-Infused Songs of All Time is based on the commercial significance of dancehall, the riddim-driven subgenre of reggae that originated in Jamaica.

The data used here is gathered from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).

Some of today’s biggest artists have found international success by blending dancehall with pop, R&B, Afrobeats, reggaeton, and other genres. For dancehall purists, it may be surprising that some of the genre’s major hits locally did not make this list because the highest-selling dancehall singles are performed by non-Jamaican artists.

The debate over what qualifies as dancehall music, or whether a song must be performed by a dancehall artist to be considered authentic dancehall, is further compounded in Rolling Stone Magazine, in a since-edited review, described Rihanna and Drake’s hit “Work” as “a tropical house-flavored track,” downplaying its dancehall roots. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal credited Justin Bieber’s “What Do You Mean?” with “pioneering the ‘Caribbean, beach-party vibe’ of tropical house in the mainstream,” further blurring the lines between dancehall and other genres.

The LA Times, describes pop dancehall tracks as “Caribbean-flavored house beat” or “airy tropical-house bangers.”

The HuffPost article titled “Enjoy Dancehall Sounds, But Don’t Let Enjoyment Be Erasure”, speaks about the “whitewashing” that has happened to music of black origin for decades saying, “While musical genres should be inclusive, the problem comes when progression and mainstream acceptance comes with erasure of the culture that created the music, lessening the authenticity.”

Bieber’s Sorry, first released by Def Jam records is produced by Skrillex and Bloodpop. It became a point of controversy as fans chastised Beiber and his choreographer Parris Goebel for appropriating dancehall culture with the music video.

Still it became one of the biggest singles of 2015 and is the third most successful dancehall song of all time based on US certifications (11x Platinum). The track peaked at No. 1 on the global YouTube charts and spent three weeks at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It broke sales records in 2016 tobecame the most-streamed song in the U.K. of all time. It was also the first song overall to hit 100 million streams in Britain at the time and according to the esteemed magazine, “helped the Canadian star become the first artist to hold positions Number 1, 2, and 3 simultaneously on the Official Singles Chart”.

Following the success of Justin’s Sorry, Drake released One Dance with Wizkid and Kyla which is the second most commercially successful dancehall song on this list. Drake also released Controlla and Work during the same era.

Still, no dancehall-infused song has been more successful than Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You, released by Atlantic Records—the same label that signed Sean Paul in 2002. This global smash hit has sold over 41 million units worldwide, making it the most successful dancehall-inspired track of all time in both the US and the UK. Certified 13x Platinum in the US and 10x Platinum in the UK, Shape of You holds the No. 1 spot on this list, cementing its status as a record-breaking achievement in the genre.

The criteria for the rankings on this list are based on official record label releases, where the genres are categorized as some variation of dancehall or dancehall fusion. The rankings reflect certifications in the US and UK as of August 25, 2024.

Legend:
US (Gold- 500k, Platinum – 1m, Diamond – 10 m)
UK (Silver- 200k, Gold- 400k, Platinum- 600k)

RIAA, BPI

1. “Shape Of You” – Ed Sheeran (2017)

  • Certifications: 13x Platinum (RIAA), 10x Platinum (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “Shape Of You” became one of Ed Sheeran’s biggest hits, with its catchy hook and danceable beat. The song’s blend of dancehall, pop and tropical house contributed to its widespread success, dominating charts worldwide and becoming a defining track of the decade. It even got a remix titled Equal Rights from dancehall singer Ishawna which got the attention of Ed and further spawned another single between the two titled “Brace It.” Shape Of You was the first song to hit 2 billion streams on Spotify and the best selling song of 2017 according to the International Phonographic Industry.

2. “One Dance” – Drake ft. Wizkid and Kyla (2016)

  • Certifications: 11x Platinum (RIAA), 6x Platinum (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “One Dance” became a global sensation, merging dancehall with afrobeats pop and house influences. Its infectious rhythm and international appeal made it a summer anthem and showcased the growing influence of Caribbean music in mainstream pop.

3. “Sorry” – Justin Bieber (2015)

  • Certifications: 11x Platinum (RIAA), 5x Platinum (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “Sorry” marked a major comeback for Justin Bieber, blending pop with dancehall which he claimed to be “Island Music” in an interview on DJ Khaled’s “The One Podcast”. The song’s success redefined his career and solidified his place in pop music with its catchy melody and memorable chorus. The music video for the song was the top video on YouTube in 2016.

4. “Unforgettable” – French Montana feat. Sway Lee (2017)

  • Certifications: 11x Platinum (RIAA), 10x Platinum (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: French Montana’s “Unforgettable”featuring Sway Lee combined a memorable hook with a smooth afrobeats and dancehall type beat, leading to significant success on global charts. Its success highlighted the rise of Moroccan-born artists in mainstream music and popularized African musical influences in Western pop.

5. “Work” – Rihanna ft. Drake (2016)

  • Certifications: Diamond (RIAA), 3x Platinum (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “Work” showcased a fusion of dancehall and pop, with Rihanna’s Caribbean roots shining through. The song’s infectious beat and sultry lyrics made it a club favorite and further cemented Rihanna’s place as a trendsetter in pop music.

6. “Cheap Thrills” – Sia ft. Sean Paul (2016).

  • Certifications: 9x Platinum (RIAA), 5x Platinum (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “Cheap Thrills” became a summer hit with its upbeat, danceable rhythm and Sia’s distinctive vocals. Sean Paul’s feature added a dancehall touch, blending genres in a way that resonated with a wide audience and demonstrated the versatility of both artists. It is Sean Paul’s closest song to becoming certified Diamond by the RIAA. When it does he will be the first Jamaican artist to have a single certified Diamond.

7. “It Wasn’t Me” – Shaggy featuring Rik Rok (2000)

  • Certifications: 8x Platinum (RIAA), 4x Platinum (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “It Wasn’t Me” became a massive hit with its humorous take on infidelity. You could not go anywhere and not hear this song during the early 2000 and since then pop culture has used the titled as the go to reference to get out of any situation.

8. “Too Good” – Drake featuring Rihanna (2016)

  • Certifications: 5x Platinum (RIAA), 3x Platinum (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “Too Good” samples “Love Yuh Bad” by Popcaan thereby giving Popcaan writer’s credit on the song. It is Popcaan’s, real name Andre Sutherland’s highest certified song as a writer. The other writers on the track include Rihanna, Andrew Hershey, Atom Martin. The trio of producers for the song include Nineteen85, Maneesh Bidaye, and Dwayne Chin-Quee. 

9. “Rude Boy” – Rihanna (2010)

  • Certifications: 5x Platinum (RIAA), 2x Platinum (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “Rude Boy” combined reggae and dancehall influences with pop, showcasing Rihanna’s versatility. Its bold lyrics and catchy beat made it a standout track from her album Rated R, solidifying her position as a major pop and dancehall artist.

10. “Controlla” – Drake (2016)

  • Certifications: 5x Platinum (RIAA), 2x Platinum (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 18 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “Controlla” was the fourth single from Drake’s fourth studio album Views. It was the second dancehall single from the album following “One Dance.” The original version of the track featured Popcaan and a verse from Beenie Man but both were removed from the official release.

11. “Temperature” – Sean Paul (2005)

  • Certifications: 3x Platinum (RIAA), Platinum (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “Temperature” was a defining track for Sean Paul, blending dancehall with a catchy, upbeat rhythm. The song’s success helped popularize dancehall music in the mainstream and established Sean Paul as a prominent figure in the genre.

12. “Rockabye” – Clean Bandit ft. Sean Paul & Anne Marie (2016)

  • Certifications: 3x Platinum (RIAA), 3x Platinum (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “Rockabye” combined Clean Bandit’s classical and electronic elements with Sean Paul’s reggae touch. The song’s success demonstrated the ability to blend genres and produced a global hit that resonated with diverse audiences.

13. “Pon De Replay” – Rihanna (2005)

  • Certifications: 3x Platinum (RIAA), 2x Platinum (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: Rihanna’s debut single, “Pon De Replay,” introduced her to the world with its dancehall influences and catchy beat. The success of the song which samples the Diwali Riddim launched her career and paved the way for her future hits.

14. “Light It Up” – Major Lazer featuring Nyla and Fuse ODG (2015)

  • Certifications: 2x PlAtinum (RIAA), 3x Platinum (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “Light It Up” produced by Diplo and JR Blenda featured a blend of dancehall and electronic dance music, reflecting Major Lazer’s signature DJ style. It has made Nyla the first female Jamaican act to have a song certified 2x Platinum in the US, 3x Platinum in the U.K. and first to have a song surpassing 1 billion streams on Spotify.

15. “Swalla” – Jason Derulo (2017)

  • Certifications: 2x Platinum (RIAA), 2x Platinum (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “Swalla” released by Warner Bros. combined Jason Derulo’s pop sensibilities with a Dancehall and EDM beat produced by Eric Burton Frederic aka Ricky Reed. It featured Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ign. The official music video has surpassed 1.7 billion views on YouTube.

16. “Get Busy” – Sean Paul (2003)

  • Certifications: Platinum (RIAA), Platinum (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “Get Busy” released by VP/Atlantic Records is a dancehall anthem that confirmed to America than Sean Paul was more than a one hit wonder. The energetic style and contributed to the global popularity of dancehall music. The song produced by Stephen “Lenky” Marsden on the Diwali Riddim marked a high point in Sean’s career. It is one of the few raw dancehall songs by a Jamaican to peak at No. 1 on the Hot 100. It helped bring the entire dancehall culture to a broader audience int he early 2000.

17. “Baby Boy” – Beyoncé ft. Sean Paul (2003)

  • Certifications: Platinum (RIAA), Platinum (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “Baby Boy” blended R&B with dancehall influences, featuring Sean Paul’s distinct style. The song’s success highlighted Beyoncé’s versatility and contributed to her dominance in the early 2000s pop scene. The song was so powerful that it sparked rumors of an affair between the two, which Sean later said he wished were true.

18. “Locked Away” – R. City ft. Adam Levine (2015)

  • Certifications: Platinum (RIAA), Platinum (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “Locked Away” combined a pop-rock sound with R. City’s Caribbean influences. The song’s emotional lyrics and memorable hook made it a hit, showcasing the versatility of both artists and appealing to a wide audience.

19. “Come Closer” – Wizkid ft. Drake (2017)

  • Certifications: Platinum (RIAA), Gold (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 5 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “Come Closer” has both Wizkid and Drake spitting patois lyrics and blending Afrobeat dancehall and pop. The song’s success highlighted Wizkid’s growing influence and contributed to the global spread of Afrobeat.

20. “Boombastic” – Shaggy (1995)

  • Certifications: Platinum (RIAA), Platinum (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “Boombastic” became one of Shaggy’s most iconic tracks, blending reggae with a catchy, upbeat rhythm. The song helped Shaggy to win Best Reggae albums for the album of the same name in 1996. It has been featured in several commercials and TV shows over the years.

21. “Informer” – Snow (1992)

  • Certifications: Platinum (RIAA), Silver (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “Informer” combined dancehall and hip-hop influences, making Snow a notable figure in both genres. The song’s catchy chorus and unique style made it a standout hit and a significant part of early 90s music and was remixed for Daddy Yankee’s Con Calma with Snow. Con Calma is the 37th most viewed music video on YouTube surpassing 2.8 billion views as of August 24, 2024.

22. “Hold You” – Gyptian (2010)

  • Certifications: 2x Platinum (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 16 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 77 on the Billboard Hot 100.
  • Impact: “Hold You” became a hit with its romantic lyrics and smooth reggae rhythm. The song’s success got the attention of Nicki Minaj which hopped on the song’s remix, further popularizing the club banger.

23. No Lie- Sean Paul featuring Duo Lipa (2016)

  • Certifications:  (2x Platinum UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 11 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “No Lie” produced by Sermstyle is from Swan Paul debut EP “Mad Luv The Prequel” released via Island Records. The song was Sean’s first single as lead artist to surpass 1 billion streams on Spotify.

24. “(When You Gonna) Give It Up To Me” – Sean Paul ft. Keisha Cole (2005)

  • Certifications: Gold (RIAA)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: This track featured a blend of Sean Paul’s dancehall style and Keisha Cole’s R&B vocals, creating a memorable hit. Its success demonstrated Sean Paul’s versatility and appeal across genres.

25. “Got 2 Luv U” – Sean Paul ft. Alexis Jordan (2011)

  • Certifications: Gold (RIAA)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart and 84 on the Billboard Hot 100.
  • Impact: “Got 2 Luv U” featured a catchy dancehall beat and showcased Sean Paul’s ability to collaborate with emerging pop artists and keep his signature cultural sound.

26. “Like Glue” – Sean Paul (2003)

  • Certifications: (Gold UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 5 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “Like Glue” was a dancehall anthem that further cemented Sean Paul’s status as a leading reggae artist. The song’s infectious beat and memorable hook made it a favorite among fans.

27. “Flex” – Mad Cobra (1992)

  • Certifications: Gold (RIAA)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100
  • Impact: “Flex” became a popular dancehall hit with its catchy rhythm and distinctive style. The song’s success contributed to Mad Cobra’s reputation in the American dancehall scene. It was his only major hit.

28. “Turn Me On” – Kevin Lyttle ft. Spragga Benz (2001)

  • Certifications: Gold (RIAA) 2x Platinum (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
  • Impact: Two versions of “Turn Me On” were released with RedOne and Nely on the dancehall version and Adrian Bailey on the original soca version. The song’s success helped Kevin Lyttle gain international recognition. It is Spragga Benz and Kevin’s biggest song.

29. “No Letting Go” – Wayne Wonder (2003)

  • Certifications: Gold (RIAA), Gold (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “No Letting Go” was another hit on Lenky’s Diwali Riddim which helped to establish Wayne Wonder internationally almost thirty years into his career. The song has surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify.

30. “Whine Up” – Kat Deluna ft. Elephant Man (2007)

  • Certifications: Gold (RIAA)
  • Chart Success: Produced by Redone, “Whine Up” peaked at No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100.
  • Impact: “Whine Up” featured a blend of dancehall and pop, with Kat Deluna’s energetic performance and Elephant Man’s dancehall style.

31. “Slow & Sexy” – Shabba Ranks ft. Johnny Gill (1992)

  • Certifications: Gold (RIAA)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 17 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 33 on the Billboard Hot 100.
  • Impact: “Slow & Sexy” combined Shabba Ranks’ dancehall style with Johnny Gill’s R&B vocals. The song was from Shabba’s 1992 album X-Tra Naked which won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album.

32. “Cigarette” – RAYE, Mabel, Stefflon Don (2018)

  • Certifications: Gold (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 41 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “Cigarette” featured a collaboration between three rising artists, blending pop and Dancehall influences. The song’s success highlighted the growing prominence of female artists not born in Jamaica in the genre.

33. “Move Ya Body” – Nina Sky ft. Jabba (2004)

  • Certifications: Gold (RIAA), Silver (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “Move Ya Body” combined reggaeton with pop, showcasing Nina Sky’s energetic style. The song’s success helped popularize reggaeton in the mainstream and highlighted the genre’s appeal.

34. “Fever” – Vybz Kartel (2016)

  • Certifications: Gold (RIAA), Silver (UK)
  • Chart Success: N/A
  • Impact: “Fever” was released independently nay Adijahiem Records and TJ Records. It is Vybz Kartel’s most successful career single surpassing 100 million streams on Spotify.

35. “Nobody Has To Know” – Kranium (2015)

  • Certifications: Gold (RIAA), Silver (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 25 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “Nobody Has To Know” combined a smooth reggae rhythm with romantic lyrics. The song’s success highlighted Kranium’s ability to blend reggae with contemporary sounds.

36. “Hurtin’ Me” – Stefflon Don & French Montana (2017)

  • Certifications: (Platinum UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “Hurtin’ Me” showcased Stefflon Don’s unique style and French Montana’s collaboration, blending dancehall with pop. The song’s success highlighted the rising prominence of Stefflon Don in the music industry.

37. “Boasty” – Wiley, Idris Elba, Stefflon Don (2019)

  • Certifications: (Platinum UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 6 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “Boasty” combined grime and dancehall influences, featuring a diverse collaboration. The song’s success highlighted the growing crossover appeal of UK and Caribbean music.

38. “Run Up” – Major Lazer ft. Partynextdoor and Nicki Minaj (2017)

  • Certifications: Platinum (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 20 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 66 on the Hot 100.
  • Impact: “Run Up” featured a blend of electronic and dancehall influences. The official music video has surpassed 118 million views.

39. Who Am I (Sim Simma) – Beenie Man

  • Certifications: Gold (RIAA) Silver (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “Who Am I” became one of Beenie Man’s most iconic tracks, showcasing his dancehall style and lyrical skills. The song’s success solidified his position in the dancehall scene.

40. “Gyal You A Party Animal” – Charly Black (2016)

  • Certifications: Gold (RIAA) (Silver UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “Gyal You A Party Animal” featured a catchy dancehall beat is Charly Black’s biggest and only crossover hit.

41. “Oh Carolina” – Shaggy (1993)

  • Certifications:  (Gold UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 59 on the Billboard Hot 100.
  • Impact: “Oh Carolina” by Shaggy was the first dancehall song to debut at No. 1 on the UK Official Singles Chart. The song’s success helped establish Shaggy as a prominent artist and introduced his music to a wider audience.

43. “Murder She Wrote” – Chakka Demus and Pliers (1992)

  • Certifications:  (Gold UK, Sales since 2011)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 27 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “Murder She Wrote” became a classic dancehall hit and has been ranked one of Billboard’s 50 most interpolated songs.

44. “Never Leave” – Lumidee (2003)

  • Certifications:  (Gold UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at N0. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “Never Leave” is another Lenky Marsden Diwali Riddim hit song which featured a blend of dancehall, reggaeton and R&B. Nicki Minaj’s dancehall bop, Red Ruby Da Sleeze, from her album Pink Friday 2 contains a sample of “Never Leave You (Uh ooh, Uh Oooh).”

45. “No No No” – Dawn Penn (1994)

  • Certifications: Gold (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: Although not yet certified “No No No” by Dawn Penn has sold more than 500,000 units in the U.S. according to Luminate and is now eligible for Gold certification by the RIAA. The track produced by Steely and Clevie has been part of several commercials. Most recently it was synchronized in Calvin Klein’s Spring 2024 Menswear Collection campaign, with actor Idris Elba. 

46. “Hey Baby” – No Doubt ft. Bounty Killer (2001)

  • Certifications: Gold (RIAA)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “Hey Baby” combined No Doubt’s pop-rock style with Bounty Killer’s dancehall influences. The song’s success demonstrated the versatility of both artists and their ability to blend genres.

47. “Dude” – Beenie Man ft. Miss Thing (2004)

  • Certifications: (Silver UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 5 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “Dude” featured Beenie Man’s dancehall style and Miss Thing’s vocals, creating a memorable hit. The song’s success highlighted Beenie Man’s influence in the dancehall genre.

48. “Bam Bam” – Sister Nancy (1982)

  • Certifications:  (Silver UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “Bam Bam” became a classic dancehall track with Sister Nancy’s powerful vocals. The song’s success helped establish Sister Nancy as a pioneering female artist in dancehall. It is one of the most samples songs of all time with Jay-Z, Kanye and more pop acts taking a piece of the song.

49. “16 Shots”- Stefflon Don- (2016)

  • Certifications:  (Silver UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 6 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “16 Shots” featured Stefflon Don’s distinctive voice and style, blending dancehall with contemporary sounds. The song’s success highlighted her growing influence in the UK music scene.

50. “In The Summer Time” – Shaggy ft. Rayvon (1995)

  • Certifications: Silver (200,000 units UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “In The Summer Time” became a summer anthem with its upbeat rhythm and catchy chorus. The song’s success further established Shaggy’s presence in the UK market.

Honorable Mentions

. “Gimmie The Light” – Sean Paul (2002)

  • Certifications: Silver (UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 5 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.
  • Impact: “Gimme The Light” was Sean Paul’s breakout track that became a hit in both the US and UK. The song’s success established him as a leading dancehall artist of the era.

. “I’m Still In Love With You” – Sean Paul ft. Sasha (2003)

  • Certifications:  (Silver UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 6 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • Impact: “I’m Still In Love With You” featured a romantic dancehall beat and showcased Sean Paul’s ability to blend reggae with R&B. The song’s success highlighted his versatility as an artist.

. “Twist & Turn” – Popcaan featuring Drake and Partynextdoor (2020)

  • Certifications:  (Silver UK)
  • Chart Success: Peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100.
  • Impact: It was the first collaboration between Popcaan and Drake in his OVO deal. The single has surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify- Popcaan’s first to reach the milestone as lead singer.

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