The cultural impact of a song often speaks volumes, rivaling sales and streams for the average music enthusiast. The World Music Views staff and Bim Studios writers have carefully chosen 10 dancehall anthems, plus 40 other songs not based solely on commercial success but rather for their profound cultural resonance in 2023.
These songs all released this year, are meticulously selected tunes that transcend mere melodies; they serve as the heartbeat of Jamaican communities both domestically and internationally. They are the anthems of celebration and the catalysts for dancehall’s street connections.
10 | Mad Out – Valiant
Mad Out, an infectious hit from the Big Bunx Riddim, easily earned its place as one of the dancehall songs of the year through its impact on the party scene. The song’s title lives up to its name as it allows fans to “let loose.” The real test of the song was when Valiant had the entire National Stadium singing the chorus at the Chris Brown Under The Influence concert in September.
9| Expensive – Valiant
Expensive embodies the spirit of a “feel-good” dancehall anthem. The song valiantly transports listeners to a world of opulence. This irresistible hit has captured the essence of the season, earning its place among the top dancehall songs of the year.
8| Short Skirt – Skillibeng
Skillibeng‘s “Short Skirt” is nothing short of mesmerizing and seductive, quickly becoming a favorite among the ladies, both locally and internationally. It’s a song that dares to explore new territory within the genre, demonstrating that innovation and creativity are alive and well in the world of dancehall.
7| Turn Me On – Jada Kingdom, The 9ine
“Turn Me On” by Jada Kingdom and The 9ine emerges as the embodiment of sultry summer vibes. With a touch of international allure, this Rvssian and Dinay produced song strays from the conventional dancehall sound and sets the stage for both artist to build on for 2024.
6| Paddle Boat – Najeeriii
Najeeriii made a significant contribution to the popular Big Bunx Riddim with “Paddle Boat.” The song is simply an experience that leaves the ladies in the crowd unable to resist its magnetic pull. He approaches the song with a distinctive flow that defies conventional sonic expectations, with lyrics and a cadence that seem to transcend language barriers. Najeeriii’s enigmatic style has become synonymous with the track, making it one of the defining dancehall tracks of the year.
5|Wild Out- Rajah Wild
Rajah Wild’s “Wild Out” marked a significant milestone by popularizing the infectious “Big Bunx” Riddim. With a title that speaks volumes, “Wild Out” lives up to its name, boasting an irresistible beat that compels both men and women to dance, making it one of the undisputed rulers of the party scene.
4| V6- Malie Donn, Ireland Boss
YouTube and Spotify’s biggest song in Jamaica is Malie Donn‘s “V6” produced by Ireland Boss. The creeper hit, released months before the summer, gained immense popularity on TikTok, setting the stage for its reign as an anthem of the year. At the core of “V6” lies a riddim that can only be described as “calm and deadly.”
3|Tyrant – Masicka
“Tyrant” by Masicka effortlessly earned its title as a street anthem of the season. This hit not only brings a refreshing twist to the dancehall scene but also infuses it with a hint of Amapiano influence, all while paying homage to the roots of old school dancehall; successfully capturing the true essence of Dancehall culture.
2| Talibans- Byron Messia
Not only was “Talibans” the only Dancehall song released this year to secure its place on the Billboard Hot 100 chart at 98. It is the first Dancehall song to do so since Skillibeng’s Crocodile Teeth Remix with Nicki Minaj in 2020 and it also hit the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart for several weeks. The song received the Midas touch from none other than Burna Boy with Talibans 2 and is certified Gold in Canada and Silver in the U.K. In places like New York, it shifted the culture, as it quickly dominated airwaves and proved that the genre still has its place on an international sphere.
1| Drift – Teejay
The No. 1 most popular song in Jamaica and in the diaspora the year was Teejay’s “Drift” which dominated airwaves becoming a mainstay on the Billboard Airplay charts in the US and sparked a viral dance craze on TikTok. The song made its Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, debut at No. 47 for the week of October 7 giving Teejay hist first Billboard charting song.
With lyrics that playfully twist and turn and a dance-friendly rhythm, “Drift” quickly became a favorite in Dancehall’s party scene.
Stream our Best Of Dancehall 2023 full top 50 songs of list below on Spotify:
