Che, a versatile writer and producer, who is the son of music industry veteran Jon Baker, crossed paths with neighborhood artist Xixteen at a party, leading to an Instagram connection and, eventually, a studio session that birthed song.
The duo’s debut release, “Gangsta,” under Forward Records, is the latest Trap Dancehall single among the sea of release this week. With 16 year old Che, born in the U.K. with an eye for trap dancehall culture, and Xixteen’s raw delivery of lyrics drawn from personal experiences, “Gangsta” offers a fresh perspective on the word ‘gangster.’
Of Note, Che was the
The tourist towns of Portland, Jamaica are not exactly known for their aggressive content but for Xixteen, Trap Dancehall’s newest star, the track is more than just music; it’s a message of confidence and authenticity. “Being straightforward, being confident, being upfront with whatever you want,” Xixteen remarks, in a statement to WMV, reflecting on the song’s message.
The music video for “Gangsta” directed and produced by Tony Fisher, captures the essence of the track, shot against the vibrant backdrop of Geejam Hotel’s Sandwood Villa.
Trap Dancehall has risen as the successor to traditional Jamaican Dancehall. This new sound dominates Jamaica’s music charts, with artists like Valiant, RajahWild charting in the top 20 each week.
Apple Music top songs in Jamaica 4/21:
— WMV (@worldmusicviews) April 21, 2024
1) Armanii & DJ Mac – HAAD
2) Valiant & DJ Mac – Lumbah
3) Intence & Countree Hype – Shh
4) Nigy Boy – Judgement
5) Chronic Law – Don’t Fall
6) Najeeriii – Bubbie
7) Drake – Push Ups
8) Masicka – Tyrant
9) RajahWild – Gogo
10) RajahWild &…
Drawing from influences like rap and R&B, Trap Dancehall represents a contemporary evolution of the genre, characterized by rapid-fire verses in Jamaican patois and gritty narratives. Skeng’s “Protocol” and Chronic Law’s “Empty” are notable examples of the genre’s dominance on platforms like YouTube.
Similar to how Dancehall overshadowed reggae in the 1990s on the charts, Trap Dancehall now challenges traditional Dancehall’s dominance. Watch ‘Gangsta’ here.
