From Sean Paul and Vybz Kartel to Mavado, Sizzla and Damian Marley, a chronological look at the Jamaican artists whose music has crossed paths with Hov.
Jay-Z’s relationship with Jamaican music stretches back more than two decades. The Brooklyn rap icon has recorded with dancehall stars, appeared on remixes and sampled reggae classics, bringing Jamaican sounds into some of hip-hop’s biggest releases.
Here’s how those connections unfolded, starting with the earliest releases.
2002 — “What They Gonna Do” featuring Sean Paul
THE BLUEPRINT 2: THE GIFT & THE CURSE
Jay-Z teamed up with Sean Paul on “What They Gonna Do” as the Jamaican deejay was becoming an international sensation. The track combined Hov’s signature rap delivery with Sean Paul’s dancehall vocals, arriving during the genre’s early-2000s commercial explosion.
2003 — “Frontin’ (Dancehall Remix)” with Vybz Kartel and Wayne Marshall
REMIX CONNECTION
Pharrell’s “Frontin’”, featuring Jay-Z, made waves in 2003. Dancehall remix versions associated with Vybz Kartel and Wayne Marshall brought a Jamaican twist to the hit, connecting two emerging dancehall stars with a record featuring one of hip-hop’s biggest names. This was a remix association, rather than a confirmed joint recording session.
2003 — “Lucifer” sampling Max Romeo
THE BLACK ALBUM
Jay-Z sampled Max Romeo’s 1976 reggae classic “Chase the Devil” for “Lucifer”, produced by Kanye West. The haunting sample helped make the track one of the most distinctive recordings on The Black Album.
2008 — “On the Rock (Remix)” with Mavado
REMIX
Mavado secured a major hip-hop connection when Jay-Z appeared on the remix of his dancehall hit “On the Rock”. The Gully Gad was already making international noise, and Hov’s contribution added another heavyweight name to his growing résumé.
2013 — “Crown” sampling Sizzla
MAGNA CARTA HOLY GRAIL
Jay-Z incorporated Sizzla’s “Solid as a Rock” into “Crown”, from his 2013 album Magna Carta Holy Grail. The sample brought the Jamaican reggae star’s voice into a record about power, resilience and success.
Also the Blueprint 3’s Swizz Beats produced track, “On To The Next One” he interpolated Cutty Rank’s infamous “a millions ways” intro off his 1992 single, “A Who Seh Me Dun“.
2017 — “Bam” featuring Damian Marley
4:44
Jay-Z recruited Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley for “Bam”, one of the standout tracks on 4:44. Produced by No I.D., the song fused hip-hop with reggae and dancehall influences, with Damian delivering a commanding guest performance.
2017 — “Bam” sampling Sister Nancy
4:44 — SAMPLE AND VIDEO APPEARANCE
“Bam” was also built around elements of Sister Nancy’s legendary 1982 anthem “Bam Bam” and Jacob Miller’s Tenament Yard. Sister Nancy also appeared in the accompanying visual project filmed in Jamaica, bringing the original voice behind the classic into the spotlight.
“Feelin’ It,” Jay-Z’s third music video from his debut album was shot on location at n Negril, Jamaica and since then Jay-Z has used Jamaican aesthetic to create albums and several music videos and promotional videos.
