rolling dancehall & reggae 2021

Stripped down dancehall Riddims sometimes sounding similar to minimalistic South African keyboard ones

yeah unfortunately I don't have the technical knowledge to analyze (what I hear as) the similarities, but the repeating synth horns (especially that), the drums, and the fun-but-dark vibe made me think of it. Obvs no idea if it's a direct influence plus of course ama is likely influenced by dancehall in some way

Spice's video for "Send It Up" is an event:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gMEYsTtZAY

(song's good, very does what it says on the tin)

The medical theme seems very present in dancehall, I can't help thinking back about that vaccine clip :D

ha that connection hadn't even occurred to me! lol Vaccine is still so amazing, you have to wonder if Chi has ever had a check-up, that's not how stethoscopes work man

Shenseea's album is looking super promising as a big pop move:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBIG_JyljdA

"Be Good"

https://www.worldareggae.com/interviews/exclusive-interview-with-taj-weekes/

Heard St Lucia high-pitched reggae singer Taj Weekes from his latest album Pause. Roots reggae but more than cliche. Plus he’s involved in lots of good deed efforts — with Unicef; he said in a WPFW interview I heard last night that he’s bringing shoes to Ghana

i thought this was dope af

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVWKGC3zgbM

https://riddimchango.bandcamp.com/album/freedom-ep

that's great--I think Jordan would esp dig it?

I've been grumping a bit about music-in-2021 on other threads, but this was an exceptionally great year for dancehall. I'm travelling now but will post a list at some point

Please do, rob - I haven’t listened to nearly as much dancehall this year as I usually do.

It might take me a while to make a list, so in the meantime here's a batch of mostly recent tunes I really like. Assume these videos are all grotesquely violent.

Jahshii, Shift Change

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28wbnPU1vEc

Prince Swanny, Soldier

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOjqRcq2I-w

Skeng + Intence (billed as Yeng), Heaven Passport

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTbbdh_SI1A

Skeng (easily the most exciting new artist in 2021, hasn't missed yet iirc), Curves

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bUH9hz9mEA

Chronic Law, Organ Trade

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-mpOhvQ_F4

Jahvillani, Wicked & Bad

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kQg__YFe0c

It's been reported on social media that Mikey Chung has passed away. RIP Mikey

https://www.reggae-vibes.com/articles/obituary/2021/12/mikey-mao-chung-has-died-1954-2021/

rolling dancehall & reggae 2022