The 40 Best Dancehall Songs Of 2023, Ranked By YouTube Views
Jamaican music, for all its troubles, had an impressive showing last year!
Here, we’ve rounded up YouTube’s 40 most-streamed songs from Dancehall artists that kept us moving in 2023. From infectious riddims to unforgettable lyrics, these tracks pulled their weight and ultimately set themselves apart from the waves of other quality works released between December 15, 2022 and December 14, 2023.
40. Shenseea – Curious
Shenseea’s Curious was a rhythmic, Dancehall-infused song where the Jamaican singer confessed her desires for women, complimented by a visually captivating music video.
Release date: April 14, 2023
Producer: London On Da Track, BEAM, Dunw3ll, Fred Ball, Al Cres
Album/Riddim: n/a
39. Dexta Daps – Forever
The crooning king of toxicity, Dexta Daps, dropped the ultimate cheater’s anthem with Forever. Its accompanying music drove the message home well, and fans followed along with it every step of the way.
Release date: January 12, 2023
Producer: Linton “TJ” White
Album/Riddim: n/a
38. Shenseea – Locked Up Freestyle
London on da Track’s baby momma drama, which somehow had Shenseea catching strays, inspired an impressive freestyle from the Jamaican Dancehall/Pop star. Shenseea didn’t mince words for her victim(s), remixing Akon’s Locked Up and interpolating lyrics from Sizzla’s Nuh Apologize.
Release date: April 5, 2023
Producer: n/a
Album/Riddim: n/a
37. Pablo YG – Rich N Richer
Declaring his singular intent to amass riches for himself and those around him, Pablo YG made an indelible mark in 2023 with this mellow track, firmly establishing himself as a legitimate artist in the process.
Release date: July 24, 2023
Producer: YGF Records, Poppinz Records, 23Recordz
Album/Riddim: Bad Juvi Mixtape
36. Skeng X Jigsta – Smood Wid It
An energetic party track with its music video featuring a number of notable cameos, including Ding Dong, Smood Wid It was a refreshing change of pace of Skeng, who had a just-as-energetic partner-in-crime in Jigsta along for the ride. Showcasing his dancing chops as well as his range as an artist, Skeng delivered a easy-to-love party anthem.
Release date: April 30, 2023
Producer: Droptop Records, Ditruth Records
Album/Riddim: n/a
35. Valiant – Rasta
In this standout track, Valiant playfully asserted that he was living a lifestyle akin to a ‘Rasta’ — a witty nod to Rastafarians. He humorously declared that he required “No beef no passa,” cleverly employing a double entendre. This not only alluded to the dietary choices of Rastafarians, who traditionally abstain from certain foods like beef and pasta, but also cleverly emphasized their inclination toward conflict avoidance with the phrase “No beef, no passa.”
Release date: April 30, 2023
Producer: Countree Hype Ent., Millaweek Ent., and Diplomats Records
Album/Riddim: n/a
34. Jada Kingdom – Which Gyal!? Freestyle
Jada’s scathing ‘Which Gyal!?’ on a drill beat was an ingenious move, with the Dancehall artist flaunting it all – status, wealth, body, fame – in a brutal concoction of honesty aimed at pretentious friends and other women who may not like her.
Release date: March 10, 2023
Producer: Nuzzo
Album/Riddim: n/a
33. Kraff – Audi
Subverting all expectations, Kraff’s Audi, produced by Romeich Entertainment, is a track that cleverly draws on the luxury vehicle brand as a reference for a good time. The association falls in line when the Ruppi-directed music video is watched, in which Kraff uses a mixture of actual Audis and handcarts adorned with the Audi logo.
Release date: May 9, 2023
Producer: Romeich Entertainment
Album/Riddim: Inna Dem Head Riddim
32. 450 – Wild n Rich
With his on-brand ‘toxic’ approach, 450 delivered an earworm of a track with Wild N’ Rich, capturing listeners’ ears all around. The track, which epitomizes an unhealthy relationship, showed depth, as the singer managed to express regret, anger, sadness and heartbreak in the midst of his spirited tirade.
Release date: November 4, 2023
Producer: Week Day, Tru Ambassador
Album/Riddim: n/a
31. Mavado – 21 Psalm
Mavado’s soulful references to Psalm 21 did not go unnoticed, as the Cassava Piece native ping-ponged between his aspirations for his own life, his pleas for God’s protection and favour, and his willingness to hurt others for his family, sprinkled with grand dreams about pursuing wealth. The track is a well-thought-out reminder of Mavado’s potential, both as a singer and a lyricist.
Release date: January 20, 2023
Producer: Starzplus Production
Album/Riddim: n/a
30. Chronic Law – Corrupt Pt.2
Chronic Law declares himself no ‘gyal clown’ in this mellow track. A follow-up to Corrupt, released on Valentine’s Day 2022, some fans are expecting Pt. 3 in 2024.
Release date: January 19, 2023
Producer: Dan Sky Records, Attomatic Records
Album/Riddim: n/a
29. Mavado, Jay-A, Dexta Daps – Pain
An unlikely yet welcome trio, Dexta Daps, Mavado and Jay-A struck themselves a memorable track with Pain – a song made complete with its realistic and honest reflection on life in the streets. Buoyed by Mavado’s gritty delivery and Dexta Daps’ soulful vocalizing, Pain delivered and then some last year.
Release date: February 24, 2023
Producer: Sponge Music, Mansions Records
Album/Riddim: Forgiven Riddim
28. Najeeriii – PANTON
Jean-Ann Panton, the SSL executive who was implicated in a multi-billion-dollar scam last year, caught no breaks, as Najeeriii hilariously and cleverly used her as inspiration in PANTON. Using the previously embattled financial advisor’s name as a shortcut for someone who rose to riches by unsavory means, Najeeriii’s stroke of comedic genius and satire made for one of the most memorable tracks of 2023, catchy hook included.
Release date: June 25, 2023
Producer: Godfloww, YC Studios
Album/Riddim: n/a
27. Skillibeng – Know Why
The E-Syde Boss Skillibeng switched his flow up for this Badman Anthem, which just as easily fills the slot for a tune to soundtrack an afternoon drive. Flaunting his versatility, Skillibeng ignites the track, that feels like a freestyle, making it a distinctive entry on this list.
Release date: June 2, 2023
Producer: Nicholas Dallas, badevrryday
Album/Riddim: n/a
26. Skillibeng, Nardo Wick – 16CHOPPA
Skillibeng and Nardo Wick combined for 16Choppa, and the track was as much as you’d expect from one of Dancehall’s most captivating acts. Cruising all the way through, Skillibeng’s continuously improving lyrical repertoire was on full show, challenging Nardo Wick to meet him at the top.
Release date: February 3, 2023
Producer: EastSyde Records
Album/Riddim: n/a
25. Najeeriii – PADDLE BOAT
Najeeriii made another big splash amidst the tsunami of quality releases last year, dropping Paddle Boat as an entry into the category of tracks dedicated to getting women moving on the dance floor.
Release date: July 2, 2023
Producer: Zimi Records
Album/Riddim: Big Bunx Riddim
24. Stefflon Don, BNXN – What’s Poppin’
Described by Stefflon Don as a “special song” to her, What’s Poppin with BNXN was the groovy, sexy Afrobeats fusion track that put a fork in the conversation about intimacy in the genre.
Release date: August 11, 2023
Producer: AJ Productions
Album/Riddim: n/a
23. 450 – Bad Gyal
A Romeich Entertainment production, Bad Gyal was the women’s anthem almost every female clung to when 450 unveiled it last May. The mellow track, rooted in the singer’s vibrant delivery, saw him explicitly shouting his ‘bad gyal’ – who are explicitly stated to be his type.
Release date: May 12, 2023
Producer: Romeich Entertainment
Album/Riddim: n/a
22. Valiant – Insomnia
Plagued by a heightened sense of vigilance – bordering paranoia, Valiant took on his trust issues and depression in his 2023 track, Insomnia. He laid bare the thoughts that kept him up at nights, connecting with listeners who felt the same about their own relationships.
Release date: April 18, 2023
Producer: Diplomats Records, Crown Heights Entertainment and Chopline Records
Album/Riddim: n/a
21. Kraff – Rum Behavior
Kraff gave ‘liquid courage’ its due recognition in this energetic track, making full use of the Big Bunx Riddim to spawn another party-thumper. Produced By The Budu Dem, Zimi Records and Now Or Never, Rum Behavior is a strong follow-up on the popular riddim, and offered some sparks for those hoping for a revival of ‘Juggling’ in Dancehall.
Release date: August 3, 2023
Producer: TheBuduDem/Zimi Records, Now Or Never
Album/Riddim: Big Bunx Riddim
20. Valiant – Mad Out
Valiant’s Mad Out remained in a league of its own last year, currying significantly more than the finger-wagging that came from those who disapproved of the track’s explicit nature and apparent trivializing of mental health issues. Despite the occasional and spirited resistance against it, Mad Out became a calling card for the unabashed party animal who moonlights as a bedroom bully.
Release date: July 24, 2023
Producer: ZimiRecords/NowOrNever
Album/Riddim: Big Bunx Riddim
19. Chronic Law – A Solemn Request
Chronic Law’s A Solemn Request was another addition to the catalogue of those who found the Law Boss’ characteristic scepticism and unwillingness to trust particularly relatable last year.
Release date: February 2, 2023
Producer: Sonovic Music and 9Miles Records
Album/Riddim: n/a
18. Popcaan, Chronic Law – St. Thomas Native
The musical connection between Popcaan and Chronic Law blossomed in the reflective track set in the Jamaican parish of St. Thomas. The lyrics wove a tale of their past journeys, chronicling how far they had come and the challenges they conquered. Both deejays took turns reminiscing about the profound impact their humble parish upbringing had on shaping their characters, and delivered a hit in the process.
Release date: July 17, 2023
Producer: Attomatic Records, Dan Sky Records
Album/Riddim: Great Is He
17. Rvssian, Valiant, Tommy Lee Sparta – Tic Tac Toe
When Tommy Lee Sparta was released from prison last March, the Dancehall star linked with hotshot producer Rvssian and fellow Dancehall star Valiant, following which Tic Tac Toe was born. The track served as a vibrant celebration of a luxurious and carefree lifestyle, adorned with the presence of women, wealth, and beautiful weather, which all unfolded against an infectious rhythm that practically beckoned listeners to dance.
Release date: April 6, 2023
Producer: Head Concussion Records
Album/Riddim: n/a
16. Skeng – Shalalala
Adding a risqué twist to a few childhood songs and games, Skeng stitched together a vibrant party track complete with copious amounts of booty-shaking in its Aka Ruppi and Shane Creative-directed music video.
Release date: August 1, 2023
Producer: Zimi Records, Now Or Never
Album/Riddim: n/a
15. 450, Shaneil Muir – Crawsis
What would 2023 in Dancehall be without the token toxic relationship track? Crawsis – a beautifully and passionately executed track by Muir and 450 – swooped in early to fill that gap, providing the perfect roleplaying scenario for couples who saw themselves in the characters portrayed in the music video.
Release date: April 14, 2023
Producer: Keno4Star
Album/Riddim: n/a
14. RajahWild – Wild Out
RajahWild lived up to his name wild out, promising and delivering on creating an atmosphere of unadulterated and party-pumping fun. Though the song dives into a little more than partying, it’s ultimately a track intended to inspire the most uninhibited versions of women who hear it, and its colorful music video paints a crystal clear picture of what that looks like.
Release date: June 8, 2023
Producer: Zimi Records, NowOrNever
Album/Riddim: n/a
13. Masicka – Tyrant
Masicka’s Tyrant stands out as a powerful track that not only lays bare the star’s ambitions but also pays a heartfelt tribute to Dancehall legends Mr. Wacky and Colo Colo. The track is accompanied by a cinematic music video, directed by Ruppi, which seamlessly weaves in numerous references to the late Gerald ‘Mr. Wacky/Bogle’ Levy, from his popular catchphrase (“Out and bad”) to his iconic dance moves. The incorporation of flashes from Masicka’s upbringing adds a personal dimension to the tribute.
Release date: May 24, 2023
Producer: Moz Zaro Hamm
Album/Riddim: Generation Of Kings
12. Valiant – Glock 40
With Glock 40, Valiant wasted no time making a 2023 hit. Aided by an earworm of a hook, Glock 40 was a safe bet to get any crowd moving, and further cemented Valiant’s arrival as a legitimate Dancehall star brimming with international-level potential.
Release date: January 18, 2023
Producer: The Eclipse Group, Diplomats Records
Album/Riddim: n/a
11. Masicka, Jahshii – Pieces
A go-to track for those who found themselves in need of a picker-upper, Pieces was a masterful collaboration between Masicka and Jahshii that encouraged reflection, all while reasserting a sense of self, fit to weather any storm.
Release date: February 14, 2023
Producer: Moz Zaro Hamm
Album/Riddim: n/a
10. The 9ine, Jada Kingdom – Turn Me On
In what some hailed as the collaboration of the year, Jada Kingdom and The 9ine made waves when they unleashed this flirty track interspersed with a bit of raunchiness. A just-as-exhilarating music video to accompany it, Turn Me On may have accomplished just that with most listeners, as Jada wowed – as usual – with her voluptuous figure and lyrics, and The 9ine staked his claim as a force to be reckoned with.
Release date: June 2, 2023
Producer: Rvssian, Dinay
Album/Riddim: n/a
9. Byron Messia – 90’z
Byron Messia’s unrelenting lyrical assault on 2023 continued with 90z – a vibrant mashup of references, some about the nostalgia-heavy 90s period, and others about drugs, guns and, of course, sex. The track was released on May 25, 2023, and was produced by Twin Island Company.
Release date: May 25, 2023
Producer: Romeich Entertainment
Album/Riddim: n/a
8. Popcaan, Drake – We Caa Done
The collaborative effort of Congolese-born artists TRESOR and Batundi, who previously collaborated on Drake’s Fountains with TEMS, fuels this Drake and Popcaan track – which came as a surprise to most fans of either artists. Even so, the track’s popularity soared. Directed by Theo Skudra, the music video, which featured appearances from NBA star Kevin Durant and rapper Lil Yachty, was filmed in Turks and Caicos, where Popcaan had also connected with J. Cole.
Release date: January 6, 2023
Producer: TRESOR and Batundi
Album/Riddim: Great Is He
7. 450 – Live n’ Learn
Those who’ve handled their share of betrayals in 2023 found solace in 450’s Live n’ Learn – an ballad that saw the young artist bare his pain, regrets and anger, with an open-ended invite for those who could relate. The track hits home with flair and honesty.
Release date: March 17, 2023
Producer: Sponge Music
Album/Riddim: Forgiven Riddim
6. Teejay – Drift
From earning the St. James-based artist a spot on the Billboard Airplay Chart to making way for a collaboration with Afrobeats superstar Davido, Drift carved out a lane of its own, drawing the gaze and admiration of nearly the entire music world. Throw in the track’s signature dance and it makes a case for a perennial party anthem.
Release date: May 19, 2023
Producer: DJ Mac, Panda, Top Braff Music
Album/Riddim:
5. Byron Messia – Moca
Messia took a swing at the then (still?) fashionable ‘Choppa’ trope, and it paid off handsomely for the Jamaican-born Dancehall artist. What is typically a frowned upon and worn-out topic took on new life in Moca as a cause for celebration and validation, and Messia played with that blurred line well. Its popularity, as a result, was no surprise.
Release date: May 17, 2023
Producer: Extol Music
Album/Riddim:
4. Valiant – Expensive
Valiant was in his bag in 2023, and the release of Expensive was proof he intended to keep things that way. The groovy party anthem – in which Valiant flaunted a life of luxury – remains a fitting selection for a good time.
Release date: March 8, 2023
Producer: Poppinzrecords
Album/Riddim:
3. Malie – V6
Although this track ultimately created a rift between Malie Donn and its producer, David Ireland, V6 proved a smashing success in 2023, maintaining what was an impressively hot streak following its release on April 1. Captivating everything and everyone within earshot, the mellow party anthem exceeded its limits to become one of the most popular songs of the year.
Release date: April 1, 2023
Producer: Ireland Records
Album/Riddim:
2. Valiant, Stalk Ashley – Narcissistic
This tale of infidelity and a subsequent love-triangle-gone-bad captured the airwaves in 2023, as Stalk Ashley and Valiant brought life to the scandalous narrative that drove their hit, Narcissistic. The song was a drama-filled, melodic exchange between the two crooners, which made for an entertaining showcase of writing chops complemented by some inspired acting.
Release date: December 22, 2022
Producer: YGF Records
Album/Riddim:
1. Byron Messia – Talibans
The hit that catapulted Byron Messia to global recognition, Talibans unsurprisingly owns the top spot. Reaping one accolade after another, Talibans saw Messia embarking on innumerable press stops, as well as enjoying the courtship of international juggernauts such as Burna Boy, who collaborated with Messia on the track’s official remix. For several, Talibans also topped Spotify’s official Dancehall playlist, and ultimately served as Messia’s stepping stone into what appears to be the early peak of his fairly young career.
Release date: January 20, 2023
Producer: Ztekk Records, Ej Fya
Album/Riddim: No Love