Opinion, reviews, interviews, staff lists, rankings, and other long talking about Reggae and Dancehall music and culture.
Manchester native Evy Royal, known for his humorous Instagram skits, which capture the essence of rural Jamaican life, culture, and psyche, transcended digital boundaries when he was hand-picked to star as a rogue, in Trap-Dancehall artist Rygin King’s 2021 hit Squeeze Trigga and an embattled office worker in Chronic Law’s Choices earlier this year.
Every week, writers at DancehallMag highlight new Jamaican songs and videos you should add to your Reggae, Dancehall, Trap, and R&B playlists.
Marvin Sparks delves into the intricacies of creating a hit dancehall song, emphasizing the importance of hooks, authenticity, and international appeal. The author, a London-born expert with deep roots in the genre, critiques the narrow focus on American charts and stresses the need for songs that compel global audiences to dance and feel.
Thursday, December 21, marked the 30th anniversary of the murder of Dirtsman, the Dancehall artist, best known for the hit song Hot This Year, who had his career cut short when four gunmen took his life in 1993.
Rastafarian firebrand Anthony B has come a long way from being a naive country boy out of Clark’s Town, Trelawny, inspired by Reggae legend Peter Tosh‘s roots message and ‘gangsta’ deejay Ninjaman‘s innovation.
The nostalgia of 2010 Dancehall music pervades with producer NotNice gearing up to re-release his prolific Street Vybz riddim.
Dancehall veteran Grindsman said he had experienced a career resurgence in 2010, when Vybz Kartel flipped his 1990 track Benz Punaney.
Every week, DancehallMag highlights new and notable Jamaican songs and videos you should add to your Reggae, Dancehall, Trap, and R&B playlists.
Sean ‘Contractor’ Edwards, principal of Contractor Music Group, praised Masicka‘s Generation of Kings (G.O.K.) for its initial success in the US but believes the album could have made a bigger splash with a crossover hit.
Smokin’ Love, a 2014 collaboration between American Reggae band Stick Figure and Bermudian Reggae singer Collie Buddz, was certified Gold in the United States last month.
The Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise, founded by Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and his manager Dan Dalton, recently wrapped up its 8th successful voyage, entertaining 4,375 Reggae and Dancehall enthusiasts from 47 countries on a musical odyssey aboard the Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas.
Reggae singer Sanchez stands out for his unique approach to covering songs by both local and international artists.
Masicka‘s Generation of Kings, his first album under Def Jam Recordings, will make a strong debut on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart tomorrow.
Every December, the number 4 looms large in the mind of recording artist Kenneth ‘Glamour Murphy’ Phillips, the father of the late dancehall singer J Capri.
The late Dancehall legend Tenor Saw had revealed the secret behind his mature-sounding voice, which many often mistook for that of an older man but which influenced the sounds of many artists, including Lady Saw.
Producer Countree Hype says his second EP— Cosa Nostra— which features Dancehall artists Pablo YG, Intence, Jahvillani, Konshens, Roze Don, Shane O, Deep Jahi, and Tommy Lee Sparta was a response to what his supporters wanted.
Today marks eight years since the world was stripped of fast-rising talent J Capri, but her legacy lives on in infinite ways.
In 1988, at only 21 years old, Dancehall icon Tenor Saw was the victim of a hit-and-run driver in Houston, Texas, contrary to widespread reports and speculation in Jamaica that his death was the result of gun violence or exposure after an altercation.
Dancehall producer Donovan ‘Don Corleon’ Bennett says he believes young artists should be given the space to reach musical maturity without undue criticism.
Conroy Smith’s Dangerous is what veteran producer Hugh ‘Redman’ James refers to as his most successful project. “That’s my biggest song you know!”