Top 20 Dancehall Songs via Pitchfork

Kemar TomlinsonJune 11, 2023

Jamaican music is well respected amongst music lovers and is one of the most sampled genres, particularly dancehall music. In this article, we will look at the top 20 dancehall songs according to Pitchfork via Apple Music.

20. Murderer – Barrington Levy

This instant classic, Murderer, was the first single on his album entitled Barrington, released in 1993 by the Clarendon native.

19. Lodge – Bounty Killer

Bounty Killer released this masterpiece on the sling teng riddim in 1993, showcasing his hardcore deejaying style and lyrics.

18. Summer Time – Vybz Kartel

Arguably the best summer song ever created in the dancehall genre. Vybz Kartel ruled the summer of 2011 and beyond following its release as the deejay showcased a different style by delivering some good vocals.

17. Anything For You – Snow feat. Nadine Sutherland, Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Terror Fabulous, Louie Culture & Kulcha Knox

This song was bound to be a classic, given the all-star lineup of talented artistes it featured. The original song was released in 1995 by Canadian musician Snow and remixed by the Jamaican entertainers in 1999.

16. Sycamore Tree – Lady Saw

The dancehall queen cemented her place in the genre with the release of this controversial song back in 1996 by showcasing her unique deejaying style.

15. Zungguzungguguzungguzeng – Yellowman

Release in 1983, this song is unique from its name to its lyrics and delivery. Yellowman captured music lovers’ ears with this creative piece of art.

14. Rich Gal – Michie One & Louchie Lou

The female duo’s song has quite a few; famous samples from their massive hit released in 1994, as they mixed their contrasting voices to create a soothing vibe.

13. Budy Bye – Johnny Osbourne

Budy Bye is one of the most sampled songs in dancehall following its release in 1985 on the Rub a Dub Solider album.

12. Get Busy – Sean Paul

One of the most successful songs out of Jamaica, delivered by dancehall multi-platinum-selling artiste Sean Paul.

11. Twice My Age – Shabba Ranks (feat. Krystal)

Up to this day, this remains one of the most controversial songs ever written, as it touches on unpopular social norms.

10. You Don’t Love Me (No, No, No) – Dawn Penn

As it relates to its sample value, it’s immeasurable. Dawn Penn showcased her soothing and tranquil vocals in this masterpiece.

9. Here I Come – Barrington Levy

Arguably the best Jamaican vocalist, Barrington Levy, in this classic, Levy shows why he is on this prestigious list twice.

8. Ramping Shop – Vybz Kartel & Spice

A track which came under massive backlash after its release in 2009 for its vivid and explicit lyrics, but it garnered a lot of success despite that.

7. Punnay – Admiral Bailey

Admiral Bailey combined his unique deejaying style with a few hilarious lyrics that brought across his point to the females.

6. Who Am I – Beenie Man

Beenie Man took the international market by storm with this recognizable song. It also has one of the most famous lyrics, “Zim Zima.”

5. Super Cat – Ghetto Red Hot

Super Cat showcased his respected hardcore delivery mixed with rudeboy and gangster lyrics on this famous track.

4. Tenor Saw – Ring The Alarm

When it comes to dancehall sound clash, this is arguably the most sampled track. Tenor Saw classical track was released in 1991.

3. Under Mi Sleng Teng – Wayne Smith

Released in 1985, Wayne Smith rocked countless dances with this track, also, it is much loved by Ganja lovers.

2. Murder She Wrote – Chaka Demus & Pliers

According to the dynamic duo, this 1992 track is the most sampled song. With its relatable lyrics, it became an instant classic.

1. Bam Bam – Sister Nancy

No surprise this song sits atop the list. The impact it had in dancehall was huge, as Sister Nancy delivered flawlessly on the most legendary track in dancehall from a female artiste.

Kemar TomlinsonJune 11, 2023