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Saturday, March 27, 2004
What is dancehall reggae?
Dancehall reggae has a tendency to “slackness,” (the term used to connote rude and vulgar lyrics). This deejay-led, largely computerized, upstart music seemed so far removed from the gentle and laidback rhythm of roots and culture that purists furiously debated as to whether it was genuinely reggae or not. But it is making a strong comeback with its roster of “toasters” (deejay/rappers in Jamaican parlance), taking on many subgenres and styles from gangsta-laced themes and lyrics to the Roots and Culture-based music (which focuses on the vibe and feel of Jamaican reggae and goes back to the Rastafarian roots of reggae music. Here’s the line-up of today’s hottest dancehall artists around the world:
Sean Paul
Proclaimed as dancehall’s new hero, Sean Paul gained the acceptance of apprehensive reggae music purists through his easy and friendly attitude and his powerful performance onstage. His “Gimme The Light” propelled him to international success and reintroduced dancehall to the world.
Dave Kelly
Dave Kelly is dancehall’s most successful producer for the past ten years, elevating the careers of Buju Banton, Shaggy and Baby Cham. He is credited for introducing a fusion of dancehall reggae and hiphop.
Lenky
Lenky is dancehall’s first producer to have two songs on Billboard’s R&B, Hot 100 and Rap Singles charts, Sean Paul’s “Get Busy” and Wayne Wonder’s “No Letting Go.” Lenky is also a member of Buju Banton’s ‘Til Shiloh band.
Kardinal Offishal
His collaborations with Bounty Killer on the “Barkardi Slang” remix and with Busta Rhymes on “Ole Time” remix has gained Kardinal Offishal a lot of attention and airtime.
Baby Cham
A short absence from the music scene has not dulled Baby Cham’s magic, which has spawned hits like “Tables Will Turn,” a collaboration with Foxy Brown and “Can’t Stop Us Now.”
Sources: Budoy Marabiles / The Fader Magazine (May/June Issue 2003)/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/features/reggae/
(March 27, 2004 issue)
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