DJ War
So we’re now well into 2012, the year many are saying the world is going to end! But the world’s still spinning (at the moment), meaning a lot of things and one of those things is that new Dancehall is being released to the masses! DJ War’s been busy making some fire mixes to keep Dancehall lovers entertained and of course there’s his weekly podcast available for free download. Visit DeejayWar.com for his exclusive mixes or click here to listen and download the latest podcast 100% free! Let’s get into the top 5 baddest Dancehall tracks for April!
Konshens – Stop Sign (Gyal A Bubble Part 2)
Konshens has been dropping some fire tracks recently and Stop Sign is definitely no different. A hit for the ladies and the clubs, ‘Stop Sign’ follows on from Konshens’ smash ‘Gyal A Bubble,’ which was featured in our top 5 in March. I’m hoping Konshens will release a similarly themed video to Gyal A Bubble for the track, which would definitely be entertaining! The Stop Sign Riddim from Subkonshus Music is a well produced minimalist riddim with a subtle Latin flavour and you’ll be hard pressed not to bubble to this one. Check it out!
Popcaan – Fry Yiy
Popcaan is the man of the moment, so it’s no surprise that the Gaza ‘prefect’ is included on April’s countdown not once but twice! His first entry ‘Fry Yiy’ is a dark track over a UIM Records produced riddim (the same producers behind Popcaan’s hit Naughty Gal). With artists such as ex-Gaza member Black Ryno and Demarco sending shots at Poppy ‘Fry Yiy’ involves the artist asserting: “Sum bwoy fi mek some hit song an’ stop cry.” This is an obvious message to Ryno who has been seeking out a lyrical confrontation with Popcaan since leaving the Gaza, and has seen his popularity decline. The song is reminiscent of his incarcerated mentor Vybz Kartel’s numerous songs that address other artist’s criticism. Many believe that Popcaan has slotted into Kartel’s position as head of the Gaza and the most dominant force in Dancehall since his imprisonment; as Popcaan states on the track: “Mi a mi own boss nuh man cyan hire mi, so if it nuh Worl’ Boss nuh bwoy cyaan chat to mi!” Listen to the track below.
Popcaan – Diss Mi Friend
More Popcaan! The second Popcaan entry is only available as a preview at the moment but is already causing waves on the Dancehall circuit. ‘Diss Mi Friend’ is Popcaan’s second recording over the popular #TNS/Team No Sleep Riddim, and in a similar vein to Fry Yiy is a scathing track aimed at the artists detractors. Poppy’s flow over the riddim is impeccable and sure to get any crowd hyped. I envision multiple wheels for this one in the dance, plenty ‘wheels,’ and flashing lighters. Let’s hope the full version is released sooner rather than later – the people want to hear more! Take a listen to the preview in the mean time.
Konshens & Tifa – Destiny
Tifa
Oh, did I forget to mention that Konshens is featured twice in the countdown as well? Well he is! ‘Destiny’ a collaboration with Dancehall diva Tifa is a solid track on the Wet Up Riddim produced by hit producers Seanizzle. Konshens is definitely an ‘underdog’ in the Dancehall scene, but shows consistency across the board with both Dancehall and Reggae releases. ‘Destiny’ is another club track and the simple hook’s catchy nature will be in your head after a few plays: “That whine ya a destiny(mmhmm), that whine ya a destiny (mmhmm).” Tun it up!
Cham ft. O – Tun Up
Winning Combination: Cham & O
Are you #TeamCham? No? Well you just might be after hearing this banger..! Cham and O ‘are back with another hit; Tun Up’ is another girl meets boy collaboration hotting up the airwaves at the moment. A follow up from their hit collaboration ‘Wine’ which we featured a couple months back, Cham and O seem to be a winning combination. He is definitely looking to make a solid comeback on the Dancehall scene after fading into obscurity and releasing singles sporadically, and like a true business man is sticking to formulas he knows work! The riddim for ‘Tun Up’ is bass, bass and more bass and if you do as the song says and hear this one loud in your car, house or in a club you’ll definitely be feeling the vibe! The beat actually reminds me a lot of ‘Ghetto Story,’ which of course was Cham’s biggest hit. Looks like infectious bass + Cham = #winning? You decide!
What was your favourite entry on the list, let us know! And of course look out for the April Reggae countdown!
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