New year, new Gregorian calendar New Year post.
2023 was really weird for me on so many levels, personally. I'll probably take a few weeks to process is more completely.
Beyond personal stuff, this year was...well...still weird. In the world, the country, my home state of Oregon....it was pretty much top-to-bottom weird. I don't even know if I could process it all even with 364 days to do so. Lots of war, lots of crazy disaster, lots of loss of personal liberties, lots of shootings, lots of political upheaval (at home and abroad), and just in general...a lot.
On the national level, I feel like everything in 2023 has been/was especially tense with the upcoming election year.. The chaos in the House of Representatives, the Trump trials, campaign rhetoric already heating up, economic ups & downs, abortion rights issues heating up, etc. I feel like the list could go on forever. I can only imagine that it'll all intensify as the elections get closer and closer. And it feels like people have really been burnt out with all of the insanity since 2021, but it keeps coming.
Anyway, here's my annual list(s) of favourite songs of the year. Same rules as always (no artiste gets to appear more than once, excluding producers). The lists are even longer than last year, but a lot of good tunes came out. I still feel like these lists are too short, tbh.
WARNING: There's a lot of NSFW songs. I have a soft spot for slackness (basically dirty talk and overt sexuality) culture. I can't help it. Anyway, enjoy
But first:
A song that came out 6 years ago, but I just heard this year. Felt it deserved a place in the post.
0) Sudan Archives- Come Meh Way
She's so good. I love this song in particular, but her whole catalogue is so good. She's just...her own genre. I can't really classify her style. I have a very special respect for anyone who can be inventive and really push boundaries in their respective craft. She does that.
Top Dancehall/Reggae Tunes
1)Geo Lyrical- Last Cry
I appreciate the introspective lyrics. I get the same vibe from thsi as I did Humans by NationBoss. That's a good thing.
2 Iwaata- 90's Pickney
Playgad freaked the Pleasure Tyme riddim. He had other good songs, too (especially 365). But I love this riddim, and he owns it.
3)Tessellated- Balance
I'm a big fan of Tessellated, and this is my favourite style of his. I don't even know what genre it is...Afro-Latino-West-Indian-ChillVibe Dancehall? I love it.
4) Byron Messia & Rvssian- Tropicana
It's just so tropical. I'm a sucker for steel drums.
5) Popcaan- Freshness
I'm still a sucker for steel drums.
6) Naomi Cowan, Idris Elba, General Levy, Toddla T- We Run The Area
This is like some sort of Dancehall/House mash up and I'm here for it.
7) Marcy Chin- Ketch E Bunx
It's such a Marcy Chin riddim. 1 President.
8) Boy Boy- Dat Bad
A Trini makes the list. Boy Boy does a lot of gunman tunes. I liked the switch up to the gyal tune style w/ the less-dark riddim.
9) Chi Ching Ching & Lila Ike - Wurl A Baff
Not a team up I was expecting, but the results are so good.
10) Alaine & Dexta Daps - See It Yah
It's such a weird combination of artistes. Alaine is a total church lady, and Dexta is like the King of Slackness. I want to know how they even met. But, somehow, they work together. This isn't their first team up. Alaine is one of my favourite singers, full disclosure. I might come back to this and link a few more older songs by her. I feel she's criminally underappreciated.
11) BeenieMan & Tugstar - Back Up Pon It
Beenie Man finally put out the Simma album, and my favourite song of the year by him wasn't even on the album. Tugstar brings the energy.
12) Aidonia -Woie
Slackness supreme. But the riddim and vocals win.
13) Shenseea - Sold Out
Shen had a ton of good songs this year, but this was my favourite.
14) Tommy Lee Sparta - Energy
Tommy Lee is free! He came back with a ton of great tracks, but this was my favourite. I had a couple of 2-hour gym sessions where I just had this song on repeat. Like, literally listened to the same song on repeat for2 hours. It's so good.
15) King Imxge - BamBamBiDamBam
Gunman tune, but it's so catchy. Love the Latin-style riddim w/ his voice. Also, the video is hilarious w/ the toy guns. This was another song I listened to for hours on repeat.
16) Ryrikal - The King Is Back
Love the riddim. I like driving around to this tune.
17) Masicka & Jahshii - Pieces
Deep Meds tune.
18) Jaz Elise - Rice & Peas
All the InnDiggNation gyal dem made the list (except Sevana, because she didn't put a song out). Just a sweet, relaxing tune..
19) Savage Savo - Work It
King of the Dancers tunes. Fight me.
20)Skiimo- This Year
Another song where I appreciate the introspective lyrics.
21) Wayne Wonder & Delly Ranx - Enjoy Yourself
It's Wayne Wonder and Delly Ranx. It goes on the list.
22)Dancehall Gorilla- Backaz
I like response songs, where an artiste makes a song that responds to another artistes song, but not as like diss tracks. My favourite response song is "Getting Divorced" by YellowMan, which was a response to his own song, "Getting Married" (link to a mash up of both tunes). Anyway, this is a response to Mannaz by Govana & Shaneil Muir. It's funny.
23)Di-Ruption - Never Grew Up the Wrong Way
I love this riddim (I'm pretty sure it's the same one Chronic Law used for Hillside, which is a favourite of mine), and the young man makes it his own.
24)TeeJay & Shaggy- Gyal Dem Time
Shaggy & the UpTop Boss coming through with the big tune.
25)Aza Lineage & Golden Seal - Owa Sound
Aza Lineage has a great voice and brings a good roots vibe. I'm a fan.
26)T'Jean, Sizzla, & Chronic Law- Worthy Cause
Good message, good team up, good tune.
27)Tina (fka Hoodcelebrityyy) & Bounty Killer- I'm Back
I love the Buzz riddim. I like these two on it. Big track.
28) Anthony Red Rose & Sly & Robbie- No Silence
I've been a long time Sly & Robbie fan. Love this riddim. Love the vocals.
29))Nordia Mothersille - All Is Fair
Maybe not a fun song, but I love her voice. And the visuals in the music video are good. She does her own thing, and I appreciate it.
30) Shawn Storm- Just A Child
A song about vigilante justice against paedophiles that also makes you want to dance? On this list. (PS- I don't support vigilante justice. You have to be certain that the accused is actually guilty. Vigilante justice makes it too easy to presume guilt with no evidence, which is dangerous. Just thought I'd clarify. But as someone who was/is a victim of (incestuous) paedophilia, I like the song and the sentiment.)
31) Lincoln 3Dot - Feel It
Slackness tune. Fun vibes.
32) Champagnie- Chapter 1, Verse 7
One Scorch.
33) Demarco- Jancrow
Love the riddim, love the lyrics.
34) Chino McGregor & Di Genius - Look a Girl
The interpolation of Duke of Earl is wild. I love it.
35) Khim Swaqq- Far
Everyone is like "none of these new dancehall artistes do real dancehall". This is real dancehall. Support the young man!
36)Najeeriii & Rajah Wild- Polkadot
It's just a fun, catchy tune.
37) Boom Boom & Friends - Grants Pen Freestyle
A good showcase of a lot fo talented artistes hosted by the best selector.
38)Ziddy - Caa Get Mi Out
Ziddy kind of started out as sort of a comedian/personality, but ended up being a legit artiste. I hope he makes more tunes, because he's actually really good.
39)Skinny Fabulous & Charly Black- Please Don't Call Me
Thsi could be either soca or dancehall, but I put it on th edancehall list. Big team-up.
40) Busy Signal- My Circle
Mi artiste.
41)YoungWildApache & Harry Toddler- Movie
Big tem-up, big riddim, big fun.
42)Tarrus Riley & Deja- Rude Boy
Nice song to kick back to.
43)Kabaka Pyramid & Lee "Scratch" Perry- Black
So good.
44)Jah9- Open Heart
I love her voice & positive messages.
45)Bugle & Spragga Benz- Hypocrite Love
It's about the message.
46)Skeng, Kaka, & Jigsta - Shak
Jigsta & Skeng are becoming an unbeatable duo. Kaka definitely adds to the energy. Such a fun song.
47)Romain Virgo- Switch You On
Always & forever one of my favourite singers. This one's a real toe tapper.
48)Teflon- Vacancy
I want to see Teflon make it. Always w/ good messages, good vibes, and skills.
49)Prettii Prettii- Caribbean Girls
That riddim though. Big fan of this tune, and she definitely bring the energy w/ her vocals.
50)Yaksta- No More Salesyoutu.be/7bVTcbRUKzI?si=JtI2v9AkQ_qfGy5B
Yaksta is one of the best at mixing roots, classic dancehall, and modern dancehall. This song is proof.
51)Elephant Man- Look Yah
I don't go to clubs or parties, but this should be playing at every club & party. Ele never fell off.
52)10Tik - Purpose
Another good deep meds tune.
52) Samory I & Mortimer- History of Violence
Two of the best singers of any genre on one track? On the list.
52) Kappa- Fully Hot Sauce
Fully Gringo.
Top Soca Tunes
1) GMBNeutron w/ David Rudder & Paul Keens-Douglas- Soucouynt
This song switches up a lot. It's different and fun.
2)Young Bredda & College Boy Jesse- Jook On the Junction
Fun tune.
3)Patrice Roberts & Machel Montano- Like Yuh Self
This is like royalty coming through. Had to be on the list.
4)Ding Dong- I Here To Fete
The dancing king makes good soca, too.
5)Marzville- Good Wine
Not the kind of wine you drink. Throwback vibes are big here, and it's intoxicating.
6)Supa Mario- Eff Away
Antigua representing on the list. Anthem.
7)Jah Reddis - Van Story
So catchy. Reddis is under-appreciated.
8)Mela Caribe- Dream
This came out at the end of last year, but I'm sneaking it in to this year's list because I didn't hear it until this year, & it's so good.
9)Nailah Blackman - Rum & Raisin
Nailah is good for at least 10 guaranteed hit tunes every year. This was my favourite (note the steel drums). But if you like Rum & Raisin ice cream, you're a Jamaican cop.
10)Voice- Your Love
Apparently I had a preference for more slow-tempo soca this year.
11) Freezy - Rose Inna Backaz
This years backaz tune.
12)Mr. Killa & Spice- Big Truck
Look at Spice trying to be both Queen of Dancehall AND Queen of soca. Good team up, good tune.
13)Trinidad & Avi Da Artiste - Sookie
More downtempo soca.
14)Ricardo Drue- Last One Standing
RIP Ricardo Drue. So many good tunes from him this year, but this was my fave. Condolences to his fiancee Patrice Roberts.
15)Lyrikal - Stick On
It's the Sine Wave riddim. I support trigonometric soca.
16) Nadia Batson - Market
Classic soca.
17)CocaNina & Nessa Preppy- Shell Downyoutu.be/QGFW7amvRiU?si=ZQBMAS5VjDgnEQfK
This songs like psychedelic soca. Nessa Preppy is always going to make my lists. Her and Coca Nina really came through on this one.
18) Lil Bitts- All His Money
Lil Bitts finally makes the list. I'm a fan.
19)Mical Teja- DNA
Classic soca vibes.
20)Ravi B- Non Stop
Ravi B is fast becoming one of my fave soca artistes.
21)Mole De Chef- Pulling Upyoutu.be/XdLByOCMLu4?si=WZA_89rhd52a0cCm
Soca is the real Bajan National Hero.
22)Rikki Jai & KMC- Socavivour
It's just fun, dammit.
23)Rae & Dan Evens- Tease
Love the Miel riddim. This was my favourite track on it.
24)Christo- Type Ah Way
This year's Afro-chill Soca champion tune.
25)Teddy Rhymez- Run It Back
Big Power Soca energy.
26)Kemmy- Spirit of Carnival
Song title says it all.
Top "Other Genre" Tunes
1)Queen Naija- Let's Talk About It
It's like a classic R&B song. It filled a void for me.
2) Max B- Lemonade
I am an unapologetic Max B fan. I love his flow. A true "one-of-one" artiste.
3)Aya Nakamura- Baby
Francophone gang pull up..
4)Tony X- La Conviance
This song is drugs. Breathe it in and enjoy the ride.
5)2-Chainz- 2 Step
Chainz coming through. I love his flow.
6)Ayra Starr- Sability
Fun song.
7)Mrs. Petty- Red Ruby Da Sleeze
The whole Pink Friday 2 album was so good. I'm glad it was closer to a straight hip hop album. This was one of the first tracks off the album to be released, btu it's still my favourite.
8)Mr. Vegas & Yemi Alade- Bright Future
Not a team up I was expecting, but I'm glad it happened. Waiting for Yemi's dancehall album to come out (she did a song w/ Spice last year).
9)Victoria Monet & Lucky Daye- Smoke
Two artistes I enjoy, coming together to putu out a nice, laid back song.
10 Blxst & Roddy Richh= Passionate
Summertime. Windows down. Playing this tune. Vibes.
11)Mahalia- Terms & Conditions
She might end up being a regular on my lists. This is such a good track.
12)Boot Camp Clik- Wotcha Call Strength
It's tough to see Boot Camp together, but without Sean Price. No disrespect to Ruste Juxx. But I'm pretty ride-or-die for my WWBCC, and this is such a great tune.
13)KRS-One - 50 More Years Of Hip Hop
KRS is one of the true greats. That is all.
14) J-Smash, Thato Saul, Kwesta, Flow Jones Jr.,, & YoungstaCpt.- The Truth
For hip-hops 50th anniversary, I wanted to get songs on this list to show how widespread the genre has become. This song comes from Africa. And it goes hard.
15) Big Boss Vette- Ion Need
Glad to see she's only rising in popularity. She makes good tunes, has great energy, and seems like a decent person. Hoping for her success. Her whole "Resilience" album was good.
16) Patoranking & Victony- Babylon
An African tune with some big Caribbean vibes. Love the cross-over feel.
17) RMR - Fever
This guy really does it all. He broke big with a country tune (with a video that totally didn't match the song). He's done hip hop songs. This song is like some 70's funk-sort-of-punk tune. I like.
18)E-40 - The Bay
The Bay area's contribution to hip-hop sometimes gets overlooked. E-40 is one of the Bay area greats, and this song is fun.
19) Falz- Soft Work
Fun club/party song.
20)Mr. Eazi ft. Tekno- Jamboree
Just a nice evening-time song to kick back to.
21) Sa-Roc -Talk To Me Nice
Not a commercial tune. But it goes hard, has a throwback feel. And she's a good lyricist. I'm a Sa-Roc fan. Goddess Gang is still one of my faves by her.
22)Dizzee Rascal & BackRoad Gee - Get Out The Way
UK hip hop. Worldwide. Dizzee was kind of one of the first UK artistes to get global traction in the genre. Glad he's still putting out music.
23)Tems- Me & You
Love it.
24)Tyla- Water
This song got a lot of mainstream attention. Deservedly so.
25) Ice Spice & Rema- Pretty Girl
Just fun & catchy.
26) AZ- Goat
This is like a gift to oldheads such as myself.
200) DJ Kay Slay - Rolling 200 Deep
The ultimate posse cut. RIP Kay Slay.