The difficult task of remaining on top of billboard charts in Jamaica and overseas have motivated many talented dancehall artists to dig deep within their lyrical library for songs that would give them staying power. Predictably, many artists are unable to dig deep enough to remain competitive and as a result had their careers wiped out before they even got a chance to release an album. The year 2008 was arguably one of the most exciting, colorful and eventful periods in dancehall history, because it gave birth to talented individuals and forced veteran artists to “step up their game.” The following consist of a list of artists who packaged and delivered quality music to the doorsteps of dancehall fans at home and aboard.
They are as followed:
Mavado: The “gully president’s” ability to deliver hits-after-hits embodies the characteristics of a great dancehall artist who possess the lyrical arsenal needed to stand the test of time in Jamaica and overseas.
Assassin: As much as I would love to have heard a lot more from him in 2008; Assassin has proven him-self to be one of dancehall music’s most intelligent, energetic and lyrically gifted artists of his time.
Busy Signal: Stepped onto the dancehall stage with blazing tracks and a unique flow that sets him apart from all other.
Vybz Kartel: Despite loosing the lyrical battle with Mavado at Sting-08, Kartel earned his stripes as an exceptionally good song writer and performer.
Beenie Man: The “true king of dancehall” has being creating hits way before I could tie my own shoe lace and from the looks of things – there is nothing stopping “the doctor” from keeping his fans musically hooked.
Ladysaw: The “Queen of Dancehall” is not only considered by many as a veteran in dancehall music, but the epiphany of a talented and seasoned artist with an unblemished record of releasing hits.
Demarco: The chart-topping song titled “This is for my fallen soldiers” propelled Demarco into the increasingly competitive dancehall arena with a song that became the anthem for anyone who lost a friend or family in one of Jamaica’s roughest inner-city communities.
Aidonia: Many might argue that his style is almost identical to that of Busy Signal; however, what sets Aidonia is his ability to transform any record he puts his hands on into gold.
Elephant Man: The “energy god” needs no introduction – he’s an exceptionally talented artist and is notoriously known for delivering grade-A performances on stage.
Cecile: Is perhaps one of the few female dancehall artists that created a lot of buzz in 2008 with her unique flow and unscripted/colorful personality. Check out Jud Benjamin’s interview with Cecile on wejamaicans.com.
About The Author: Mark Dixon is a proud Jamaican, Freelance writer and website administrator whose articles/reviews have being featured in print and online websites. If you wish to know more about Mark, kindly visit http://www.myspace.com/Mr718 or email him directly at markd9@gmail.com. Affiliate websites: PrPlum.com, JamaicaPressRelease.com, WeJamaicans.com, and StraightVibes.com.
Tags: aidonia, assassin, beenie man, busy signal, cecile, demarco, elephant man, ladysaw, mavado, vybz kartel
movado did not win that battle with vides kartel
vibeskartel was the man for sting he his the champ movado is a runner
vybes kartel was d last man standin in that battle GAZA meh SEY
Gaza weh seh no gully gyal can come test weh.
dem nuh fi fuss an want fi come start fight wen dem gully man a watch di gaza gyal deh!!!!!
u could have beat kartel in dat but u make him beat u and u should defend your title from him gully to de wrul
dis list is full of garbage…cuz vybz kartel is clearly the winner of the clash