Last updated on January 24, 2026, updated twice a month.
By the 2020s, Dancehall and Traphall have surged to global prominence, captivating audiences from the streets of Jamaica to the vibrant scenes of East Africa, blending cultures and beats into one of the most influential music movements worldwide.
The list below ranks 20 recently released Modern Dancehall songs in descending order of engagement over the last 30 days.
1 . Kybba, Ryan Castro & Sean Paul & Busy Signal - Ba Ba Bad RemixDetails ![]() ![]() Originally a solo groove from Busy Signal, “Ba Ba Bad Remix” reemerges with Sean Paul and Ryan Castro onboard, exchanging verses over sly rhythmic tweaks. Released in June 2025 by Basshall Records, the track mixes dancehall tension with Latin swing and urban electronics without blinking too hard at genre fences. Production comes courtesy of Kybba—aka Jack Herron—an Amsterdam-based DJ raised in Salento who’s been stirring Caribbean and Afro elements into his projects since launching the Basshall Movement in 2016. He’s behind tracks like “Pon Di Ting” and “Pilot,” which shuffle between his Italian roots and club systems louder than necessary. Genres : shatta, dancehall, moombahton >> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website
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2 . Spice, Shaggy And Sean Paul - Go Down DehDetails ![]() ![]() “Go Down Deh” brings together Spice, Shaggy, and Sean Paul in a dancehall track that merges classic riddims with pop influences. Produced by Costi and Shaggy, the song leads Spice‘s debut studio album “10,” released through VP Records. The collaboration unites three dancehall figures—Spice as the self-proclaimed “Queen of Dancehall,” Sean Paul as an international hitmaker, and Shaggy, a Grammy winner with a knack for infectious hooks. Its success extends beyond music charts, securing a place on former U.S. President Barack Obama’s 2021 playlist. Certified platinum in Canada, the track marks a milestone for Spice, highlighting her expanding influence. Born in St. Catherine, Jamaica, she first gained traction with tracks like “Romping Shop” and “So Mi Like It.” Her stint on “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” only widened her appeal, bridging dancehall with mainstream audiences. “Go Down Deh” reinforces her standing, bringing a infectious rhythm and sultry delivery fit for global ears.
Genres : dancehall, reggae The music video is directed by Jason Williams >> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website
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3 . Wizthemc, Bees & Honey - Show Me LoveDetails ![]() ![]() “Show Me Love” pairs WizTheMc’s fluid delivery with bees & honey’s airy sound, weaving hip-hop cool with breezy pop undertones. Produced by Hitimpulse, the beat moves with an effortless ease, balancing crisp percussion and smooth melodies. WizTheMc, born Sanele Sydow in Cape Town and raised in Lüneburg, Germany, carved his path with “For A Minute” in 2021, building a catalog spanning three albums and numerous EPs between Germany and Toronto. Genres : ,Reggae, Dancehall The music video is directed by saybyetoit & WizTheMc >> More by the same : Website
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4 . Shenseea - Hit & Run (w/ Masicka, Di Genius)Details ![]() ![]() Interpolating a dialogue between Shenseea and Masicka, “Hit & Run,” produced by Di Genius, captures the uncommitted nature of fleeting relationships. Released in January 2024, this dancehall fusion piece sees Shenseea playfully dismissing any intent for deeper attachment, while Masicka reflects on the nostalgia of their encounter. The production pulsates with rhythmic beats, setting the tone for a vibrant yet introspective exploration of love and freedom. Genres : World/Traditional, Hip Hop,dancehall, dancehall queen, jamaican dancehall, traphall, riddim The music video is directed by Shane Creative >> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website
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5 . Meryl - Shatta Confessions (w/ )Details ![]() ![]() “Shatta Confessions” is a 2025 single by Meryl featuring N’Ken, blending dancehall with Antillean rap in a nod to their Caribbean background. The track offers a sharp, rhythmic structure and lands easily in playlists built for the warmer months. Meryl, born Cindy Elismar in Martinique in 1995, fuses urban and Caribbean influences in her work, including her 2020 mixtape “Jour Avant Caviar.” N’Ken navigates similar musical lanes in the French Caribbean scene. Genres : shatta, zouk, kompa, dancehall The music video is directed by Maza
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6 . Kraff - IkationDetails ![]() ![]() Dancehall artist Kraff‘s 2024 track “IKATION” channels Spanish Town’s rhythmic roots. Seamlessly blending traditional and modern styles, Kraff asserts his unique voice in Jamaica’s vibrant music scene. Genres : World/Traditional,dancehall, jamaican dancehall The music video is directed by Shane Creative Featured on the album IKATION >> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website
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7 . Denis Nuca , LETTY - Doar La Ea. Ba La EaDetails ![]() ![]() “Doar La Ea, Ba La Ea” brings together Denis Nuca and LETTY in a Romanian pop collaboration set for release in February 2025. Nuca, a fixture in the genre since the early 2020s, joins forces with LETTY, whose career thrives on collaborations. The title translates to “Only To Her, But To Her,” hinting at a narrative of fixation or devotion. Nuca’s previous singles include “Jocul Calamarului,” “Favella,” and “Wella, Wella,” reinforcing his presence in the scene. Genres : Traditional music, Hip Hop,dancehall, soca The music video is directed by Elph >> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website
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8 . Prince Swanny, Major Seven - Liff UpDetails ![]() ![]() “Liff Up” pairs Trinidadian dancehall mainstay Prince Swanny with producer Major Seven for a track led by steady Caribbean rhythms and layered vocal interplay. Released in July 2025, it sticks close to the zesser-driven energy that Swanny—born Taryll Swan—has been threading through the scene since his 2017 breakout “Go Fi Dem.” He’s the voice behind the 2019 debut album “Trinidad’s Bad Man,” and once again he leans into his dancehall roots without ever losing pace. Genres : dancehall, soca The music video is directed by Reggie x Swandan Featured on the album Outside (ep)
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9 . Skippa, DJ Mac - WYFLDetails ![]() ![]() On “WYFL,” Skippa teams up with DJ Mac and guest artist CrashDummy for a track that trades subtlety for volume and swagger. Released in 2025 under Rich Together Entertainment, the single is a polished piece of contemporary dancehall with trap-inflected beats courtesy of DJ Mac and Solitary Muzik. The lyrics rotate around fast riches and louder declarations, with a repeated call to “jump out like a millionaire” as if that needed clarification. Directed by Aka Ruppi, the video doubles down on the song’s themes—flash, flashier, and confidently unbothered—like it’s all just a Tuesday. Everything from the beat to the visuals sticks to the plan: brisk, brash, and fully aligned with current Caribbean and urban music trends. Genres : dancehall The music video is directed by Aka Ruppi (Now Or Never) >> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website
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10 . Chronic Law - Badness Upgrade 2.0Details ![]() ![]() In “Badness Upgrade 2.0,” Chronic Law threads pain and defiance through EastSyde’s moody dancehall production, landing somewhere between a war cry and a diary entry. Born Akeeme Campbell in St. Thomas, he draws on trauma and street code, letting singjay flows carry raw lines that dodge euphemism with ease. The track channels the same bruised energy found in “Hillside Government,” “Empty,” and “Bless Me,” wrapping ghetto tales in a Vybz-Kartel-meets-Wiz-Khalifa haze. Post-2016 debut, Law’s voice now cuts sharper, his cadence leaning on both Bob Marley’s meditative fire and the hard-knock survivalism that defines the 6ix collective. Genres : dancehall >> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website |
11 . Tommy Lee Sparta, Trippie Redd - MurdererDetails ![]() ![]() “Murderer” ropes together Tommy Lee Sparta’s dark-edged dancehall and Trippie Redd’s trap-inflected emo rap like it’s been long overdue. The track comes dressed in a cinematic visual dripping with guns, women, and enough Halloween atmosphere to make a slasher flick blush. This is less a genre clash than a moody handshake in a dimly lit basement, merging two aesthetics that both like their shadows deep and their beats aggressive. The result leans hard into the season’s spook factor without pretending to be subtle. >> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website
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12 . Uncle Waffles - Wadibusa (w/ Royal Musiq,Ohp Sage, Pcee & Djy Biza)Details ![]() ![]() “Wadibusa,” released in April 2024, is a collaborative Amapiano track by Uncle Waffles, Royal Musiq, Ohp Sage, Pcee, and Djy Biza. Characterized by its infectious beats and synth melodies, this song captures the essence of South African dance culture, gaining traction through viral challenges. Genres : World/Traditional,dancehall, traphall, The music video is directed by Larnelle Bakala >> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website
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13 . Chronic Law, Cjthechemist - NY GirlsDetails ![]() ![]() “NY Girls” pairs Chronic Law’s pen with Cjthechemist’s engineered precision in a 2025 dancehall cut tailored for late-night reverie. Released under Chemist Records and DubShot, the track sketches New York women through a Caribbean gaze—equal parts admiration and critique wrapped in syncopated riddims. Chronic Law, born Akeem Campbell, navigates the beat with measured flow, backed by Cjthechemist’s clean yet unrelenting production choices. Genres : dancehall The music video is directed by Jedi The God >> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website
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14 . Tarrus Riley - Lighter (w/ )Details ![]() ![]() Shenseea and Tarrus Riley collaborate on “Lighter,” a contemporary reggae track layered with dancehall influences, released in 2020. Produced by Rvssian for Rich Immigrants, this love anthem plays on the lightness of affection and connection. Shenseea’s sultry vocals complement Tarrus Riley‘s rich tones, creating a perfect balance between romantic tension and rhythmic beats. Genres : World/Traditional, Rock, Latin,dancehall, lovers rock, dancehall queen, reggaeton, reggaeton flow, trap latino, urbano latino The music video is directed by Xtreme Arts >> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website
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15 . Armanii - 8:00 pm (w/ Malie Donn)Details ![]() ![]() In “8:00 PM,” Armanii joins Malie Donn for a late-night collision of Kingston and Spanish Town energy, fusing Armanii’s melodic edge with Malie’s weightier tone. The track walks a line between emotional directness and rhythmic swagger, indebted to dancehall’s instinct for tension and release. Malie Donn trades his usual grit for a smoother delivery, while Armanii steps away from balladry into something slicker, if not sweeter. Genres : ,dancehall >> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website
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16 . Jamal - FaadaDetails ![]() ![]() Jamal pushes forward with “Faada,” a dancehall cut released October 24, 2025, under Luwige Records and Rich Pree Records. The Montego Bay voice—known to his fans as “DunceMan”—sticks to his strengths: tight rhyme patterns, street talk, and a pace that barely pauses to catch its breath. Grit mixes with swagger as the lyrics pivot between flashes of luxury and the familiar rough edges of daily life. Those paying attention will catch self-referential nods to his earlier single “Time,” a wink to anyone tracking his growing catalog. The production keeps things raw, echoing the track’s punchy momentum with a sound that doesn’t clean up what it doesn’t need to. Following the buzz around “Ballandor,” “999,” and “Dunce Syndrome,” this one fits neatly into the string of songs that made him unavoidable in 2024. The video, dropped in December 2025, matches the mood—grimy, focused, and visually tethered to the song’s street-smart edge. Genres : dancehall The music video is directed by MAGiX byART / CineMAGiX >> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website |
17 . Vybz Kartel - Only Gets Better (Forever)Details ![]() ![]() Clocking in as Vybz Kartel’s 21st video of the year, “Only Gets Better (Forever)” lands on October 17, 2025, toasting romance that insists on sticking around. A joint effort from Greedy Lion, Vybz Kartel Muzik, and Slingerz Records, the track meshes familiar dancehall jolts with the kind of optimism that smells faintly of matching tattoos. Dominic pens the lyrics, Kartel takes the wheel on production, and Redboom Supamix handles the technical grooming—clean corners, glossy finish, bass intact. Director Rizzy signs the music video, matching the track’s champagne-soaked fidelity with visuals suitably cozy and choreographed. Built on mid-tempo grooves and lyrical winks at emotional permanence, it’s clearly a serenade dressed for the party. Genres : dancehall, soca, riddim, ragga, reggae The music video is directed by Rizzy >> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website
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18 . Najeeriii - 1RifleDetails ![]() ![]() Jamaican artist Najeeriii‘s “1Rifle,” a trap-dancehall fusion, showcases his “mumble style.” Produced by Zimi Records and others, this August 2024 release balances youthful innovation with rhythmic tradition in the genre. Genres : World/Traditional,dancehall The music video is directed by CatalogMG >> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website
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19 . Tommy Lee Sparta - Outside BrawlingDetails ![]() ![]() In “Outside Brawling,” Tommy Lee Sparta skips the long-winded threats and heads straight to the action. He parades his crew through the streets, day or night, strapped and unbothered, ready to turn friction into firepower. This is less about dispute resolution and more about fast retaliation—shoot first, talk never. Money flashes, enemies fall, and loyalty to his Spartan clique stays intact amid the chaos. Violence, for him, isn’t a last resort but a ritual—performed in plain sight to keep control and shut rivals up for good. Genres : dancehall, riddim, soca >> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website |
20 . Aya Nakamura - D├ú├é┬®Gaine (w/ Damso)Details ![]() ![]() “Dégaine” brings together Aya Nakamura and Damso on a mid-tempo pop-rap track infused with kizomba and kompa elements, produced by Bleu Nuit. Released on March 9, 2022, the song appears in Nakamura’s collection of non-album singles. The music video places the duo in stylized settings. Nakamura, a French-Malian singer-songwriter, gained international visibility with “Djadja” in 2018. Her album “Nakamura” (2018) reached diamond status in France, selling over 1.2 million copies worldwide. She has accumulated multiple number-one singles and a number-one album in France. Her 2020 album “Aya” later earned a double platinum certification. She has received nominations for the MTV Europe Music Award for Best French Act and became Lancôme’s international beauty muse in February 2023.
Genres : ,afropop, dancehall The music video is directed by Maky Margaridis >> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website
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Modest disclaimer: These rankings combine data from our platform with external streaming metrics to highlight what’s resonating right now.
We don’t claim to be exhaustive, so it’s possible you won’t find a title you expected to see on this list. Sorry about that — these things happen.
Our aim with these rankings is not to provide a definitive measure but to offer a snapshot of trends that resonate with audiences today.
What is Modern Dancehall?
Emerging from Jamaica’s vibrant streets in the late 1970s, Modern Dancehall has since morphed into a globally recognized genre. Artists like Shenseea, Popcaan, and Koffee expertly blend traditional dancehall with the infectious rhythms of hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeats, and even Latin influences. This fusion expands its appeal, making it more versatile while staying true to its Jamaican origins.
Modern Dancehall thrives on its foundation of riddims—syncopated instrumental tracks, punctuated by off-beat rhythms that are quintessentially Jamaican. Yet, the genre has evolved, with intricate electronic beats and complex rhythms pushing dancehall into the contemporary spotlight.
Lyrics: A Dual Lens of Celebration and Social Commentary
Modern Dancehall lyrics oscillate between the highs of success and the grit of urban life. Themes of resilience, celebration, and romantic escapades intermingle with sharp social critiques. Bold, confident, and provocative, the lyrics reflect the realities of life in bustling cities. Tales of triumph in the face of adversity, the allure of success, and the realities of personal relationships all find their place within the genre. Dancehall’s “badman” culture, akin to gangsta rap, surfaces frequently, recounting stories of street life and survival.
Visual Impact in Modern Dancehall Music Videos
Music videos play a pivotal role in Modern Dancehall, conveying the genre’s aesthetics and messaging through dynamic visuals.
Urban Landscapes and Street Culture
Set against the backdrop of lively neighborhoods and bustling streets, Modern Dancehall videos embrace the raw, everyday life of working-class communities. Artists like Chronic Law and Skeng reflect this with vivid depictions of street corners and markets, grounded in the struggles and realities of urban living.
Luxury and Success
Contrasting its humble origins, Modern Dancehall often showcases the rewards of success—luxury cars, designer brands, and opulent jewelry. Artists like Popcaan and Shenseea prominently feature these symbols of affluence in their videos, encapsulating an aspirational narrative. These visual cues illustrate a journey from hardship to wealth, emphasizing the genre’s persistent “rags to riches” theme.
Dance and Choreography
Dance is at the heart of Modern Dancehall, and videos frequently showcase energetic and intricately choreographed routines. Ding Dong and Spice lead the charge, with infectious moves that often spill over into global dance trends. These videos don’t just promote music—they turn dance into a viral phenomenon, with routines that emphasize the communal and celebratory aspects of the genre.
Bold Colors and Neon Lighting
Vivid color schemes and sharp neon lighting give Modern Dancehall videos their unique, high-energy look. Valiant and Teejay use striking palettes of neon greens, reds, and pinks to create a visual atmosphere that mirrors the music’s electric beats. This visual dynamism, with flashing lights and kaleidoscopic hues, underscores the party-like atmosphere that dominates much of dancehall culture.
Power Symbolism and “Badman” Culture
Many dancehall videos embrace the imagery of power and authority. Artists like Alkaline and Tommy Lee Sparta often position themselves in commanding stances, surrounded by large entourages that signal strength and dominance. Guns, military posturing, and images of confrontation reflect the influence of “badman” culture, where personal strength and resilience are paramount.
Gender Dynamics and Sensuality
Modern Dancehall videos unabashedly explore sensuality and desire. Female artists such as Spice and Shenseea lead the way, projecting empowerment through bold choreography and unapologetic body positivity. Their performances challenge traditional gender norms, while male artists often emphasize romantic conquests, adding a dynamic layer of seduction to the visual narrative.
Cultural Pride and Regional Influence
Despite its global reach, Modern Dancehall remains deeply rooted in Jamaican culture. Symbols of national pride, such as the Jamaican flag and Rastafarian colors, often appear in videos, alongside local slang and imagery of everyday life in Kingston. Koffee and others seamlessly weave these references into their visuals, ensuring that dancehall’s Jamaican heritage remains central, even as it garners international acclaim.
Modern Dancehall’s African Rise: A Fusion of Sounds, Cultures, and Influence
In the 2020s, Modern Dancehall has rapidly expanded across Africa, largely due to its fusion with popular local genres like Afrobeats and Amapiano. Artists such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Stonebwoy have blended dancehall rhythms with African beats, creating a hybrid sound that resonates across the continent. Collaborations between Jamaican and African artists further strengthened these ties, making dancehall more accessible to African audiences.
Jamaican artists like Popcaan, Koffee, and Shenseea have gained major popularity in countries like Nigeria and Ghana, thanks to the genre’s relatable themes of resilience, success, and empowerment. Additionally, African artists like Shatta Wale and Patoranking have embraced dancehall, merging it with local sounds to create a distinctive African dancehall movement.
Dancehall’s energetic and bold visuals have also influenced African street culture, with its dance routines becoming viral sensations across social media. This cross-cultural exchange has made dancehall an integral part of Africa’s musical identity, while allowing the genre to evolve through African influence.
ADJACENT GENRES
- dancehall queen
- afrobeats
- jamaican hip hop
- nigerian pop
- trinibad
- reggae fusion
- jamaican hip hop
- azontobeats
- nigerian hip hop
- afropop
- riddim





18.56% / 1.90%


















Rema and Selena Gomez’s “Calm Down” leads MODERN DANCEHALL once more, with Kybba’s “Ba Ba Bad Remix” steady at No. 2. Moliy’s “Shake It To The Max [Fly]” and Spice’s “Go Down Deh” remain strong within the Top 5. Uncle Waffles’ “Wadibusa” continues its rise, while Bessan Ismail’s “Hayhat” debuts at No. 20, introducing Arabic influence to the chart’s evolving fusion landscape.