5. Popcaan, “The System”
Selecting a Popcaan for this year’s Top 10 was tricky. “Only Man She Want” became Poppy’s first tune to crossover to US radio, but it did most of its damage last year. “Summa Wave” was big, but it felt so much like last year’s big hits, “Ravin” and “Party Shot.” “No Yes Man” was our favorite Popcaan tune this year, but didn’t make as much noise as it should have. So we’re going with the dark horse “The System.” Fry Yiy’s tune on Dre Skull’s Loudspeaker riddim saw the Gaza deejay graduate from party mode and throw his his hat into the social commentary arena, a sure sign of growth. “The System” wasn’t heard much at clubs, but thanks to one of the best dancehall videos of the year, it became something of a cult, Internet-propelled hit.