3. Ninjaman, “Iron”
Ninjaman kept himself busy in 2013, steadily releasing new music throughout the year, and finishing with a show-stealing Boxing Day performance at Sting (pictured above). While his triumphant comeback anthem “Ninja Mi Ninja” made the Jamaican music charts—and enough waves for a solid placement on our list of the year’s best dancehall— other tunes were more slept on. “Iron” was, arguably, the best of these. The kung-fu samples and RZA-esque piano sounds which start the track are a fitting beginning for an artist who famously inspired Method Man’s “Bring the Pain,” while the lyrical threats are classic Don Gorgon. Honorable mention goes to “Gweh (Wi Nuh Taste N Buy)” on DJ Frass’ dope Pop Style riddim, the most up-to-di-time tune of Ninja’s improbable comeback. —Jesse Serwer