6. Patra
No ordinary deejay, Patra is a style icon and international sex symbol whose influence extends far beyond the dancehall. First coming to the Jamaican public’s attention in 1989, she made one of her earliest appearances at the legendary ladies-only Four The Hard Way clash at Reggae Sting , which also featured Lady G, Lady P and Sister Charmaine, that year. Early ‘90s singles like “Queen of the Pack,” “Worker Man” and “Romantic Call” with rapper Yo-Yo helped bring her to international attention, fusing dancehall with pop, R&B and hip-hop, while her arresting looks and sultry wining skill made her a favorite among male listeners. Today, Patra might be most famous for her hair: The jumbo-sized rows she popularized in the ‘90s, and since worn by everyone from Janet Jackson to Solange, are often referred to simply as “Patra braids.” After many years off the scene, she’s recently returned with the single “Come Ova” featuring Delus. Read our interview with the “Queen of the Pack” here.