Sean Kingston feat. Nicki Minaj — “Letting Go (Dutty Love)” (2010)
One of Nicki’s first major collaborations after coming to fame was this dutty but radio-friendly collaboration with island-pop star Sean Kingston. For her part, Nicki laces her verse with patois phrases like “Yuh dun know” and “True seh,” ending things with a quixotic “Rastafari!” It’s the video, which was shot outside Jack Ruby’s Bar & Grill in Ocho Rios, Jamaica (named for the famed reggae producer and grandfather of Sean Kingston) and features cameos from an assortment of dancehall stars including Shaggy and Leftside, that really won us over with this one. Director X, the Canadian-Trini lensman known for his polished but authentic depictions of Jamaican culture, captured the lively vibes of Jamaican synchronized dance routines in a classic bashment party reminiscent of his work for Sean Paul and Foxy Brown. It’s hard not feel nostalgic for the late ’90s and early aughts watching this one. —Richard “Treats” Dryden