6. J Boog, Wash House Ting (Washhouse Music Group)
J Boog has taken a unique journey to reggae prominence. The California-born singer of Samoan descent moved to Hawaii in order to advance his musical career, gaining his first taste of international success in 2010 with the release of the Don Corleon-produced “Let’s Do It Again.” His latest album Wash House Ting, which went straight into three Billboard charts, includes a trio of songs from his Grammy-nominated Rose Petals EP, released earlier this year. Boog’s ability to convey raw emotion through his lyrics is perhaps his greatest asset — as demonstrated on “Let Me Love You” a reggae ballad, and the soulful “Sweet Love”. The project comes to a close with “Raggamuffin,” which features guest verses from Gramps Morgan and Buju Banton. Recorded during the currently-incarcerated superstar’s Rasta Got Soul tour in 2009, the previously unreleased collaboration feels highly relevant today. — Gibbo