In 2017, Chronixx dropped his long-awaited official debut, Chronology, Damian Marley returned with his first solo album in a dozen years in Stony Hill, and Samory I put the reggae world on notice with his impressive first LP, Black Gold. It was a significant year for reggae, to say the least. From pure roots and culture to soulful genre hybrids, these were our favorite reggae tunes of 2017.
For more of this year’s top reggae, stream/download DJ Shirkhan of Safari Sound’s Best Reggae 2017 mix here.
*Yes, there’s 12 tracks included here, not 10. Due to the related nature of several tracks, we’ve fit in some extra.
Pentateuch Movement have developed a rep in Jamaica and overseas on the strength of their live show but, up until now, the group hasn’t had a proper hit to carry them onto the airwaves and into selectors’ sets. That should (and appears to) be changing with “Punchinella,” a dubwise throwback to early ‘80s Sly and Robbie/Black Uhuru. No surprise that it’s executive produced by Protoje and his Indiggnation Collective, who dusted off this sound on 2013’s The Eight Year Affair. Still, Pentateuch make it their own on this tune about a lovelorn fella who can’t find his “Punchinella.” — Jesse Serwer
Nosy neighbors must have reached crisis levels in Jamaica, because they were the topic of two great reggae tracks we couldn’t get enough of this year. “Hold a Medi” chronicles Busy Signal’s attempts to smoke a spliff in peace, delivered with the lyrical panache we’ve come to expect from the Turf Boss. Meanwhile, Jamaica’s most successful former reality show stars Christopher Martin and Romain Virgo (both were ‘discovered’ on Digicel Rising Stars, Jamaica’s “American Idol”) unite on “Leave People Business,” a track firmly in the spirit of Jacob Miller and Inner Circle’s “Tenement Yard,” perhaps the greatest ‘mind-your-own-business’ anthem ever. Gwaan, mind your own and leave people business alone! — Desmond Alphonso
“Can’t Breathe,” produced by Genis Nadal, is the first single release from Kabaka Pyramid’s forthcoming album, Contraband. Notably, the artist conceived the idea for the track after watching Lauryn Hill’s Unplugged. Impressed by the emotion she expresses in her music, he wanted to replicate her passion. The song is dedicated to people around the world who feel the pressure when their bills and taxes rise, but their paycheck doesn’t. Something many of us can relate to. It is one of Kabaka’s best singles to date, and leaves fans eagerly waiting for his Damian Marley-produced debut to arrive. — Gibbo
A fan favorite from Jr. Gong’s Grammy-nominated Stony Hill album, “Living It Up” is not in any sense a traditional reggae song. It borrows lyrics from Will Smith’s Fresh Prince theme (!) over a rhythm that’s more funk than roots. It secures a spot on our reggae countdown this year on the strength of its ridiculously infectious vibe. A hopeful tune that posits anyone can be somebody, and a good life is the reward for those who consciously elevate themselves “out of the ghetto,” it’s got that universal people appeal we’ve come to expect from the Marley family over the years. — Kadene Pitter
This number by Fyakin has that old-school, rub-a-dub sound. Good ole’ Mary Jane is Fyakin’s muse, as he references the joys of copious cannabis consumption. Nothing new there for reggae music, but Fyakin has upheld the standard with this track, giving us conscious, well put-together lyrics on a well-produced track from producer Sean Alaric. We reckon this song will be referenced as one those timeless “weed songs” in the decades to come. It is needless to say, then, that his song is pure fyah. — Keva Evans
“Majesty” and “Spanish Town Rockin” technically predate 2017, with the latter first appearing as a mixtape track (Roots and Chalice with Federation Sound) and the former showing up as the soundtrack to a dynamic video, in 2016. Together with the artist’s big hit “Skankin Sweet,” they helped buoy anticipation around Chronixx’s debut album, Chronology in the months before its release, and continue to stay in heavy rotation wherever reggae is played. Only their questioned status as *2017 releases* keep these songs from placing higher on this list. —Desmond Alphonso
“Blood Money” details a politically corrupt Jamaica, where the rich receive preferential treatment and escape criminal prosecution. The single immediately struck a chord, and caused a stir before it was available for digital download or a video had been released. Protoje courageously speaks for the many in this Winta James-produced track, which he hopes will bring about conversations leading to a more just society where status is not dictated by salary. Change doesn’t occur overnight, but raising awareness of an issue is the first step, and Protoje has certainly done that. — Gibbo
“Rasta Nuh Gangsta” is the standout track on Samory-I’s debut album Black Gold, a collaboration with selector/producer Rory Stone Love. Samory tells a story of being misunderstood, profiled and harassed by the police due to his appearance and Rastafarian beliefs. “I’m here to set Jah people free, peace and love is my philosophy,” Samory declares in protest to the song’s figurative officer figure. Samory-I’s emotion filled vocals and Rory’s production combine to form a sound that recalls vintage roots reggae, but does not sound dated or out of place today. — Gibbo
For decades, reggae artists have expressed their love of marijuana in their music. “Medication,” one of three collaborations between Damian Marley and his older brother, Stephen Marley, on Jr. Gong’s latest, Stony Hill, goes a step further, emphasizing the medical uses of the plant. As Damian puts it, “Your leaves of green, your purples and blue, has cured little kids, and old women, too”. These wide-ranging benefits are also documented in a series of short videos featuring medical marijuana patients which can be viewed online, along with the single’s official video, filmed in a former prison turned cannabis grow space in California co-owned by Damian. “Medication” is not only a great from a musical perspective, it highlights irrational treatment of a plant which has the potential to benefit so many people in a profound way. — Gibbo
“Skankin Sweet” was the single on Chronixx’s debut Chronology which struck a chord with the greatest number of people, from reggae enthusiasts to those who do not normally listen to the genre. Contributing to the mass appeal of this Bost and Bim-produced track are its; the universal issues covered in the verses; and an upbeat singalong chorus that’s almost guaranteed to be stuck in your head from first listen. Virtually every adult feels the pressures of life, has bills to pay and feels isolated at times. Chronixx not only recognises this, but suggests a remedy: “Everybody wanna feel irie, forget your troubles and rock with me.” This song is an example of the transformative power of music, it provides an escape and temporary relief from the struggles of everyday life. — Gibbo
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