Happy New Year!
As we usher in 2024, we take time to look back at the highlights from 2023. Here are our top 12 including an honorable mention.
Honorable Mention: Beres Hammond’s Honorary Doctorate
For five decades Beres Hammond has serenaded his audiences with his distinct voice. Dubbed the Godfather of Lover’s Rock, Beres has had hit records in each of his 50 years in the business. In 2023, Beres received an honorary doctorate from the University of the West Indies in acknowledgement of his service through song. Beres is the only performing artist from the genre, from Jamaica to receive this honor.
Stream Beres Hammond – I Need Your Love
12. King Jammy Sumfest Honor and Tribute
King Jammy is one of Jamaica’s top-rated music producers. Several of his catalog hits have achieved wide stream success, making him synonymous with the term greatness. Having spawned some of Reggae’s most famous songs, King Jammy was honored at Reggae Sumfest 2023 for his more than 45 years in the industry.
Watch the King Jammy Sumfest Tribute
11. Step It Down Shepherd’s Bush
2023 was another monumental year for the iconic Greensleeves brand following on from their 45th anniversary in 2022. Reggae history was made this year when Greensleeves unveiled their Nubian Jak Blue Plaque near the site of their original Shepherd’s Bush shop where the label was originally formed, preserving their legacy for future generations.
Stream the Ultimate Greensleeves Playlist
10. Love Thy Community
The exclusive branding partnership between KITH and VP Records resulted in limited edition shoes and clothing being made available to the public. KITH’s ’Love Thy Community’ brand featured the VP Records Retail Store with VANS shoes with the design inspired by the classic 12-inch sleeve and coordinating t-shirt. This first-of-a-kind style between mainstream chic and Caribbean culture is a sign of more cross-trends to come.
Stream the Women of Reggae Playlist
9. Prince Fatty Meets The Gorgon
Prince Fatty has made an impressive mark in 2023. The U.K.-based producer released an instant classic, ‘Prince Fatty Meets The Gorgon in Dub,’ which takes listeners on a sonic one-off journey that caused vinyl editions to sell-out and re-presses to be made. His in-store meet and greet at Banquet Records solidified demand for his project. World-famous broadcaster David Rodigan rates the project as a ‘must have.’
Pictured: Horseman and Prince Fatty
8. Dancehall Goes Hollywood
From a soft-rock classic to a Dancehall-infused adult-contemporary hit in 2023, Dancehall went to Hollywood thanks to DJ Cassidy, Shaggy, Rayvon and Malibu Rum. “If You Like Pina Coladas” (a take on Rupert Holmes “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)”), was produced by DJ Cassidy and iLL Wayno and performed by DJ Cassidy, Shaggy and Rayvon which heard distinct Dancehall vocal bravado. Malibu hosted the launch party at The Hideaway in Beverly Hills on July 10th which is national Pina Colada Day in the U.S.
7. Alborosie’s Destiny
Alborosie’s ‘destiny’ came to fruition with the release of his album of the same name. The Reggae and Dub star was one of the few artists to tour the West Coast of the United States, Europe, and South America this year. While on tour, Alborosie performed tracks from his new album and classic tracks such as “Kingston Town.”
With this his 12th album, Alborosie’s unique style and music continues to influence Reggae globally.
6. Culture Clash
Stepping into the realm of collaboration via clothing, Greensleeves and world-renowned skateboarding company, Antihero, came together for a one-of-a-kind partnership. The duo combined the iconic imagery of Tony McDermott with the swift-moving energy of skateboarding culture to deliver a unique brand of clothing and skateboards. Stamped by legends John Cardiel and Grant Taylor, Skateboarders now proudly show off their love for Reggae.
Stream the Ultimate Greensleeves Playlist
5. Dancehall’s Heavy Hitters: Intence / Malie Don / Byron Messia / Masicka / Pablo YG / TeeJay
The Dancehall sound had an impressive year. Online streaming platforms collectively allocate more than 4.64 million monthly listeners for (pictured clockwise top left) Intence, Malie Don, Byron Messia, Masicka, Pablo YG and TeeJay combined. The sound and style of Kingston, Jamaica is having a global impact. Look for more in 2024.
4. Live Lounge with Shaggy and Kes
Shaggy’s 2023 was a ‘Mood.” The diamond-selling artists released a 7-track EP that was Soca inspired and included the hit record “Mood” featuring Kes which was performed at BBC 1Xtra’s Live Lounge for Notting Hill Carnival. Additional highlights for Shaggy include the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Superbowl 2023 performance as well as Toronto Carnival.
Watch Shaggy and Kes at Live Lounge
3. The Mighty Channel One
The Greensleeves team linked up with U.K. cornerstone soundsystem, the mighty Channel One to release the highly acclaimed compilation Down In The Dub Vaults. The project premiered at Notting Hill Carnival to an enraptured crowd and has been one of the most successful vinyl products for the company this year.
2. Adidas Collab with JFF Football
Adidas and the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) collaborated on a collection of four-piece game day apparel with fashion label Wales Bonner. The signature collection includes home and away kits, a pre-match jersey and a reversible anthem jacket for the Reggae Girlz and Reggae Boyz football teams. VP Records Matriarch Patricia ‘Miss Pat’ Chin received an honorary jacket to represent the 3-side collaboration.
1. Beenie Man Achieves Gold and New Album Simma
In 1998, Dancehall star Beenie Man took the world by storm with his chart-topping anthem “Who Am I (Sim Simma).” Produced by Jeremy Harding on the Playground Riddim, the song remains a staple of the genre. In 2023, the VP Records single achieved Gold status as awarded by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Beenie Man’s latest album, Simma, has been nominated for a GRAMMY in the Best Reggae Album category.
We hope you enjoyed our 2023 Top Ranking Moments wrap-up. The year has flown by, and provided many memorable moments including the few we’ve shared above. We’re excited about the new projects, artists and music that will be featured in the year ahead.
As we look to 2024 with hopes of a bright future, we thank you for engaging with our website’s content. We wish you a prosperous New Year!