Earlier this year, Apple Music released its definitive list of the 100 greatest albums of all time. The list featured standout albums from Pop, Hip Hop, Rock, and R&B, with a touch of Jazz, Reggae, Folk, and Punk. It launched on May 13, unveiling 10 albums a day, counting down to the number one spot over nine days.
The list sparked mixed reactions, debates, and questions—particularly about the lack of Jamaican music, with Bob Marley & The Wailers being the sole representation. In response, we’ve created the “30 Greatest” series in collaboration with our friends over at 13th Street Promotions. In this series, we will delve into Reggae and its subgenres to create a definitive guide to the 30 greatest Reggae albums of all time.
Our first list looks at the greatest dancehall albums of all time, perhaps the most popular offshoot of Reggae music.
The Greatness of Dancehall Music
Emerging in the late 1970s, Dancehall shifted the sound of Jamaica’s rich musical heritage into a faster, more rhythmic direction, blending the traditional roots of Reggae with modern beats and high-energy performances. Known for its infectious riddims, bold lyrics, and the ability to get a crowd moving, Dancehall became the heartbeat of parties across Jamaica and beyond.
What sets Dancehall apart is its raw, unfiltered expression of life, often reflecting the social realities, struggles, and celebrations of the streets. From its pioneers to today’s chart-toppers, Dancehall artists have crafted a genre that is not only musically diverse but also deeply influential—shaping global pop culture, inspiring new genres, and giving rise to some of music’s biggest stars.
Whether it’s the electrifying rhythms, the lyrical mastery, or the boundary-pushing style, Dancehall stands tall as one of Reggae’s most dynamic and enduring legacies.
Here is our definitive list of the greatest dancehall albums of all time.
Beenie Man – “Many Moods of Moses”, VP Records (1997)
Beenie Man, often hailed as the “King of Dancehall,” has had a career spanning nearly five decades. Although the title has sparked some debate, he’s cemented his place as one of the greats. In the 90s, Beenie was a hitmaker, and his 1997 album Many Moods of Moses solidified his status.
The album showcased his versatility, blending Hip Hop, Country, Drum ’n’ Bass, New Jack Swing, and Pop, proving he wasn’t a one-trick pony. Featuring contributions from Jeremy Harding, Buju Banton, “Lenky” Marsden, Sly & Robbie, Bob Patin, Tony Kelly, A.R.P., and Lady Saw, the album earned Beenie Man his first GRAMMY nomination for Best Reggae Album and became a standout record of the 90s.
Shabba Ranks – “X-Tra Naked”, Epic Records (1992)
When X-Tra Naked was released, Shabba Ranks was at the top of his game. Known as the “GRAMMY Kid,” he had already won his first of two golden gramophones in 1992 and was aiming for more international success. As the biggest Dancehall artist at the time, he continued to deliver hits, and this album was full of them.
X-Tra Naked featured production from Bobby “Digital” Dixon, Clevie Browne, Clifton “Specialist” Dillon, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Wycliffe Johnson, and Chubb Rock. The album earned Shabba his second GRAMMY award, a second Gold certification, and is widely considered his most successful release.
Lady Saw – “Strip Tease”, VP Records (2004)
Although she has since left Dancehall for Christian ministry, Marion Hall, formerly known as Lady Saw, once dominated the genre. She rose to prominence in the 90s, but the 2000s truly belonged to the “Queen of Dancehall,” and her 2004 album Strip Tease was a standout project.
The album was chock full of female anthems delivered in her her signature raw style and featured productions from Dave Kelly, Christopher Birch, Renaissance Crew Productions, Sly Dunbar, Jam 2, and Don Corleon. With contributions from Sizzla, Ce’cile, and Voicemail, Strip Tease made a strong impact on the international market and remains one of the best Dancehall releases of the 2000s.
Popcaan – “Where We Come From”, MixPak (2014)
Where We Come From was the debut album from one of Dancehall’s brightest stars, Popcaan. As a protégé of Vybz Kartel, Popcaan stepped out with an album crafted for the international market. The album showcased his growing diversity and maturity, making it a standout and one of the best releases of the 2010s. Production credits include Dre Skull, AnjuBlaxx, Dubbel Dutch, Adde Instrumentals, and Jaime YVP.
Vybz Kartel – “Kingston Story”, MixPak (2011)
Kingston Story captured Vybz Kartel at the peak of his career. Having dominated the scene since the early 2000s, the album showcased his staying power and cemented his legendary status.
Kingston Story was also Kartel’s last album as a free man, as he was arrested in late 2011 and later sentenced in 2014 to 35 years to life. The album’s production was primarily handled by Dre Skull, with longtime producer Notnice contributing to the opening track.
Shaggy- “Hot Shot”, MCA/Geffen Records (2000)
In the 1990s, Reggae/Dancehall artist Shaggy was on fire, but the 2000s saw him become a pop culture icon with the release of his album Hot Shot. Having already secured international success, this album further solidified his position with a selection of tracks that dominated the charts.
The lead single “It Wasn’t Me“ became one of the artist’s biggest global hit. The album hit #1 worldwide and surpassed 10 million records sold by the end of the 2000s. The album’s success was made possible by contributions from Christopher Birch, Dave and Tony Kelly, Sting International, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Robert Livingston, RikRok, Rayvon, and Brian & Tony Gold.
Bounty Killer – “My Xperience”, VP/TVT Records (1996)
My Xperience, an album by Dancehall artist Bounty Killer, highlighted the importance of the genre’s international crossover. Released in the mid-90s, the heavily hip-hop influenced album showcased Bounty Killer’s ability to bring his hardcore Dancehall sound to a wider audience.
The project produced many classic singles including “Living Dangerously” featuring Barrington Levy, “Fed Up”, “Gun Down” and “Hip-Hopera” with international hip hop group The Fugees. Anthony Red Rose, Busta Rhymes, Junior Reid, Beenie Man, Dennis Brown, Richie Stephens, Sly & Robbie, Bobby Konders, and RZA were other notable features.
Masicka- “438”, ONErpm and 1Syde Records (2021)
One of the most anticipated releases of the 2020s, the album showcased Masicka’s versatility and lyrical prowess. The album featuring collaborations with Dunw3ll, Popcaan, Stefflon Don, TJ Records, Sean Paul, and Dexta Daps was gritty, emotional, triumphant and determined. Released to critical acclaim, “438” was one of, if not the top album of 2021, establishing Masicka’s burgeoning international stardom in the dancehall arena.
Mavado- “Gangsta for Life: The Symphony of David Brooks”, VP Records (2007)
With a hardcore style and the mentorship of Bounty Killer, Mavado made a global impact with the release of his debut album, Gangsta for Life: The Symphony of David Brooks. The album offered a raw insight into the life of a man raised in one of Jamaica’s toughest communities. Its dark tone resonated with listeners and earned Mavado international acclaim.
Busy Signal, Serani, and Alaine contributed to the album, while production was handled by DASECA, ZJ Liquid, Bobby “Digital” Dixon, Fire Links, Delly Ranx, Neil “Diamond” Edwards, and Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor. From the gully side to the world.
Sean Paul – “Dutty Rock”, VP/Atlantic Records (2002)
While Sean Paul had been active since the late 1990s, it wasn’t until the release of “Gimme The Light” from his Dutty Rock album that he truly exploded onto the scene. The house (basement) party vibes album produced hit single after hit single such as “Like Glue, “Get Busy”, Baby Boy” featuring mega superstar Beyonce and “Shake That Thing”.
The success of the popular tracks pushed the album to multiplatinum status and earned Sean Paul a GRAMMY award for Best Reggae Album in 2004.
The record boasted a line-up of top producers to include The Beat People, Troyton Rami, Jeremy Harding, Steely & Clevie, The Neptunes, and “Lenky” Marsden. Though released in November, the album felt like a summer island party with contributions from Chico, Rahzel, Sasha, Ce’Cile, and Busta Rhymes adding to the vibe.
Yellowman – “zungguzungguguzungguzeng”, Greenesleeves Records (1983)
In the early days of Dancehall, one man stood tall with a crown on his head, and that man was Yellowman. Known for his distinctive appearance and unmatched musical style, he showcased a level of artistry that set him apart. As the first Dancehall artist to be signed to an American record label (Columbia Records), Yellowman secured his reign with the release of his album Zungguzungguguzungguzeng.
The album’s title was based on his hugely successful 1982 single of the same name. It featured Yellowman’s signature lyrics and flow, touching on themes of patriotism, partying, and even religion. The album produced several hits, with production by Henry “Junjo” Lawes and collaborations with Dancehall artist Fathead.
Zungguzungguguzungguzeng received positive reviews and became one of his most successful releases of the 1980s—his peak decade as a recording artist. The title track remains a classic, and the album continues to be revisited to this day.
Sister Nancy- “One, Two…”, Techniques Records (1983)
Armed with witty lyrics and an effortless ability to ride the “riddim,” Sister Nancy stood out, making her mark with her debut album, One, Two…
Nancy deftly delivered powerful anthems, ambition, and dominance, igniting a fire in the streets. Produced by Winston Riley, the album included the hit single “Bam Bam“, which went on to become one of the greatest Dancehall tracks of all time and one of the most sampled records in history.
Sister Nancy’s bold step in the 80s paved the way for future generations of female Dancehall artists to make their mark on the genre.