Rising Stars: Reggae

Just as reggae is the musical jewel of Jamaica, these are the artists who are set to outshine all others on the current scene. Busy Signal, a.k.a. Reanno Gordon, continues his upward trajectory with the self-explanatory dancehall fusion of “Busy Latino,” which blends ragga energy with a salsa groove and supplements its rhyme scheme with a lyrical nod to Quentin Tarantino, while Junior X — also known as the Prince of the Battlefield — continues his Rastafarian quest to accentuate the positive with the sage, de-glamorizing advice of “Gangster Life.” For star material with a smooth island sound, try a little lovers rock from Tarrus Riley (“Superman”).

Reggae’s crossover possibilities are further explored by the rising stars of our Next Steps.

A rising reggae star known as Gramps must be some kind of joke right? Not in the case of Gramps Morgan, who has kept his roots strong while exploring the mellow, R&B-fused groove of “Therapy,” featuring a silken guest vocal by India Arie. Jacob Lee Williams — a.k.a. Gappy Ranks — picked up a 2010 MOBO Best Reggae Act nomination on the strength of outstanding dancehall grinders like “Put the Stereo On,” conscious reggae artist Eljai wonders “what this world is coming to,” showing some superior vocal skills on “The Leaders” — the opening cut on 2010’s I Know — and German reggae star Gentleman channels a bright island vibe through “Changes.”

Drop into Deep Cuts for a more extensive international exploration of reggae's future.

Prepare to take the plunge into the deep international musical waters of reggae's most promising new artists, as we cue up Million Stylez, a.k.a. Kenshin Iryo, who was born in Stockholm (to French and Japanese parents) but knows his way around a Jamaican dancehall like an island native, as you’ll hear on the highly infectious “Move From On Yah.” Colonel Reyel adds a Francophonic flavor to the big reggae melting pot with “Celui” while reggae’s global village expands further with the addition of Berlin-based Ephraim Juda, whose natural talent glows on “Youths Of Today,” as well as New York’s Ricky Blaze, who impresses mightily with “Just You and I.”

Keen to discover who’s making an impression on the international reggae scene today, and who’s shaping up to forge a bright path into tomorrow? Well, you’re in luck — here’s where you get to put your ear to the ground and find out what’s happening next, as we bring together the latest sugar-voiced crooners, and the grittiest gravel-throated ragga rappers, in one Rising Stars: Reggae Essentials playlist. Whether you prefer the easy, breezy summer vibe of the Holdup and Sadiki, the standout syllable-crunching of Aidonia and Sir Ford, the righteous Rasta love of Protoje (together with Ky-Mani Marley), or the various international artists who’ve made their names outside of Jamaica, you’re sure to find the best batch of reggae heat-seekers you could ask for right here.