While the genres of dancehall and UK rap aren’t always seen side by side, there have been many times when the two have mixed. Whether that be the link up of the scenes’ pioneering artists, or the use of classic and stand out samples, we have looked to find you 11 of the best UK rap and dancehall collaborations out there. Check out our list below and let us know if we have missed any by getting involved on social media or in the comments below.
1. Coco feat. Protoje – “Ova Here”
Since bursting onto the scene (after a long time grinding in his native Sheffield), Coco impressed critics with a string of releases including “Big Boh Yah” and “Big N Serious“. His latest release came in the form of “Ova Here”, a link up with dancehall OG Protoje, which is a thumping and bass filled hit. Expect this track to be an anthem at this year’s carnival and watch out for Coco as he looks to shut down his live PA at the event!
2. Chip & Kranium – “Style Dat”
After spending the past 18 months focusing on battles with Bugzy Malone and Yungen, Chip announced the release of his latest project, Power Up, and showed the levels he was on with the single “Style Dat” featuring Jamaica’s Kranium. The dancehall infused banger allowed both artists to let loose and was matched with a video showing Chip and crew getting down at East London haunt, Visions.
3. Ratlin feat. Jah Vinci – “No Love”
Back in 2012, West London’s first bonafide UK Rap star Ratlin had just dropped the official video to “No Love” which sampled JA’s Jah Vinci track of the same name and saw the Mozart representative spitting nothing but real life situations and insightful lyrics on a mellow and deep track. Ratlin regularly dabbled with the world of dancehall and this track followed tracks “Messiah” [feat. Mavado] and “My Life’s Not Easy” [feat. I-Octane].
4. Krept & Konan feat. Beenie Man & Popcaan – “Freak Of The Week (Remix)”
If the Krept & Konan track “Freak of the Week” wasn’t big enough, the hit got another boost, tapping into the dancehall roots of the record (Beenie Man’s “Who Am I“) by adding verses from two generations of voices from the genre, Beenie Man and Popcaan. While Beenie was essentially adding another vocal to his own song, Popcaan proves why he’s the most interesting man in dancehall right now, stealing the show with his contribution.
5. Cashtastic feat. Stylo G – “In The Party (Remix)”
Before Cashtastic was dropping Daily Duppys from across the Atlantic and while he was still on British shores, the South London rapper was making major moves in the UK scene. His 2014 project Alarm Clock featured the likes of J Spades, Wiley, Fekky and GFrsh and one of the standout tracks was “In The Party” which shut down raves and parties a few years back. The inclusion of Stylo G added another familiar element and made the track a complete shutdown!
6. Kano feat. Vybz Kartel – “Buss It Up”
Considering the two paths these two men have taken since their 2007 collab, with Kano becoming one of the most respected MCs in the UK scene (and being nominated for a Mercury Music Prize) and Vybz serving maximum time in penitentiary, it makes this whole link up a lot more special. Taken from KA’s 2007 project London Town, the two went over a skippy, almost jungle beat and the chemistry between the two is what makes it such a stand out. An infectious hook only adds to the longevity of the track.
7. Sneakbo feat. Nyla & Popcaan – Too Cool
One of the latest tracks on this list, this track was just made for the summer. Incorporating elements of classic dancehall instrumental “Bookshelf Riddim“, Sneakbo delivered with catchy club anthem “Too Cool (Right Here)”. The official remix features Jamaica’s own Popcaan and his verse only gives the track more of a sunny and summer feel. Sneakbo informed Complex that the collab happened after meeting the Mixpak dancehall star at this year’s Red Bull Culture Clash.
8. Ard Adz & Sho Shallow feat. Jah Vinci – “Wipe Your Tears”
South London UK Rap Duo Ard Adz and Sho Shallow teamed up with reggae vocalist Jah Vinci in 2012 for “Wipe Your Tears” taken from their mixtape P.U.S.H. While the duo provide some serious bars, Jah Vinci supplies a very hard hook to the very heartfelt and thought provoking track. It was another perfect example of using a sample to bring another element to a UK rap banger and something that the duo replicated with their track “Thump Her Up” (feat. Mavado).
9. Chip feat. Mavado – “More Money More Gyal”
This wasn’t the first time that Chip and Mavado had linked up, their first time coming in 2011 with their collab “Every Gyal“, but this track took their team work to the next level. Produced by Dready Production, the track was taken from his 2012 project London Boy and is a dancehall track that with Mavado’s chorus, is sure to get anyone moving. Chip’s verses show his versatility and creativity on the microphone and “More Money More Gyal” was one of the best uses of a dancehall influence used in a UK rap track.
10. Orange Hill feat. Sneakbo and Vybz Kartel – “Pon Time“
Orange Hill (a production team mad up of Ras Kwame & Jnr. Tubby) continued to push boundaries with their unique artistic vocal pairings for their track “Pon Time”. The track saw dancehall supremo extraordinaire, Vybz Kartel and UK rap maestro Sneakbo for the dancehall influenced banger. Sneakbo especially impresses as he provides a homegrown flavour to the remix. The track is helped with a fantastic video that sees all those involved as GTA characters.
11. Giggs – “No No No (Remix)”
There could be no better way to end this list then with one of the biggest UK rappers remixing of the most famous reggae/dancehall tracks. Gigg‘s verses over Dawn Penn‘s “No, No No” bring a whole new light to the classic instrumental and just goes to show how easy rappers find it to flow over dancehall infused instrumentals. The Landlord everybody.