Music Still On: Billboard’s Reggae/Dancehall Picks After Hurricane Melissa

Billboard’s monthly Fresh Picks place Popcaan, Kartel, Shaggy, Armanii, Cholita and more among a playlist capturing the island’s resilience post-Melissa

L-R: Popcaan, Vybz Kartel, Armanii

Jamaica may not have centred its hurricane-relief efforts around music, but the island’s soundtrack still played a meaningful role in its recovery from the devastation of Hurricane Melissa. Billboard’s monthly Reggae/Dancehall Fresh Picks recognized several standout tracks shaping the moment.

Popcaan’s Nothing Without God album, one of the biggest project drops in recent times, earned its spot with “Carrying It Home.” “Of the set’s 14 new songs, ‘Carrying It Home’ is arguably its most resonant offering,” the editor praised, highlighting the emotional weight and sonic depth of the track.

Dancehall giant Vybz Kartel, who recently bridged music and fashion through a new partnership with urban streetwear label Guapi, also made the list with his single of the same name, “Guapi.” The editor praised Kartel’s sharp verse and infectious hook.

just weeks after supporting Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa, Jamaican music icons Shaggy and Busy Signal return with a new collaboration that, according to the editor, reminds listeners what true dancehall floor dominance sounds like

Meanwhile, Armanii, who is set to release his fourth studio album next week, his first via UnitedMasters, secured a mention with his lead single “Champion.” Already released ahead of the project, the track places listeners “into a precarious, yet resilient, post–Hurricane Melissa Jamaica,” Billboard wrote, capturing both the tension and determination of the moment.

Rising Kingston sensation Cholita is enjoying the moment as her latest release, “Without You” featuring Skillibeng, earns a spot on the list. Described as “a lush, moody, alternative R&B - leaning track built on the skeleton of percussive dancehall,” the song finds Cholita and Skilli waxing poetic about where they’d be without each other.

Also making the list are Ghanaian star Shatta Wale with “Who Send You,” King Cruff with “6 Milly,” Kes & Benjai with “Carnival Friend,” among other standout mentions.