Top-5 artistes for 2023: DJ of the Year Masicka

5.Kraff

Who is Kraff?

Rising to prominence in 2022, Kraff has had a number of hit singles and released his debut EP 11:11 late last year. Born Tevin Randall in St Ann, Kraff described himself as “dark and tormented” as a youngster, but has been quoted as saying that despite this, he was an ‘A’ student. Kraff’s dream was not necessarily always to become an artiste. However, he always knew he wanted to do something creative.

Kraff is consistently his updating his catalogue with songs like songs like Lucid, Rum Behaviour, Budu Chop, Calm C, Sinna and Dinero.

4. Chronic Law

Chronic Law the Law Boss, is described as a new generation deejay/singjay with his roots flowing from deep within the east side. He was the most streamed artiste on YouTube in Jamaica in 2022. Originally from St. Thomas, he attended Morant Bay High School, and relocated to Palm Beach, Florida during his youth. He is known for songs such as Government, Walk With Faith, Hilltop Badness, Hillside, Empty, Bless Me, Corrupt, Plastic Smile, and Count My Blessings. Christened Akeeme Campbell, he was born on December 17, 1993 and is a fan of Wiz Kalifa, Bob Marley and Snoop Dogg.

3. Valiant

Raheem Bowes, better known as Valiant, was the new rising sensation in the reggae and dancehall world this time last year, when he was dubbed the ‘Kotch E Hat’ boss from his slang which went viral and secured his place in dancehall history. His big song for 2023, Mad Out, courted controversy and a debate about whether or not Valiant was mocking mad people. This was elevated when Mad Out was publicly endorsed by the CEO of Bellevue, who invited the atiste to tour the mental health facility. Valiant ended 2023 on a high by inking a deal with music label Sony Music UK, which is owned and operated by Sony Music Entertainment in the United Kingdom

2. Teejay

Teejay whose real name is Timoy Janeyo Jones was born on October 3, 1994 in the Glendevon area in Montego Bay, St. James. He is known for chart-topping songs such as From Rags To Riches, That’s Not True, Unfaithful Games, Owna Lane, Uptop Boss and the Song of the Yar for 2023, Drift.

1. Masicka DJ of the Year

Based on the most consistent number of good songs throughout the year, ending 2023 on a blazing high with the release of the album Generation of Kings, Masicka is the choice for Deejay for the Year.

Masicka has enjoyed a successful 2023, staring with the announcement in February that he had inked a deal with New York-based recording label Def Jam.

Tunji Balogun, chairman and CEO of Def Jam Recordings, in a press release, summed it up well: “Def Jam has always been the home for great artistes across the wide spectrum of black music, and Masicka is very much emblematic of that vision. Representing the new wave of Jamaican dancehall and reggae, Masicka’s versatility and unique sonic perspective has the potential to impact markets all over the world. It feels like the beginning of something very special. We’re excited to welcome him to our Def Jam family.”

Masicka, whose real name is Javaun Fearon, soon after released his first track under the new deal. Pieces featuring Jashii made it on the 2023 Top 23 Songs of the Year, however, the biggest hit for him for the year was Tyrant, which commands the second place on the list. Released seven months ago, the music video for Tyrant has amased 14 million views on YouTube.

Masicka will join Def Jam’s current roster which includes Buju Banton, and DJ Khaled.

Honourable Mentions

Najeeriii

Malie Don

RajahWild

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