Dancehall music has always pulled international intrigue since its mainstream break in the late ’80s and early ’90s and has retained a steady presence in the early to mid-2000s. Given the resurgence of “mainstream” interest, we explore four of the genre’s most commercially impactful acts in the US, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Sean Paul heads the list as the Dancehall act with the most certifications in the US, with 38 certifications and 13 plaques across various categories.
“Dutty Paul” has 10 platinum and 2 gold certifications thus far. Among those credits are three projects that have registered at least platinum 4 times- “Cheap Thrills” with SIA(8), BAILANDO with Enrique Iglesias(4), NIÑA Bonita with Feid (4).
The “Dutty Rock” top man also has four projects that have earned 3 times platinum, including his sophomore album “Dutty Rock,” his collaboration with Ann Marie on “Rockabye,” and his Billboard smash “Temperature.” CONTRA LA PARED with JBalvin also earned triple platinum success.
Songs such as “We Be Burning“ and “Do You Remember” with Jay Sean have crossed double platinum status with “Get Busy” earning and Shake Señora with Pitbull and T-Pain also earning RIAA platinum. Sean Paul’s ultra-successful “Trinity” album also registered one million units in the United States.
“Give It Up Me,” featured on the album, has a gold certification.
“Mr Boombastic” Shaggy appears unsurprisingly in the top two RIAA certified Dancehall acts with 8 plaques which include 4 platinum projects and 4 golden certifications.
Shaggy’s historic 2000 release – “Hotshot,” leads the way with the album moving over six million copies in the US alone, the most by any dancehall act to date, as part of its over diamond-selling status of over 10 million sold.
“Mr Boobsatic,” the album and single, both have platinum certifications with his feature with Cali Y El Dandee on “Lumba.”
His gold plaques include “Lucky Day“(2002), “I Need Your Love” (2016), Tu Pum Pum with Karol G and “Bailame” with Yandel and Alex.
Dancehall’s first Grammy-winner Shabba Ranks, makes his entry among top-selling artists from the genre with RIAA 3 gold plaques, two of which are credited to his awarding albums “X-Tra Naked” and “Raw as Ever“.
His other certification is for his 1992 hit single “Slow and Sexy.”
90’s icon Ini Kamazoe also earned his place among the most commercially successful dancehall artistes for his 1994 classic “Hot Sepper,” which went platinum having sold over 1 million copies.
Dancehall heavyweights such as Patra, Vybz Kartel, Beenie Man and Popcaan all share RIAA gold, respectively.
Patra makes the list with her 1994 album “Queen of the Pack.”
Vybz Kartel further solidified his appeal as an international star after crossing into gold territory with his track “Fever” from his “King Of The Dancehall” album.
Popcaan‘s feature on Jamie XX’s “Good Times“ saw him claim his first US plaque.
Beenie Man added an RIAA certification to his Grammy award after picking his first gold plaque last year for his 1997 dancehall anthem “Who Am I” (Sim Sima).
Spice qualifies for inclusion for her single “Go Down Deh” featuring Shaggy and Sean Paul, which still awaits official certification.
