OOPS! 2023 / #10 – 6: Reggae From the 90s is Back, Pink Pop and A War

We are nearing the end of the OOPS! series. In this section we have a ton of Grammy hype from a best reggae nominee to multiple best new artist noms. There is some very catchy pop in this section, along with some deep soul. This is a fun section with a lot of music for everyone. So, let’s get going.

10. Buju Banton: Born For Greatness

You may remember Buju Banton from the mid – late 90s with his deep growling voice at the height of the 90s hip hop / reggae collabs and crossovers. This was also the era of Shaggy and Shabba Ranks as reggae made a huge crossover push. Well, he is back with a new Grammy nominated record with all the gravely flow you remember. This new incarnation of Banton is a bit more club and hip hop influenced as he takes on a more Burna Boy vibe. This is all about how he made his own path in this life, which has brought him success and greatness. It’s hard to argue against it as Banton is still putting out bangers in his 50s.

9. The War and Treaty: That’s How Love is Made

I know I rip the Grammys, but I never would have heard of this band if it wasn’t for our Grammy show prep. Part country, part gospel and part soul The War and Treaty is a versatile and talented band with some of the best vocals out there. This track leans into a country / soul vibe with a song about the hard work behind true love. This is an emotionally powerful track from a band that we will be hearing a lot from in the future.

8. Coco Jones: Double Back

I am a sucker for some great women in R&B with a bit of a 90’s flare. Coco Jones has a bit of Sade and Destiny’s Child in her mix, along with some modern production flourishes. A classic R&B gem about relationships gone wrong, questioning yourself and hoping all isn’t lost. Jones’ vocal is both smooth and powerful in a track that will make all R&B fans looking into more of her music.

7. Pink Pantheress ft. Ice Spice: Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2

I don’t know how I missed one fo the biggest tracks of 2023 on the top 50, but here we are. At just over 2 minutes, this is a quick shot of pop / hip hop adrenaline that will stay in your system for days. This track has me lose track of time and space as I can easily sit and listen to it for hours on end. The hook is pure cocaine and Ice Spice comes in to give the track some of her sexy uninterested flow and bars taking out lying boys. The track is about how they question if they are good enough for this boy and doubt themselves, until they realise that they are good enough and don’t need his validation. I love this track and will probably listen to it for another 42 minutes before going on to number 6.

6. Victoria Monét ft. Buju Banton: Party Girls

This is a Grammy power couple with Victoria being nominated for best new artist and Banton being nominated for best reggae album. This is also the second Banton sighting in this section…he has had a busy 2023. This has a very 90’s feel with the reggae artist featured on a R&B track. Complete with sitar, some funk bass and an incredible hook…this song has everything. Banton adds a bit of flavour on a great bridge, but Monét’s sexy pop forward vocal is the star. I think the Grammys is going to give her a big bump and we will be hearing a lot from her in the next few years.