The rhythmic tide of American radio is now unmistakably Caribbean. For years, Jamaican voices floated through DJ Khaled’s megahits like echoes from the tropics. Now, they roar—undeniable, unfiltered, and chart-certified.
His upcoming album Aalam of God—a long-brewing project—isn’t just another collection of bangers. It’s a declaration. The lead single You Remind Me, which just debuted at #33 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40, brings together a seismic lineup: Vybz Kartel, Buju Banton, Bounty Killer, Mavado, RoryStoneLove, and rising Belizean-American singer Kaylan Arnold. It’s not a feature—it’s a rally. And for Buju Banton, this marks his first-ever appearance on this specific Billboard chart. For Kartel, Mavado, and Bounty, it’s a return to the battlefield.
But this moment isn’t isolated.
Look at the landscape.
Billboard Charts Are Speaking Patwa
- Ginger by Sean Paul is still moving—now #22 on the Rhythmic chart after peaking at #14. A full 13 weeks in, it’s proven its staying power.
- Travis Scott’s PBT featuring Tyla and Vybz Kartel pushes from #15 to #13, charting its tenth week in. Kartel, from prison, remains culturally active and influential.
- Mariah Carey’s Sugar Sweet, a tri-blend with Shenseea and Kehlani, stands steady at #18 on Mainstream R&B/Hip Hop Airplay, though it dips on other metrics.
- Shake it to the Max (Fly Remix) by Moliy, Silent Addy, Skillibeng, and Shenseea, remains the unshakable #1 on the US Afrobeats Songs chart—23 weeks and counting.
- Getting Paid by Sarz with Asake, Wizkid, and Skillibeng drops slightly to #7, but it’s only its second week.
The message is clear: Jamaica’s influence isn’t regional anymore. It’s algorithmic.
Reggae Albums: Still Holding the Throne
On the Reggae Albums chart:
- Legend by Bob Marley & The Wailers notches a mind-bending 300th week at #1. That’s not nostalgia. That’s dominance.
- Shaggy’s Best of the Boombastic Collection remains firm at #2.
- Sean Paul’s The Trinity surges back to #3.
- Stick Figure still holds two spots—World on Fire (#4) and Wisdom (#7).
- Dutty Rock by Sean Paul repositions at #6, and Welcome to Jamrock by Damian Marley slides to #9.
Even the albums that step down do so with grace—still in the top 10, still defining the genre.
Not Just Hooks Anymore—It’s Strategic Placement
For years, Jamaican talent was sprinkled across American hits as flavor. Now? They are architects of global taste.
Whether it’s the gritty verses of Kartel, the prophetic presence of Buju, or the crossover command of Shenseea and Skillibeng, the industry has recalibrated. Jamaica isn’t just part of the sound. It is the sound.
From dancehall to trap-fusion to afrobeats hybrids, Jamaican artists are no longer being “featured.” They’re leading—and the charts are finally mirroring the streets.
