Dancehall Charts in Review: Junior Kelly Topped ‘Em All In 2000

Kingston, Jamaica–Newcomer Junior Kelly was the top man according to the local charts for 2000. Kelly’s smash single "If Love So Nice" for Rush Music, which was distributed locally through Sonic Sounds, spent a record 13 weeks at #1 on the Star Top 40 chart. The song became the longest running #1 song in the country since "Dancehall Queen" by Beenie Man and Chevelle Franklin ruled the roost for 10 weeks, 3 years ago.

However, Junior Kelly, who is without a doubt the biggest new find from the past year, failed to follow up with another major chart success. He nonetheless ignited radio playlists with songs like "Jewel of the Nile" and "Hungry Days."

It was a prolific year in the local scene for artistes such as Beenie Man, Capleton, Mr. Lex (formerly known as Lexxus) and Elephant Man. They all had major success in the charts.

Capleton lead the way with over 30 songs charting throughout the year. He made major impact with songs like "Hands Up," "Hush Up," "Cu Yah, Cu Yah, Cu Yah," "Slew Dem" and mega-hits "Crazy Look" (with Moses I), "More Prophet," "Look Good Inna Har Clothes" and "Hunt You."

It was another productive year for dancehall kingpin Beenie Man. With his debut disc "Art & Life" for Virgin Records gaining momentum overseas, Beenie Man (a.k.a. Ras Moses) topped local charts with songs like "Haters & Fools," "Circumstances," and the ‘Headache’ rhythm hit "Crazy Notion." "Damn," "Heights By Great Men," "Trouble Maker," "Straight Prison," "Your Bad Luck" and the Shocking Vibes hit "Be Quiet" all placed in the top ten during the year.

Mr. Lex dropped his self-titled VP Records disc amidst much fanfare. He maintained his visibility locally with a slate of hits, which ran unchecked on a number of charts. Radio became a virtual dancehall, squeezing every ounce of life out of songs such as "Cook," "Stress," "Monkeys Come Out," and "Redder Now." However, it was the Richard "Shams" Browne-produced "Full Hundred" and the Q45 production "Ring Me Cellie" which assisted him in his trek to the #1 spot on the charts.

Without a doubt Elephant Man was the most improved act of 2000. The former Scare Dem Crew member blazed an impressive chart run, with songs like "1000 Dollar Bill," "Watchie Pumps," "You a Di Wife," and "Out of Order." But, it was his controversial and amusing "Truth Hurts" which took him to the top for several weeks. His combination hit "Headache" with Delly Ranks, "New Application," a counteraction to CeCile’s "Changez," "Show Me Dem," and "Replacement Killer" also did well on the charts.

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Kevin Jackson is an entertainment writer and publicist from Kingston, Jamaica. He is a freelance writer for the Jamaica Observer and Excess publications.