You work hard for the money, so hard for the money, so we better treat you right with this playlist.

Some Googling has revealed that Chantal Kreviazuk’s influences include Mariah Carey, Sinead O’Connor, Blondie, Travis, and…Sean Paul???  Do you hear the dancehall in Chantal’s music?  I’m a little confused. Grab Plain Jame and Ghost Stories here for $5 each!

Dancehall was born in 1970’s Jamaica, as  Deejays began to “Toast” over dubbed instrumentals of popular songs. Compared to Roots Reggae, which deals more with religion and politics,  Dancehall tends to focus upon conditions of the ghetto, humor, and partying.  In the mid-80’s, dancehall went digital, and its sound and lyrical content changed:  Known as Ragga, a derivative of Raggamuffin,  modern dancehall has continued to be immensely popular. Here for your consideration is a selection of  Dancehall gems- both new and old, known and obscure.  Boom!