Researched and compiled by Clinton Lindsay
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Last year this time, Cocoa Tea’s “Barack Obama” was capping its fifth straight week in the pole position of the NY chart. The race for the presidency was in full gear, and Cocoa Tea’s ode to candidate Obama was a driving force in getting Jamaican-Americans to the polls. R&B singer Jazmine Sullivan shook up the local industry with her run-away hit “Need U Bad” which moved into the No.2 slot.

Newcomer I Wayne was logging his third week at No.1, some five years ago this week. He joined that executive club of artists that shot to the top with their first chart entries. The late Crown Prince of Reggae, Dennis Brown, had his last chart entry (thus far) five years after his passing, with the semi hit “Problems” at No.5

Ten years ago, Terry Linen was closing out the 20^th century with his adaptation of Whitney Houston’s “My Love Is Your Love” – spending its sixth consecutive week in the top slot. This was Linen’s first chart entry.

The old Gonga Lee himself, Louie Culture, was enjoying his fourth week with “Gonga Lee” some fifteen years ago this week. However, the old gangsta faced a big challenge from Ini Komoze’s crossover monster hit – “Here Comes The Hot Stepper” as it jumped into the No. 2 position. More to come on this one!

Another newcomer, Little Lenny, was holding onto the No.1 spot for the eighth week with his radio-friendly “Healthy Body” – twenty years ago this week. This was also Patrick Roberts/Shocking Vibes first chart topper in the Big Apple. Junior Reids’ “One Blood” was refusing to back down. It moved back into the No.2 position, after finding new life on urban radio – thanks to the late Frankie Crocker and WBLS. Bigger news is to come from this anthem!

The New York Reggae Chart

The South Florida Reggae Chart