Every era leaves an imprint on your mind, but music has and will always be a standout act.
From 2010 to 2015, music shifted in many ways giving way to more freedom in electronic influence on all genres as well as the evolution of dancehall. The arrival of 2015 marked a major pinpoint for many as the best year for music in our generation, with 2014-15 being named unofficially as one of the most memorable soca seasons.
Of course in the Turks and Caicos Islands, we experiment with different sounds, but various tunes do take time to impact us and only become large at later dates.
This article will hallmark 10 songs from the 2010 to 2015 period, which speakers and sound-systems around the country gave you no option but to listen to, irrespective of genre.
Popcaan – Only Man She Want
Starting out with a dancehall tune still blared to this day, Poppy put his foot in this 2011 masterpiece. Declaring himself as the sole candidate in a girl’s life, we got a timeless song that men or women use to define their ultimate cocky feeling.
MAGIC! – Rude
This song was well loved by everyone especially if you tuned in to 92.5FM. It was a surprise to everyone to hear an American accent paired with a reggae drawl. With their unconventionality, MAGIC! secured the airwaves of an otherwise picky audience in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Destra – Lucy
The ‘Queen of Bacchanal’ opened the 2015 soca season with the wining anthem Lucy. With the theme reminiscent of the phrase ‘good girl gone bad’, many related to the recklessness of being in a fete or dancehall. She later wrote a spin-off tune in Destra vs Lucy to keep spirit of the unruly juvenile bacchanalist alive.
OMI – Cheerleader
Some may not agree that overplay is possible, but it seems Cheerleader achieved this feat. This song now grossly detested due to repetition, used to be well-beloved. Once an anthem of loving bliss, Cheerleader put the ring on romantic techno-dancehall music.
Lil Wayne – 6 Foot 7 Foot
If you weren’t reciting this song to prove your rapping ability, were you really alive in 2010? After getting past the fact that he wasn’t saying “gimme one banana” on repeat, everyone was able to agree that Lil Wayne absolutely massacred this song with unmatched lyricism. 6 Foot 7 Foot will remain legendary.
Fetty Wap – Trap Queen
A refreshing entry to the ever-evolving rap scene Fetty Wap released Trap Queen. High-schoolers and adults alike bonded on the love of this tune from a rapper who sadly hasn’t been active as of late.
Alicia Keys – Girl on Fire
Graduations, sports events, political rallies – you name it. Girl on Fire has been and will continue to be the go-to track for female empowerment. Coming at an opportune time for feminisim to take stake on this patriarchal world, Girl on Fire has empowered girls and women in the TCI, owning its place in our ideal future.
Keno Hall – Somebody Got Ya
Keno Hall’s Somebody Got Ya was initially released around 2010-11 and was only accessible via YouTube on bootleg channels. The Bahamians tried to stake claim on Keno Hall’s track, forcing the Turks Island twitter army to restore the honour in the true owner’s name.
Last year saw a remaster of the song accompanied with a music video and accessibility on streaming services. Now we can all share the news about the layaway girlfriend.
Wiz Khalifa – Black and Yellow
Another catchy vibe was brought on the scene with Wiz Khalifa’s Black and Yellow. The huge sunglasses paired with checker or plaid yellow tops meant that you reached top fashion as a result of this song. If this doesn’t strike a bit of nostalgia in you, it is uncertain what will.
Vybez Kartel – Romping Shop
The song everyone listened to at home in private with the volume low or used to practice dancing in the mirror – Romping Shop.
There is a bit of controversy on the true spelling of the song. Is it Romping Shop or Ramping Shop? Both Vybez Kartel and Spice have spelt it differently from each other across streaming services and media channels, so I guess we should agree to disagree. Sort of like ‘Peas and rice’ vs ‘Rice and peas’ or ‘Curry chicken’ vs Chicken curry.
BONUS TRACK
Drake – Take Care
This has been incredibly difficult narrowing so many gems down to 10 so here’s a bonus song – Drake’s Take Care. Drake has been a dominant music figure for the last decade and some, so it would’ve been unfair to add him to the official count.
Didn’t see a few songs you were expecting? See below for a playlist featuring more songs from this period to feed your nostalgic pulls
