Grenadian Soca Hit “Payroll” Earns Spot on Rolling Stone’s Top 100 Songs of 2025

Grenadian soca artiste Muddy, born Alex Cuffie, has achieved a major international milestone after his hit song Payroll was named among Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Songs of 2025. The track secured the number 85 position on the prestigious list, marking a significant moment for Grenadian and wider Caribbean music on the global stage.

The song has already enjoyed strong regional success, having won the 2025 Grenada Power Soca Monarch title. Its inclusion on Rolling Stone’s list further underscores its impact beyond the Caribbean, placing soca alongside some of the most influential music releases of the year.

Reacting to the recognition, Cuffie described the achievement as deeply meaningful for both his personal journey and his homeland. He said the honor represents a blessing for himself, his team, and the entire tri island state of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique. He added that seeing Payroll acknowledged by Rolling Stone is a major victory for Caribbean music as a whole, and expressed pride in contributing to the region’s growing global presence.

The song’s producers, John and Jason James of Xpert Productions, also welcomed the international recognition. The brothers, who hail from the small island of Carriacou, said it was especially rewarding to see music from such a small community appreciated on a global platform. They noted that the acknowledgment reflects the strength and authenticity of Grenadian soca and thanked Rolling Stone for spotlighting Caribbean culture in a meaningful way.

With Payroll continuing to resonate with audiences at home and abroad, its success signals a broader moment for Caribbean music as it gains increasing recognition on the world’s most influential cultural platforms.