Rolling Stone Names Sean Paul, Gyptian, Koffee and Rihanna Among the Greatest Songs of the 21st Century

In its newest ranking of The 250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century, Rolling Stone has spotlighted several defining Caribbean hits that shaped the sound of modern pop, reggae, and dancehall.

Sean Paul’s “Get Busy” — #92 (2002)

Sean Paul’s global breakout anthem “Get Busy” is hailed as “arguably the most famous use of producer Steven ‘Lenky’ Marsden’s Diwali Riddim.” The publication praises how the song propelled dancehall into mainstream pop, inspiring a wave of crossover hits by Rihanna (“Pon de Replay”), Lumidee (“Never Leave You”), and Wayne Wonder (“No Letting Go”).

The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks and remains, according to Rolling Stone, “one of those anthems that serve as a clarion call to the dance floor.” Paul reflected on its enduring energy in a 2023 New York Times interview, saying, “It’s the ignition of those butterflies… It’s all good girl, turn me on, let’s get it on to the early morn.”

Gyptian’s “Hold You” — #125 (2010)

Gyptian’s sultry smash “Hold You” also earned a spot, praised for “one of the most iconic riddims at the crossroads of modern reggae and dancehall.” Written and produced by Ricky Blaze, the song’s “chipper, plucky keys” and “deep, grounding bass line” made it a universal slow-wine classic.

Rolling Stone adds that “Gyptian’s delivery, drenched in passion and rasp, has always been most memorable… Equal parts sweet and sensual.” The song’s legacy continues through countless remixes, including the standout version featuring Nicki Minaj.

Koffee’s “Toast” — #203 (2019)

Koffee’s breakout single “Toast” is celebrated as an “invigorating banger, all about giving praises due.” The magazine highlights her explosive debut and uplifting energy that carried her debut EP Rapture to No. 1 on Billboard’s Reggae Albums chart and earned her a Grammy for Best Reggae Album.

“The righteous refrain and invincible hook — all explosive swag and glasses-raised excitement — drove her debut EP to Number One,” the article reads. “‘Toast’ makes it a dance-floor triumph.”

Rihanna feat. Drake, “Work” — #181 (2016)

Rihanna’s Caribbean roots also shine with “Work,” her 2016 dancehall-pop fusion featuring Drake. Rolling Stone calls it “a perfect meeting of all the cool she had accumulated over her years at the top of pop music and the Bajan girl she’s always been.”

The publication notes how “Rihanna has dominated dance floors with ‘Work’ for nearly a decade,” crediting PartyNextDoor’s songwriting, Drake’s melodies, and her own blend of Caribbean Creole and pop confidence for crafting a timeless anthem.