Noel Lack it Back Ellis the Unknown ...was almost known

Some time ago, I think in the latter part of last year, when I started writing this article, Billboard.com released its annual music review and while many staunch reggae fans were taken aback and was astonished with the fact that United Kingdom-based Caucasian singer Joss Stone was named the reggae artiste of the year, some local artistes still had reason to give thanks. One such artiste was Popcaan, as the artiste continues to stay ahead of his peers, using his melodies and catchy hooks, which explains why Billboard.com listed his collaboration with Jamie XX and American rapper Young Thug, titled Good Times, as one of the 25 best songs of 2015.

"Unlikely musical marriages bear the best fruit when artistes complement each other," Billboard.com explained, under the music video for Good Times.

Ironically, OMI and Wiz Khalifa, who held No. 1 spots on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this year, did not make the cut.

Jamaican DJ Walshy Fire and his fellow Major Lazer group members, also have a cause to celebrate, since the single Lean On was ranked as the Best Dance/Electronic song of 2015. The single was snubbed by the Grammys this year.

"The Grammys got it wrong. It's rare that a dance record of this quality reaches this level of ubiquity - after all, this is Spotify's most streamed song of all-time as of November 2015," Billboard.com challenged.

Billboard's criticism is again somewhat ironic, since they were under fire last month after they released a list ranking the top hip hop artistes of all time and excluded Tupac Shakur.

Noel 'Rozah Roze' Ellis also received more recognition this week as All Day, produced by Kanye West, which samples Ellis' song, Dance With Me, was named the seventh best Hip Hop song of 2015. The song was also certified Gold this year in the United States and has been nominated for two Grammy Awards in the categories of Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song.