8 Best Afrobeats and Dancehall Type Beat Producers on Youtube
They used to call it “world music”, now I think they call it “global”... Whatever the euphemism people feel the need to use these days, in my book genres like dancehall, afrobeat, and amapiano are just “damn good music.” And if you’re a vocalist or a rapper feeling the call to ride that crazy wave that’s taking the nation by storm, all you need is to go on Beatstars, buy a beat for a couple of bucks and make a hit! Or maybe you’re a producer looking for inspiration? Or maybe you just like to listen to beats while you’re studying… Look, I don’t know your life! Either way, today I’m sharing with you my favorite dancehall and afrobeat type beat producers and beatmakers. You can find them on YouTube. Subscribe to their channels and you’ll surely be amazed by all the talents that’s out there.
1. Dancehall by Team Ross
A lot has been said about Toronto and its musical scene. But while the 6ix will always have a place in our hearts thanks to artists such as Drake and PartyNextDoor, maybe it’s time we acknowledge the influence of TO's sister to the east... I'm talking about Montreal.
Montreal has that chill, artsy vibe that has fostered many groundbreaking artists who are no doubt an influence to Team Ross, a Montreal-based beatmaker producing some of the best dancehall, afrobeats and amapiano type beats in the Northern hemisphere.
If you're ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, everything from lovelorn feels to unbridled euphoria, then get yourself a Team Ross beat and make a hit. Inspired by a wide range of artists such as Omah Lay, Rema, CKay, as well as the aforementioned Drake and his OVO peeps, Team Ross’ tracks will make your fans wanna throw themselves on the dancefloor, do a quick split, tear a muscle, then host the after-party in the ER.
Team Ross seems to be posting beats everyday on YouTube. Subscribe and give him a couple likes, why don't ya??
2. Aymix Beats
Hailing all the way from Spain, Aymix Beats has been tearing it up in the dancehall x afroswing niche.
Inspired by artists such as Burna Boy and Wizkid, the talented producer offers beats with a crystalline sound. Everything you need to write the song of your life.
If you've been getting into afrobeat, I'd strongly recommend checking him out. You'll soon understand why he has millions of streams on his YouTube profile!
3. BeatsByJoel
A great producer from Nigeria, BeatsByJoel has those minimal afropop beats with a modern touch.
With a certain effortlessness that can only come from a producer that has put in countless hours to develop his craft, Joel's beats go right to the essence of what makes a track good and entrancing.
Beats in the true essence of the words, I'd recommend these little gems to anyone who likes electronic music as much as they like hip hop!
4. blinforlove
I have to confess something: I'm in love. Yes, I'm in love with a beat, and I'm not sure society is ready for our relationship, but I can't hide it any longer.
This beat that has my heart all a-flutter is called Nonsense, and I must not be the only one with a crush because it has 1.5M plays on YouTube.
A constant source of inspiration, blindforlove and his buddy Frank Moses make unforgettable beats. I suggest you listen to one of their playlists to appreciate the infinite beauty they grace us with every time they publish a new vid.
I don't know what the future of the world will be, but I've heard the future of dancehall and it sounded like blindforlove.
5. CERTIBEATS
One of the few pleasures of my existence is seeing a CERTIBEATS track pop up in my YouTube subscription feed every other day.
I'll get to the music in a minute, but first, let me talk about the beautiful thumbnail that accompanies each one of these little masterpieces... Alright, maybe I don't have much to say, other than those thumbnails be looking good. So, well... There's that.
The music's really good too. Like, really good.
What more do you want? This producer has 162k subscribers. You're probably one of them. Go listen to his music instead of reading this dumb blog post!
6. LEXUS BEATS
This is another one of those immensely talented and consistently great producers. I love how Lexus' beats are simple, well-balanced and understated. If I were a singer, these are the kind of beats I'd want to hop on.
Lexus has over a million streams on YouTube, but he deserves way more if you ask me. He's on the road to success, so hop on board because this guy is going to make it big, no doubt!
Pretty soon you'll be able to say you knew Lexus Beats when the person you're talking to was in short pants. It might not make any sense, but it will give you this feeling of being better than everyone else. And isn't this what we're all after?
7. SIGHOST
While a lot of beatmakers give you what you'd expect, SIGHOST gives you what you need.
Offering beats across all types of genres related to R&B (including dancehall + afrobeat, of course), the American producer has a real personal sound. This one is a real visionary artist like you hear about.
Anytime I see a SIGHOST beat pop up in my subscription feed, I drop everything and I listen to it because I know it's gonna be unique and really cool.
8. BeatsByJosto
I discovered Josto's YouTube type beat channel through his beat titled rock. With its sinuous vocal chops and its mid tempo beat, this afrobeat stunner is so good, I'm not sure I even want an artist to hop on it.
If you’re a vocalist though, Josto has plenty of awesome music for you to grab, and if you decide to lease one of his tracks on Beatstars, I have no doubt it will become a global hit and you'll win at least 85 Grammys that year.
(Disclaimer: Actual results may vary...)