Alkaline

Alkaline, born Earlan Bartley in Kingston, Jamaica, is one of the most dominant and controversial figures in contemporary dancehall music. Rising to prominence in the early 2010s, he quickly established himself as a lyrical force with a distinctive delivery, sharp wordplay, and an unapologetically bold persona that resonated deeply with a new generation of dancehall fans.

Known for his tattooed appearance — including his distinctive eye tattoos — and his raw, street-level authenticity, Alkaline built a massive following through a relentless output of singles and mixtapes. His rivalry with fellow dancehall star Vybz Kartel became one of the defining narratives of the genre in the 2010s, with both artists pushing each other to new creative heights. Tracks like "Killy Killy," "Champion Boy," and "Bruk Out" became anthems across Jamaica and the Caribbean.

Alkaline has released several acclaimed projects and continues to be one of the most streamed and downloaded dancehall artists globally. His influence on the sound and style of modern dancehall is undeniable, and he has helped bring the genre to new international audiences through collaborations and digital platforms. He remains a polarizing but undeniably powerful presence in Jamaican music.