4/20’s origin dates back to the 1970s. A group of California high school students who called themselves ‘The Waldos’ would meet up after school at 4:20 PM to get a higher education. Throughout their days, they would pass each other and communicate by simply saying, “4:20” to confirm their meeting time. This slowly became a trend over the years, to the point where marijuana lovers across the world now celebrate the plant on the 20th day of the 4th month. No celebration is complete without music, so it is only fitting to celebrate marijuana with songs about the herb. Here are some reggae and dancehall songs for your 4/20 playlist.
Keznamdi – Grade
Keznamdi teamed up with Don Corleon in 2013 and produced this infectious reggae track. The vocoder melodies and bassline are captivating as Keznamdi details his marijuana ritual and the effects of some of his favourite strains.
Vybz Kartel – Marie
As Vybz Kartel states in the intro, it is a love song to the herb. Professing his love for the plant, he uses personification it and calls it Marie. He then proceeds to sing to his spliff/joint accompanied by an acoustic guitar on the Russian produced riddim.
Vybz Kartel – Weed Smokers
Also produced by Russian, the first line is possibly one of the most famous lines in dancehall. “Dawg, if yuh cyaa buy Rizzla, yuh nuh fi smoke chronic”. This upbeat dancehall track features some futuristic synth sounds and Kartel spitting an onslaught of clever weed lines.
Aidonia – Smoke
One of Aidonia’s earlier hits from the 2000s covers Kid Cudi’s song ‘Day n Nite’. Donia at a fast rate deejays about his preferences and how often he smokes marijuana.
Aidonia – Kush Inna Mi Brain
Aidonia made it know in 2012 that he only smokes marijuana of a high standard, kush. His cleverly delivered lyrics over the fast dancehall beat is perfect for any 4/20 playlist.
Peter Tosh – Legalize It
Reggae icon Peter Tosh gave us this marijuana anthem in 1976. Tosh sets himself up as an advocate for the legalization of the herb and he most certainly would be proud to know that this song played a major role in current marijuana laws not only in his native country but worldwide.
Chronixx & Eesah – Perfect Tree
Released in 2016 Chronixx samples Black Star’s 1998 song ‘Respiration’. Like Tosh, Chronixx advocates for universal acceptance of the plant. The simplicity of the hip-hop beat perfectly complements Chronixx’s melodies and lyrics as he sings about his reasons for choosing to steam marijuana rather than smoking it.
Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley – Medication ft. Stephen Marley
Damian and Stephen Marley joined forces in 2017 to create this euphoric song. This became an instant reggae and 4/20 classic with Damian and Stephen singing about the plant’s medicinal purposes while promoting that the plant is grown organically.
Popcaan – Weed Is My Best Friend
We’ve heard many songs honouring friends and the importance of friendship. Well, Popcaan makes it clear that while he does not always trust human being, his best friend is marijuana, a perfect song to add to any 4/20 playlist.
Mighty Diamonds – Pass The Kutchie
This 1980s classic from the reggae superband Mighty Diamonds is simply about a group enjoying their time partaking of marijuana from a Kutchie as it is being passed around. The song’s steady pace and soothing bassline set the right mood for any group gathering on 4/20.
John Holt – Police in Helicopter
John Holt gave us this revolutionary song in 1982 in response to the clampdown on marijuana farmers by armed forces. Holt threatens that if the police continued to burn the farms, then what would follow is the burning of the cane fields, which at the time was a major earner for Jamaica’s economy.
Bob Marley – Kaya
No 4/20 playlist would be complete without music from Bob Marley. This song just might be the most popular marijuana song ever. Released in 1978, Bob so poetically sings about his desire for some Kaya and how it makes him feel. Listening to this while doing your 4/20 activities, you’re guaranteed to feel exactly what Bob is singing about.
Black Uhuru – Sinsemilla
This song should resonate with all the marijuana lovers that grow their own plants. Released in 1980, Michael Rose sings about the stalk of sinsemilla growing in the backyard. Once again, this song advocates for the legalization of marijuana, listing its medicinal and economic benefits.
Sizzla – Smoke Marijuana
Another advocate for legalizing marijuana, Sizzla voices how he uses marijuana in order to unaffected by the negativity he faces daily.
Rita Marley – One Draw
You’ve probably heard this song in a couple of movies about marijuana. Wife of the legend Bob Marley, Rita sings about her desires to get high. ‘One Draw’ is suitable to start your 4/20 playlist and get you ready for the experience.
Sean Paul – We Be Burnin’ (Recognize It)
Proclaimed avid user of marijuana, Sean Paul gave us this dancehall banger at the peak of his musical career. Never before have we heard a dancehall song with such a commanding beat, advocationg for the herb to be legalized. He makes it clear that to him marijuana is worth far more than gold, oil and diamonds.
Chi Ching Ching – Weed Problems ft. Sean Paul
Chi Ching Ching and Sean Paul released this song on 4/20 2018. It is filled with comedic lyrics from the tall one, guaranteed to have you rolling while you roll your joint. An overall fun song to listen to and
Popcaan – Weed Settingz
Another song by the unruly boss Popcaan to add to your 4/20 playlist. ‘Weed Settingz’ is about having a good time under the influence of the herb in a party scene.
Mavado – Weed And Hennessy
Do you enjoy fine liquor with your marijuana? Then this song is perfect for your 4/20 playlist. Mavado gave us this dancehall hit in the year 2013. Listening to this song makes you feel like a king at any party.
Puff It – I-Octane
2010 saw I Octane releasing this song. Sure to take any smoker on a walk down memory lane to the first time they every tried marijuana. Octane details his very first time trying the herb and the dilemas he faced trying to obtaining it.
