In the mid-1980s, digital instrumentation became more prevalent, changing the sound considerably, with digital dancehall (or "ragga") becoming increasingly characterized by faster rhythms with little connection to earlier reggae rhythms. Modern dancehall is also known as bashment.
"Dancehall" now refers to the digitised version of raggamuffin reggae, which is itself an ancestor of hip-hop music, and has since been influenced and re-combined with that style.
Dancehall reggae traditionally features a vocalist (referred to as a "Deejay") reciting lyrics in thick Jamaican English over a "riddim". "Riddims" ("rhythm" in standard English) are themselves quite famous, and a common practice in the style is to release an album featuring the same riddim being voiced by a number of performers.
While most dancehall performers are male, a small number of female vocalists have appeared in recent years, often performing their lyrics from an expressly feminist point of view in counterpoint to the notoriously male-chauvinist style.
There are essentially two types of dancehall deejay. The more common is the rough-voiced male vocalist, often describing his sexual prowess and lyrical abilities. Vocalists of this type often engage in verbal warfare with their enemies, as can be seen in the feud between Beenie Man and Bounty Killer.
A second type is the smooth-voiced "singjay" (as they are sometimes known). Still performing over the traditional riddims, this male performer is more inspired by RnB music and in fact sings, rather than chants, his lyrics, such as Mr Vegas. Occasionally, as in the duo of Chaka Demus & Pliers, the two performer types combine.
One Dance
Drake Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Interesting Facts ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Grips on your waist
Front way, back way
You know that I don't play
Streets not safe
But I never run away
Even when I'm away
OT, OT, there's never much love when we go OT
I pray to make it back in one piece
I pray, I pray
That's why I need a one dance
Got a Hennessy in my hand
One more time 'fore I go
Higher powers taking a hold on me
I need a one dance
Got a Hennessy in my hand
One more time 'fore I go
Higher powers taking a hold on me
Baby, I like your style
Strength and guidance
All that I'm wishin' for my friends
Nobody makes it from my ends
I had to bust up the silence
You know you gotta stick by me
Soon as you see the text, reply me
I don't wanna spend time fighting
We've got no time
And that's why I need a one dance
Got a Hennessy in my hand
One more time 'fore I go
Higher powers taking a hold on me
I need a one dance
Got a Hennessy in my hand
One more time 'fore I go
Higher powers taking a hold on me
Got a pretty girl and she love me long time
Wine it, wine it, and she love me long time
Ooh yeah, just steady and wine up
Back up, back up, back up and wine up
Back up, back up and wine it
Girl, just back up, back up, back up and wine down
Ooh yeah, just steady and wine up
Back, up, back up and wine it, girl
Ooh, tell me
I need to know, where do you wanna go?
'Cause if you're down, I'll take it slow
Make you lose control
Where, where, where
Where, where, where, where (ooh yeah, very long time)
(Back, up, back up and wine it, girl)
'Cause if you're down (back up, back up and)
'Cause if you're down (back up, back up and)
'Cause if you're down (back up, back up and)
I need a one dance
Got a Hennessy in my hand
One more time 'fore I go
Higher powers taking a hold on me
I need a one dance
Got a Hennessy in my hand
One more time 'fore I go
Higher powers taking a hold on me
The song "One Dance" by Drake is a catchy dancehall-infused track that features lyrics about love, partying, and enjoying life. The opening lyrics "Baby, I like your style" indicate an appreciation for someone's uniqueness and individuality. The following lyrics "Grips on your waist, front way, back way" suggest physical affection and attraction.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "I need a one dance," which seems to imply a desire for connection and intimacy with someone. The line "Higher powers taking a hold on me" could be interpreted as a reference to the power of music to transport people and uplift their spirits.
The second verse references the importance of friendship and community, with lyrics like "Strength and guidance, all that I'm wishin' for my friends / Nobody makes it from my ends." This sense of loyalty and support comes through in the lines "You know you gotta stick by me / Soon as you see the text, reply me."
Overall, Drake's "One Dance" is a fun and upbeat song that celebrates the pleasures of life and the joy of music. Its combination of dancehall rhythms and catchy hooks have made it a favorite for fans of pop and hip-hop alike.
Fun facts about "One Dance":
Interesting Facts
Note: This section uses generative AI, which can be inaccurate.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby, I like your style
I enjoy your demeanor and personality
Grips on your waist
I am holding onto you tightly
Front way, back way
We can do things in multiple ways
You know that I don't play
You are aware that I am not joking around
Streets not safe
The surroundings are dangerous
But I never run away
I am brave enough to face the danger head-on
Even when I'm away
Even if I am physically not present
Oti, oti, there's never much love when we go OT
There is often coldness in our interactions when we are out
I pray to make it back in one piece
I want to come back safely
I need a one dance
I require one dance
Got a Hennessy in my hand
I am holding a Hennessy drink in my hand
One more time 'fore I go
One more dance before I leave
Higher powers taking a hold on me
A force beyond my control is influencing me
Strength and guidance
I need emotional support and direction
All that I'm wishin' for my friends
I want the best for my friends
Nobody makes it from my ends
Few people succeed where I come from
I had to bust up the silence
I had to break the quietness and speak out
You know you gotta stick by me
You have to be loyal to me
Soon as you see the text, reply me
Please respond to my messages promptly
I don't wanna spend time fighting
I don't want to argue
We've got no time
We are short of time
Got a pretty girl and she love me long time
I have an attractive lady who is dedicated to me
Wine it, wine it, and she love me long time
She expresses her love for me by dancing with me
Ooh yeah, very long time
It has been a long time
Back up, back up, back up and wine it
Move backwards and dance with me
Girl, just back up, back up, back up and wine it
Lady, please dance with me
Tell me, I need to know, where do you wanna go?
Inform me, where do you want us to go?
'Cause if you're down, I'll take it slow
If you are interested, we can take things slow
Make you lose control
I will make you feel so good that you'll lose control
I need a one dance
I require one dance
Higher powers taking a hold on me
A force beyond my control is influencing me
Lyrics © Ultra Tunes, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Sentric Music, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Aubrey Drake Graham, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, Paul Anthony Jefferies, Noah Shebib, Kyla Smith, Errol Reid, Luke Reid, Corey Bruce Johnson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ángela Patricia Vega Hernández
Baby, I like your style
Grips on your waist
Front way, back way
You know that I don't play
Streets not safe
But I never run away
Even when I'm away
OT, OT, there's never much love when we go OT
I pray to make it back in one piece
I pray, I pray
That's why I need a one dance
Got a Hennessy in my hand
One more time 'fore I go
Higher powers taking a hold on me
I need a one dance
Got a Hennessy in my hand
One more time 'fore I go
Higher powers taking a hold on me
Baby, I like your style
Strength and guidance
All that I'm wishin' for my friends
Nobody makes it from my ends
I had to bust up the silence
You know you gotta stick by me
Soon as you see the text, reply me
I don't wanna spend time fighting
We've got no time
And that's why I need a one dance
Got a Hennessy in my hand
One more time 'fore I go
Higher powers taking a hold on me
I need a one dance
Got a Hennessy in my hand
One more time 'fore I go
Higher powers taking a hold on me
Got a pretty girl and she love me long time
Wine it, wine it, and she love me long time
Ooh yeah, just steady and wine up
Back up, back up, back up and wine up
Back up, back up and wine it
Girl, just back up, back up, back up and wine down
Ooh yeah, just steady and wine up
Back, up, back up and wine it, girl
Ooh, tell me
I need to know, where do you wanna go?
'Cause if you're down, I'll take it slow
Make you lose control
Where, where, where
Where, where, where, where (ooh yeah, very long time)
(Back, up, back up and wine it, girl)
'Cause if you're down (back up, back up and)
'Cause if you're down (back up, back up and)
'Cause if you're down (back up, back up and)
I need a one dance
Got a Hennessy in my hand
One more time 'fore I go
Higher powers taking a hold on me
I need a one dance
Got a Hennessy in my hand
One more time 'fore I go
Higher powers taking a hold on me
Michael Mason
Incredible track 💗
Atk Boys Vlog
Goosebumps 🔥💯
Princesa💗
This brings so much memories
Sticky broccoli
Oh yes 🥺
Dallas!
fr
Marquisté
Like what?
Rare Cold Fire
@Marquistékissing in the state of Florida
Dat Nigga slim
Nah frfr
Athapianoking
He deserved an award for this song
Marquisté
I agree ☝🏿