This year Best of the Best expanded to a two day affair. Day one featured the best of Hip Hop and R&B, day two was the traditional dancehall stage show. Here is our review of the show. Please view our pictures in our “Best of Jamaica 2011“ photo gallery.
Day 1 Line Up
- Rick Ross
- Trey Songz
- Chris Brown
- Keri Hilson
- Lloyd
- Jeremih
- Miguel
- Marsha Ambrosius (formerly of the duo Floetry)
- Travis Porter
- Big Sean
Day 1 was hosted by radio personality and comedian Rickey Smiley, Russ Parr and Jabba of Massive B.
Day 2 Line Up
- Shabba Ranks
- Stephen and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley
- DJ Khaled
- Vybz Kartel (live via satellite from Jamaica)
- Tarrus Riley
- Alison Hinds
- Trina
- Assassin
- Etana
- Sanchez
- I-Octane
- Ace Hood
- Stephen McGregor
- Chino
- Richie Loop
- Demarco
- Gappy Ranks
- Romain Virgo
- Tifa
- Big A.C.
- Qwote
- Danielle D.I.
- ZJ Liquid.
Day 1
Performer Name: Rick Ross
Grade: B+
Comments: The production team’s time management was poor, the closing act had less than 20 minutes to perform. Rick did his thing, but those who came to specifically to see him didn’t get their money’s worth.
Day 1
Performer Name: Trey Songz
Grade: A
Comments: Hot, sexy, sultry. Every woman in the audience loved Trey’s performance.
Day 1
Performer Name: Keri Hilson
Grade: B
Comments: This was a job for Keri. She came out sang her songs and barely interacted with the crowd.
Day 1
Performer Name: Lloyd
Grade: B+
Comments: Great performance, if he stays true, he will become a dominant player soon.
Day 1
Performer Name: Miguel
Grade: B
Comments: Fun and playful. Full of energy, but I couldn’t figure out who was his target audience.
Day 1
Overall show vibe: B-
Comment : For the venue, a relatively small crowd. Audience was a mix of 20 and 30 something’s. Performers got on and got off stage, none of them did anything spectacular. Seems like they all couldn’t wait to head east to go hang out on South Beach.
Day 2
Performer Name: Shabba Ranks
Grade: A+
Comments: He’s still got it. The sexy moves, the voice, the hype, the fun, the slackness. Still Shabba. Special cameo performances with Maxi-Priest and Krystal.
Day 2
Performer Name: Stephen and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley
Grade: A-
Comments: The Marley men took the stage together and lit up the crowd with their pulsating duos.
Day 2
Performer Name: Vybz Kartel (live via satellite from Jamaica)
Grade : B
Comments: Vybz as usual, did his thing. The satellite link was good, but he performed on a balcony with about ten people behind him. It would have been better if he were performing in front of an audience with them seeing the Miami crowd and the Miami seeing the Jamaica crowd. Let’s hope this visa thing gets sorted out soon, I am not looking forward to anymore live via satellite performances.
Day 2
Performer Name: Tarrus Riley
Grade A:
Comments: Tarrus knows how to make the ladies happy. Whenever he takes the stage, the crowd can’t help but to sing along.
Day 2
Performer Name: Alison Hinds
Grade: A+
Comments: She is hotness. Energetic, sexy, entertaining, engaging, and full of excitement. Another top class performance by Alison Hinds.
Day 2
Performer Name: Assassin
Grade: B+
Comments: Conscious that time was running low, Assassin hit the stage and immediately started delivering his hits. He made the most of it and gave his fans a top performance.
Day 2
Performer Name: Etana
Grade: B
Comments: Etana arrived late and as result her stage time was minimal. Three songs and she was off stage, she closed her mini performance with I Am Not Afraid.
Day 2
Performer Name: Sanchez
Grade: A
Comments: Dapper and sexy as always, Sanchez stayed true to form. His performance like his outfit was flawless.
Day 2
Performer Name: I-Octane
Grade: A+
Comments: The next generation of stars is clearly led by I-Octane. He gave a performance befitting of someone ready to take the baton and lead Dancehall through this decade.
Day 2
Overall show vibe: A+
Comment : Audience, performers and staff made me remember why this event is named ‘Best of the Best’
