What makes a hit? Is it the lyrics, the artiste, the hype at the time? Is it “something special” about the voice or rhythm?

The TEENage Hitlist pinpoints the hits and the misses as soon as we hear both local and international releases.

Local Hit of the Week – So Superfly by Ding Dong Ft Wayne Marshall

Firstly, TEENage Hitlist must commend Ding Dong’s successful transition from a dancer to an artiste within the dancehall arena which shouldn’t be taken likely. We note his immense show of growth from Badman Forward Badman Pull Up to his recent string of hits.

Ding Dong’s latest single So Superfly, which features Wayne Marshall, strays from his usual “dance” songs and focuses on a theme of inspiration and that one’s hopes and dreams can be achieved, despite what others may think, through hard work and determination.

The chorus lays the song’s foundation by establishing the theme through Wayne Marshall’s melodic vocals over a soothing laid-back production from Rahk Music. Wayne Marshall has had an immense talent for delivering such choruses over the years and hasn’t fallen off one bit despite the smaller output he has released recently.

Ding Dong utilises a heavily hip-hop-influenced flow in his verses, which he seems to be comfortable with since his TEENage-endorsed song of the year Holiday.

TEENage Hitlist believes that So Superfly is another hit to add to both artistes decorated catalogue and provides an uplifting message that the youth of today needs to hear.

International Hit of the week – Good Morning by Diddy – Dirty Money ft TI

After dismantling Danity Kane, Bad Boy Records head honcho Sean Combs aka Diddy, created Dirty Money, an extension of his solo act, that includes former Danity Kane member Dawn and newcomer Kalenna.

The trio’s first two singles Angels and Love Come Down were met with mixed responses commercially.

Their latest single, Good Morning, features the recently-released-from-prison TI and gives them a chance to relaunch their brand and spark interest within hip-hop circles.

This chance taken has worked to their advantage as Good Morning is Dirty Money’s first poised hit from their upcoming album Last Train To Paris.

Good Morning is a club-thumping release that incorporates both electro and hip-hop elements with a masterpiece of a production provided by former Timbaland protégé Danja.

Diddy has never been known for lyrical verbosity, as simplicity is his forte. In Good Morning their simplicity was effective. The background vocals by Dawn and Kalenna complemented the song well and TI must be commended for his fiery verse.

TEENage Hitlist believes that Good Morning is the release that Diddy fans have been craving and have finally gotten.