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

Rasta Love by Protoje ft Kymani Marley

In 2010, Protoje has proven to be a force to be reckoned with in the Jamaican music industry. Singles, such as Arguments, Dread and JA have enabled him to have the ears of Jamaican music listeners.

Protoje’s latest single is the Don Corleon-produced Rasta Love that features Kymani Marley.

Rasta Love is a storytelling account of a woman who’s in love with a Rastafarian, much to the disapproval of her father. Through this story, Protoje is highlighting the importance of not letting others live vicariously through you, as it’s your life to live.

Kymani Marley provides a catchy chorus that complements the theme of Protoje’s verses exceptionally.

Protoje’s verbal delivery throughout the song is reminiscent of Jr Gong’s Half-Way Tree era and is a welcomed difference from most contemporary Jamaican artistes.

TEENage Hitlist believes that Rasta Love is another step to greatness for Protoje, who will continue to make a conscious impact on our musical landscape.

International Hit Of The Week

Runaway by Kanye West ft Pusha T

On September 12, 2010, Kanye West made a triumphant return to the MTV Music Video Awards with the debut of his latest single Runaway. Less than a month later, the single version of the song has been released on various formats.

Runaway is a retrospective song about the tumultuous aspects of relationships narrated by an emotionally driven Kanye West.

The song’s production features a dynamic Pete Rock drum sample juxtaposed with a standout eerie sounding piano loop and sporadically placed violin strings.

The first verse is rapped by a confident and almost boastful Kanye West, who narrates unapologetically about his wrongful behaviour in a relationship.

GOOD Music’s latest signee, the wordsmith Pusha T of The Clipse, complements the song’s theme with a noteworthy guest appearance.

The tone of the last verse differs completely from the first verse, as it features a solemn Kanye West rapping sincerely that his significant other may leave the relationship due to his actions, which is a thought that he fears.

The main selling point of Runaway is its satirically crafted chorus that’s sung off-key by Kanye West. The chorus is sure to draw attention, as it’s a toast to males with monikers of notoriety.

TEENage Hitlist believes that Runaway is a solid follow-up to Power, and is the perfect lead single for his latest album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, slated to be released on November 22.