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 Do I by Chino & The Genius

Over the past couple of years, Chino and Stephen ‘Di Genius’ McGregor of the Freddie McGregor-captained Big Ship family have been industry stalwarts in their own right within the Jamaican music scene, with a constant release of non-genre specific material and a hectic touring schedule overseas.

For 2011, Di Genius focused on revitalising vintage dancehall sounds with productions, such as the Pepper Riddim, Bad Acid Riddim, and the Tenement Yard Riddim, while Chino heavily promoted the release of his self-titled North American debut album, which was produced entirely by his brother.

Chino and Di Genius have released another collaboration entitled So Do I, and it’s produced by Chimney Records.

So Do I marks the return for the duo to their fusion contemporary dancehall and hip-hop hybrid sound courtesy of Chimney Records, and will instantly remind listeners of the musical chemistry between the two that captivated the Jamaican youth a couple of years ago.

So Do I is a mid-tempo braggadocious track aimed at the dancefloors, and is filled with boastful lyrics from Chino during the verses, and from The Genius during vocal background interjections and the infectiously melodious chorus.

TEENage Hitlist believes that So Do I is a more than solid release from Chino and Di Genius, and can be another hit single in their respective catalogues if amply promoted.

International Hit Of the Week – King Of Hearts by Cassie

In 2006, model turned singer Cassie scored one of the biggest hits of that year with her Ryan Leslie-penned and produced single Me & U. Her reign, however, was stifled by two notoriously bad televised live performances that severely hampered the promotion of her self-titled debut album.

After performing dismally on the charts, Cassie’s career began to regress into relative obscurity due to a falling out with her songwriter and producer Ryan Leslie and a public on and off relationship with her label head Sean Combs. Since the Ryan Leslie split, Cassie has released singles such as Official Girl featuring Lil’ Wayne and Let’s Go Crazy featuring Akon, all of which failed to make an impact.

King Of Hearts is another attempt by Cassie to regain a spot within the music industry and is also the title of her upcoming album.

King Of Hearts was released in time for Valentine’s Day and is produced by J2. The song is an electro-dance release and has a quirky structure similar to Rihanna and Calvin Harris’s We Found Love.

Although Cassie can be found to be lyrically and vocally wanting in King Of Hearts, the song’s instrumentation, especially during the build up before the chorus and during the bridge maybe the single’s selling point.

TEENage Hitlist believes that Cassie’s music has lacked personality since the Ryan Leslie split, but with the aid of a video and a loyal fan base, King Of Hearts might be the thrust her career needs.