Meaning
A song or artist that 'crosses over' from the dancehall/reggae world into the international pop mainstream — reaching audiences and charts far beyond Jamaica. A crossover hit softens or broadens the sound to appeal widely; the word can be praise (global success) or a subtle criticism (selling out the raw local sound for commercial appeal).
Examples
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Dat tune a crossover, it big inna America.
That tune is a crossover; it's big in America.
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Him go crossover an lose di street fans.
He went mainstream and lost the street fans.
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A crossover hit put Jamaica pon di world stage.
A crossover hit put Jamaica on the world stage.
Origin
From 'cross over' (into the mainstream); a globally successful reggae/dancehall record. See [[big-tune]], [[bashment]].
How it’s used
A dancehall/reggae hit that breaks into the pop mainstream. See [[big-tune]], [[bashment]].