Old School Dancehall

Old school dancehall, emerging prominently in the late 1970s and 1980s, marks a pulsating, rhythmically rich era of Jamaican music that acted as a springboard for modern reggae and dancehall genres. Distinguished by its vibrant, bass-heavy beats, this genre encapsulates the lively spirit and cultural dynamics of Jamaica, weaving narratives of love, social commentary, and daily life into its lyrical tapestry. Artists like I-Roy and Frankie Paul, among others, became stalwarts of the genre, known for their distinctive vocal styles that ranged from melodious to the early forms of toasting (a precursor to rapping) over rugged riddims. The genre thrived on innovation, integrating electronic instrumentation with traditional reggae rhythms, thereby laying the groundwork for the future evolution of dancehall into a global phenomenon. Through its iconic sounds and themes, old school dancehall continues to influence and resonate within the wider music landscape.

Latest Follows

Latest Old School Dancehall Release
undefined album image
Midnight (Remastered)
Single - Released February 13, 2026
Top Artists Spotify Logo
Buju Banton
Capleton
Dennis Brown
Don Carlos
Bounty Killer
Elephant Man
Top Playlists
The Sound of Deep Ragga 16 Old School Dancehall artists
The Needle / Kenya 2 Old School Dancehall artists
The Needle / Barbados - Current 2 Old School Dancehall artists
The Needle / Trinidad & Tobago - Current 2 Old School Dancehall artists
The Sound of Jamaican Hip Hop 2 Old School Dancehall artists
The Needle / Kenya - Current 2 Old School Dancehall artists

RecentMusic users are tracking 50 Old School Dancehall artists for new releases, and have access to the full timeline of 4,388 releases

Join them and feed your new music addiction, and add the Old School Dancehall artists you love!

Get Started Browse Arists
  1. February 13, 2026
  2. February 13
  3. February 13
  4. February 12
  5. February 6
  6. February 6
  7. February 6
  8. February 6
  9. February 6
  10. February 6
  11. February 6
  12. February 4
  13. February 2
  14. February 2
  15. January 30
  16. January 30
  17. January 23
  18. January 23
  19. January 23
  20. January 23
  21. January 23
  22. January 23
  23. January 21
  24. January 21
  25. January 16
  26. January 16
  27. January 10
  28. January 9
  29. January 9
  30. January 2
  31. December 26, 2025
  32. December 25
  33. December 25
  34. December 25
  35. December 25
  36. December 16
  37. December 12
  38. December 12
  39. December 12
  40. December 10