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 Old School Dancehall Release
undefined album image
King of the road
Album - 11 Tracks - Released April 28, 2025
Top Artists Spotify Logo
Cocoa Tea
Junior Reid
Red Rat
Junior Byles
Spragga Benz
Nadine Sutherland
Top Playlists
The Sound of Italo Beats 1 Old School Dancehall artist
The Sound of Virgin Islands Reggae 1 Old School Dancehall artist
Tricky Top Radio 1 Old School Dancehall artist
Zero 7 Top Radio 1 Old School Dancehall artist

RecentMusic users are tracking 35 Old School Dancehall artists for new releases, and have access to the full timeline of 1,524 releases .

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

Get Started Browse Arists
  1. April 28, 2025
  2. April 19
  3. April 18
  4. April 18
  5. March 28
  6. March 20
  7. March 14
  8. March 13
  9. March 13
  10. March 6
  11. February 17
  12. February 17
  13. February 14
  14. February 14
  15. February 14
  16. January 10
  17. January 10
  18. January 3
  19. December 29, 2024
  20. November 29
  21. November 21
  22. November 19
  23. November 8
  24. November 8
  25. November 8
  26. November 6
  27. October 25
  28. October 25
  29. October 18
  30. October 18
  31. October 18
  32. October 12
  33. October 11
  34. October 4
  35. October 4
  36. September 29
  37. September 5
  38. September 3
  39. August 30
  40. August 30