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
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King of the road
Album - 11 Tracks - Released April 28, 2025

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Al Campbell
Big Youth
Chuck Fenda
Daweh Congo
Dennis Alcapone
Frankie Paul
Fred Locks
I-Roy
Junior Byles
Junior Reid
Lukie D
Michael Prophet
Natural Black
Prince Alla
Prince Jazzbo
Red Rat
Richie Stephens
Rod Taylor
Slim Smith
Spragga Benz
The Meditations
Wayne Jarrett
Red Rat
Junior Reid
Junior Byles
Spragga Benz
Frankie Paul
Big Youth
Richie Stephens
Chuck Fenda
Lukie D
Al Campbell
Natural Black
Michael Prophet
Slim Smith
Prince Alla
Prince Jazzbo
Rod Taylor
Dennis Alcapone
I-Roy
The Meditations
Fred Locks
Daweh Congo
Wayne Jarrett