Roots Reggae

Roots reggae is a genre characterized by its emphasis on socially conscious lyrics, soulful vocals, and a laid-back, offbeat rhythm often driven by a prominent bass line. Emerging in Jamaica in the late 1960s and peaking in popularity in the 1970s, roots reggae drew from traditional Caribbean folk, calypso, and American R&B, incorporating instrumentation like guitars, keyboards, and horns. The genre's cultural significance lies in its role as a powerful voice for social justice, equality, and Rastafarianism, with lyrics often addressing themes of oppression, redemption, and unity. Roots reggae's distinctive sound is marked by its use of "one-drop" rhythm, where the emphasis falls on the third beat in a 4/4 time signature, creating a hypnotic, danceable groove. This style influenced subsequent genres like dancehall and conscious hip-hop, while its fusion of African, European, and Caribbean musical traditions continues to inspire artists globally.

Latest Roots Reggae Release
undefined album image
Top Ranking
Single - Released November 8, 2024
Top Artists Spotify Logo
Bob Marley & The Wailers
IRAH
YG Marley
Barrington Levy
Jimmy Cliff
Stephen Marley
Top Playlists
Reggae Party 7 Roots Reggae artists
Beach Vibes 6 Roots Reggae artists
Echoes of the Ages: A Melodic Voyage Through Time 3 Roots Reggae artists
Cloud 9 3 Roots Reggae artists
Soft 70s 2 Roots Reggae artists
WYEP's Weekly Mix 2 Roots Reggae artists

RecentMusic users are tracking 134 Roots Reggae artists for new releases, and have access to the full timeline of 6,157 releases .

Join them and feed your new music addiction, and add the Roots Reggae artists you love!

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