Recommended reggae

Classic dancehall reggae songs. Recommended popular tracks.

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
Under the theme of “vocal skills that stand up on the world stage,” I have experience teaching as an online vocal coach specializing in Western music, and I usually listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. In my teens, I questioned the idea that “foreign music equals English,” and started exploring songs from around the world. My commentary is characterized by a unique perspective shaped by listening to music of every genre, in every language, from every country. I mainly cover world music, so be sure to check it out!

There are many different genres within reggae.

For those who aren’t familiar with reggae, when you hear “dancehall,” you might picture an actual dance venue, right?

Dancehall is a style of reggae centered on programmed (electronic) beats, and it’s one of the most popular, mainstream genres in modern reggae.

This time, we’ve put together a collection of classic dancehall tracks.

We’ve picked a wide range—from timeless classics to the latest hits—so whether you’re well-versed in reggae or new to it, you’ll enjoy this selection!

Now, please take your time and enjoy.

Dancehall reggae classics. Recommended popular songs (1–10)

MedicineAlkaline

Alkaline – Medicine (Official Music Video)

MedicineAlkaline

Alkaline, an artist who enjoyed immense popularity in the dancehall scene of the 2010s.

For a time he distanced himself from Jamaica, which gave him a somewhat negative image, but he’s now once again making the Jamaican reggae scene his main arena and is popular among young people.

Among his works, the one I especially recommend is Medicine.

It leans heavily into hip-hop, so it’s a good pick for those who aren’t into hard, full-on dancehall.

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Ghetto Red HotSUPER CAT

Super Cat – Ghetto Red Hot

Ghetto Red HotSUPER CAT

This song sharply depicts the reality of Jamaica’s ghettos.

Released in January 1992, it appears on the album Don Dada.

It features Super Cat’s powerful vocals and an energetic rhythm that fuses dancehall with raga hip-hop.

The lyrics portray violence in impoverished areas, political turmoil, and the struggle for survival, making it an important work that conveys one facet of Jamaican society at the time.

It’s a recommended listen for those interested in social issues or 1990s dancehall music.

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Pro-GressJahvillani

Jahvillani – Pro-Gress | Official Lyric Video

Pro-GressJahvillani

Javilani is a young artist gaining popularity in Jamaica’s dancehall scene.

He’s the artist who earned global recognition with “Clarks Pon Foot.” A track of his I highly recommend as a signature song is “Pro-Gress.” It’s dancehall mixed with hip-hop, but compared to other artists, the blend is exceptionally well-balanced.

If you’re not a fan of reggae that leans too heavily into recent trap music, definitely give it a listen.

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Dancehall reggae classics. Recommended popular songs (11–20)

Yahoo BoyzIntence

Intence – Yahoo Boyz (Official Video)

Yahoo BoyzIntence

Intence is an artist gaining popularity in Jamaica’s reggae scene.

Because his global recognition is still limited, even people familiar with reggae may not know him.

His sound blends dancehall with trap music, giving it a strong hip-hop edge, and he’s popular among Jamaican youth.

That distinctive style is clear in “Yahoo Boyz” as well, so it’s recommended for hip-hop fans too.

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SufferahBounty Killer

Sufferer

SufferahBounty Killer

It’s a powerful track that speaks on behalf of those suffering from social injustice.

Featured on the 2002 album “Nah No Mercy: The Warlord Scrolls,” it showcases a collaboration with Wayne Marshall.

Drawing on Bounty Killer’s own experiences, the lyrics inspire courage in the face of poverty and oppression.

Blending reggae and dancehall elements, its compelling sound is recommended not only for those interested in social issues but also for dance music fans seeking hard-hitting beats.

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King Of The DancehallBeenie Man

King Of The Dancehall

King Of The DancehallBeenie Man

This is a signature track by Beenie Man, known as the king of dancehall reggae.

Included on his 2004 album “Back to Basics,” the song is packed with his appeal.

Riding a lively rhythm that ignites the dance floor, he proudly sings about his musical talent and popularity with women.

Overflowing with Beenie Man’s confident vocals and charisma, this track lets you fully savor the essence of dancehall.

It’s perfect for parties or whenever you want to lift your mood—give it a listen!

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Ting-A-lingShabba Ranks

Shabba Ranks – Ting-A-ling

Ting-A-lingShabba Ranks

Shabba Ranks, a Jamaican deejay who had a major influence on reggaeton.

Rather than classic reggae, he’s known for performing fusion-style ragamuffin, and his fast, Puerto Rican-style rap leaves a strong impression.

From the late 2000s, he gained worldwide popularity and collaborated with Akon, who is known as a major New York rapper.

His classic track “Ting-A-ling” features a riddim that is distinctive yet approachable.

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