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.

Classic dancehall reggae songs. Recommended popular tracks (21–30)

Tek HimMad Cobra

Mad Cobra – Tek Him [Best Quality]

Tek HimMad Cobra

Mad Cobra is an artist who was hugely active during the heyday of Ragga, a subgenre of dancehall reggae.

While his signature song includes the sweet reggae classic “Flex,” here we’ve chosen a more quintessentially dancehall crowd-pleaser that really gets events fired up.

Raise the rankinglower

Herbman hustlingSugar Minott

SUGAR MINOTT – Herbman hustling / Version (Black Roots) 12″

Herbman hustlingSugar Minott

Sugar Minott originally worked as a selector on a sound system, but later switched to being a singer and achieved great success.

His ability as a vocalist is outstanding; while he excels in dancehall, he is also a skilled performer of roots reggae and lovers rock.

Raise the rankinglower

Place In Your HeartGarnett Silk

Garnett Silk – Place In Your Heart [Best Quality]

Place In Your HeartGarnett Silk

Garnett Silk was a singer so talented that he was even called the second coming of Bob Marley, but he sadly passed away in an accident in 1994.

His beautiful singing voice is, of course, his greatest appeal, but with lyrics centered on themes of love and culture, he was also a remarkable artist with outstanding songwriting talent.

Raise the rankinglower

ZungguzungguguzungguzengYellowman

Zungguzungguguzungguzeng – Yellowman

ZungguzungguguzungguzengYellowman

He is Yellowman, the international star who became the first dancehall reggae artist to break into the major scene.

Born with albinism, Yellowman was abandoned by his parents and raised in an orphanage, enduring a difficult life.

Released in 1983, this track remains a legendary classic in the dancehall genre.

Raise the rankinglower

ArleenGeneral Echo

General Echo – Arleen

ArleenGeneral Echo

There is something called slackness, which involves singing dirty jokes and is one aspect of dancehall reggae culture.

The artist often said to be its originator is General Echo.

He has other signature songs as well, but this was the first one to become a hit.

Raise the rankinglower

Shy GuyDiana King

Diana King – Shy Guy

Shy GuyDiana King

She is a singer from Jamaica whose music leans more toward R&B than reggae.

Her worldwide hit “Shy Guy” is a staple often heard at dancehall parties.

She tours Asia frequently and has performed with Japanese artists, making her a familiar figure in Japan.

Raise the rankinglower

higher levelElephant man

elephant man higher level JohnecashTV

higher levelElephant man

This is classic, straight-up dancehall reggae—perfect for enjoying the groove, the rap, and the lyrics.

If you’re tired of today’s more laid-back, dressed-down reggae, this ultra-classic reggae is just right.

It’s a stylish track that’ll likely earn you some respect if you say you know it.

Raise the rankinglower