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 (31–40)

Gun Pon MeShabba Ranks

Shabba Ranks – Gun Pon Me

Gun Pon MeShabba Ranks

Shabba Ranks is one of the dancehall reggae artists who became a major star by signing with a major American label and even winning a Grammy Award.

Here is a popular track from his Grammy-winning album, As Raw As Ever.

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Ghetto People SongEverton Blender

Ghetto People Song

Ghetto People SongEverton Blender

Everton Blender is a legendary reggae singer who, along with artists like Bob Marley, helped energize Jamaica’s reggae scene in the 1970s.

As the 1980s came around, more songs with “enjoy life” messages—akin to hip-hop—began to be released within reggae, but he continued to put out culturally conscious tracks dealing with religion and war.

That aspect may well be part of what sustains his popularity.

His “Ghetto People Song” is known as one of his signature tunes, and as the title suggests, it focuses on people born in the ghetto.

The track has a laid-back dancehall vibe, so be sure to give it a listen!

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Down in the ghettoBounty Killer

Bounty Killer – Down in the ghetto

Down in the ghettoBounty Killer

This is Bounty Killer, one of the artists who led dancehall reggae in the late 1990s.

He grew up in the ghetto and is well-known for his strong political criticism, but he’s also a kind-hearted person who devotes himself to nurturing young artists and continually provides various forms of support for people in the ghetto.

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Higher LevelElephant man

Elephant Man – Higher Level *OFFICIAL VIDEO*

Higher LevelElephant man

Alongside Sean Paul, Elephant Man is hugely popular as a major star in the dancehall reggae scene.

His hallmarks are his low-key vocals, high-energy, fast-moving stage performances, and his distinctive character and fashion.

Since his debut, he has continued to produce hit songs and is an artist who represents dancehall.

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Boom wah disBurro Banton

Burro Banton – Boom wah dis

Boom wah disBurro Banton

This is Burro Banton, a veteran dancehall deejay known for his distinctive gravelly voice.

It’s an intensely powerful track that hits hard with fierce sound and riddim.

At dancehall events, when this song plays, the crowd goes wild—it’s a classic anthem.

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Dancehall reggae classics. Recommended popular songs (41–50)

Murder DemNinjaman

Ninja Man – Murder Dem (Sleng Teng riddim)

Murder DemNinjaman

Ninjaman, who admired Japanese ninjas and took his name from them, is known as a defiant artist in dancehall reggae.

In this track over Ninjaman’s famous riddim, “Sleng Teng,” he boasts aggressively that anyone who opposes him will be crushed by his lyrics.

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Fresh PartyDocta & Linho ft Tay-O

Docta & Linho ft Tay-O – Fresh Party (Son Officiel) [Just Winner]

Fresh PartyDocta & Linho ft Tay-O

It’s a dancehall reggae track packed with cool rap as the main feature, so if you like reggae, you’ll definitely fall for it.

The main riff and track are very catchy and stylish, making it a must-listen for anyone who loves music.

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