REGGAE / DUB / DANCEHALL / HIPHOP

In times of political tension and growing division, reggae music stands as a reminder of another way forward. By carrying truth, resistance and hope on a steady heartbeat against war, violence, and fear. To remember our shared humanity when the world feels fractured and to remain rooted in the belief that peace is not passive, that love is not weak, and that unity is a radical force.

Reggae and hip-hop share a long, connected history. It runs from Lee "Scratch" Perry’s pioneering dub techniques influencing hip-hop production to Jamaican artists like Kool DJ Herc and The Notorious B.I.G. shaping the sound of New York City. Long before hip-hop took off, sound system dances relied on flipping the 7-inch to ride the instrumental "version", a style of deejay toasting that Jamaican immigrants and their children directly imported to NYC as the foundation for modern rhyming. This mix is featuring some of those crossover tracks and standout remixes that put that shared heritage front and center.

Sizzla (born Miguel Orlando Collins in 1976) is a highly influential Jamaican reggae artist who became a leading figure of the late-1990s neo-Rastafarian movement in roots reggae and dancehall. Known for his astonishingly prolific output and powerful messages of social justice, Black pride, and spiritual consciousness, he has released over 50 albums throughout his career. His landmark records, such as Black Woman & Child (1997) and Da Real Thing (2002), are widely celebrated as timeless masterpieces that helped reshape the sound of modern Jamaican music.

This series celebrates the underground movement that shaped identity, community and style for generations, where powerful beats and unfiltered voices became a school of life. It’s about diverse vibes, real stories and the culture that continues to inspire people around the world.

The essence of modern Dancehall Reggae (often simply called Dancehall) is defined by a raw, high-energy, and digital expression of urban Jamaican life. This series tries to capture the pulse of this music and it's culture. WARNING: Explicit Lyrics!

Weekly showcase diving into the wide world of dub music and the global evolution of reggae

In times of political tension and growing division, reggae music stands as a reminder of another way forward. By carrying truth, resistance and hope on a steady heartbeat against war, violence, and fear. To remember our shared humanity when the world feels fractured and to remain rooted in the belief that peace is not passive, that love is not weak, and that unity is a radical force.

JMC Charts - October 23 - 29, 2026 (Jamaica Music Countdown By Richard ‘Richie B’ Burgess)

Aswad is a legendary British reggae group formed in London in 1975, celebrated as pioneers of indigenous UK reggae. Blending traditional roots reggae with soul, pop, and dancehall, they became one of the most commercially successful reggae acts in the UK.

This series celebrates the underground movement that shaped identity, community and style for generations, where powerful beats and unfiltered voices became a school of life. It’s about diverse vibes, real stories and the culture that continues to inspire people around the world.

The essence of modern Dancehall Reggae (often simply called Dancehall) is defined by a raw, high-energy, and digital expression of urban Jamaican life. This series tries to capture the pulse of this music and it's culture. WARNING: Explicit Lyrics!

Weekly showcase diving into the wide world of dub music and the global evolution of reggae

In times of political tension and growing division, reggae music stands as a reminder of another way forward. By carrying truth, resistance and hope on a steady heartbeat against war, violence, and fear. To remember our shared humanity when the world feels fractured and to remain rooted in the belief that peace is not passive, that love is not weak, and that unity is a radical force.

Alton Ellis (1938–2008) was the legendary Jamaican singer-songwriter crowned the "Godfather of Rocksteady." In the mid-1960s, he slowed down the upbeat tempo of Ska, infusing Jamaican music with soulful, romantic R&B sensibilities. Recording hits like "Girl I've Got a Date" and "I'm Still in Love with You" for iconic labels like Studio One and Treasure Isle, his smooth vocal style and foundational basslines directly shaped the evolution of modern Reggae.

This series celebrates the underground movement that shaped identity, community and style for generations, where powerful beats and unfiltered voices became a school of life. It’s about diverse vibes, real stories and the culture that continues to inspire people around the world.

The essence of modern Dancehall Reggae (often simply called Dancehall) is defined by a raw, high-energy, and digital expression of urban Jamaican life. This series tries to capture the pulse of this music and it's culture. WARNING: Explicit Lyrics!

Weekly showcase diving into the wide world of dub music and the global evolution of reggae

In times of political tension and growing division, reggae music stands as a reminder of another way forward. By carrying truth, resistance and hope on a steady heartbeat against war, violence, and fear. To remember our shared humanity when the world feels fractured and to remain rooted in the belief that peace is not passive, that love is not weak, and that unity is a radical force.

Alpha Blondy (Seydou Koné, born 1953) is an iconic Ivorian reggae singer known for promoting peace, unity, and social justice. Singing in Dioula, French, English, Arabic, and Hebrew, he broke through in 1982 with "Brigadier Sabari," a track denouncing police brutality. Backed by his band, The Solar System, his career features legendary milestones like recording the 1986 album Jérusalem with Bob Marley's backing group, The Wailers. With classic albums ranging from Cocody Rock!!! (1984) to Rise (2025), the UN Messenger of Peace remains a towering figure in global reggae.

This series celebrates the underground movement that shaped identity, community and style for generations, where powerful beats and unfiltered voices became a school of life. It’s about diverse vibes, real stories and the culture that continues to inspire people around the world.

The essence of modern Dancehall Reggae (often simply called Dancehall) is defined by a raw, high-energy, and digital expression of urban Jamaican life. This series tries to capture the pulse of this music and it's culture. WARNING: Explicit Lyrics!

Weekly showcase diving into the wide world of dub music and the global evolution of reggae

In times of political tension and growing division, reggae music stands as a reminder of another way forward. By carrying truth, resistance and hope on a steady heartbeat against war, violence, and fear. To remember our shared humanity when the world feels fractured and to remain rooted in the belief that peace is not passive, that love is not weak, and that unity is a radical force.

Adrian Sherwood is a British music producer and the pioneer of UK dub. He founded the legendary On-U Sound label, fusing reggae with post-punk, industrial, and electronic music by using the mixing desk as a live instrument. He has produced and remixed iconic tracks for artists ranging from Lee "Scratch" Perry and Horace Andy to Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails.

This series celebrates the underground movement that shaped identity, community and style for generations, where powerful beats and unfiltered voices became a school of life. It’s about diverse vibes, real stories and the culture that continues to inspire people around the world.

The essence of modern Dancehall Reggae (often simply called Dancehall) is defined by a raw, high-energy, and digital expression of urban Jamaican life. This series tries to capture the pulse of this music and it's culture. WARNING: Explicit Lyrics!

Weekly showcase diving into the wide world of dub music and the global evolution of reggae

In times of political tension and growing division, reggae music stands as a reminder of another way forward. By carrying truth, resistance and hope on a steady heartbeat against war, violence, and fear. To remember our shared humanity when the world feels fractured and to remain rooted in the belief that peace is not passive, that love is not weak, and that unity is a radical force.

Big Youth (born 1949) is a legendary Jamaican deejay who pioneered the art of toasting, directly influencing modern dancehall and hip-hop. Emerging in the 1970s sound system culture, he became famous for his conscious Rastafarian lyrics and seminal albums like Screaming Target (1972), which blended heavy rhythms with powerful social commentary.

This series celebrates the underground movement that shaped identity, community and style for generations, where powerful beats and unfiltered voices became a school of life. It’s about diverse vibes, real stories and the culture that continues to inspire people around the world.

The essence of modern Dancehall Reggae (often simply called Dancehall) is defined by a raw, high-energy, and digital expression of urban Jamaican life. This series tries to capture the pulse of this music and it's culture. WARNING: Explicit Lyrics!

Weekly showcase diving into the wide world of dub music and the global evolution of reggae

In times of political tension and growing division, reggae music stands as a reminder of another way forward. By carrying truth, resistance and hope on a steady heartbeat against war, violence, and fear. To remember our shared humanity when the world feels fractured and to remain rooted in the belief that peace is not passive, that love is not weak, and that unity is a radical force.

Burning Spear (born 1945), Winston Rodney, is a legendary Jamaican roots reggae singer and songwriter. He is famous for deeply spiritual music centered on Rastafari and black history, particularly the teachings of Marcus Garvey. In the mid-1970s, he released the classic albums Marcus Garvey and Man in the Hills with producer Jack Ruby. Known for his chanting vocal style and hypnotic rhythms, he has won two Grammy Awards.

This series celebrates the underground movement that shaped identity, community and style for generations, where powerful beats and unfiltered voices became a school of life. It’s about diverse vibes, real stories and the culture that continues to inspire people around the world.

The essence of modern Dancehall Reggae (often simply called Dancehall) is defined by a raw, high-energy, and digital expression of urban Jamaican life. This series tries to capture the pulse of this music and it's culture. WARNING: Explicit Lyrics!

Weekly showcase diving into the wide world of dub music and the global evolution of reggae

In times of political tension and growing division, reggae music stands as a reminder of another way forward. By carrying truth, resistance and hope on a steady heartbeat against war, violence, and fear. To remember our shared humanity when the world feels fractured and to remain rooted in the belief that peace is not passive, that love is not weak, and that unity is a radical force.

Ken Boothe, known as "Mr. Rock Steady," is a legendary Jamaican singer celebrated for his deeply soulful voice. He began his career in the early 1960s and rose to solo stardom at Studio One with hits like "The Train Is Coming." In 1974, Boothe made international history when his reggae cover of "Everything I Own" hit number one on the UK Singles Chart.

This series celebrates the underground movement that shaped identity, community and style for generations, where powerful beats and unfiltered voices became a school of life. It’s about diverse vibes, real stories and the culture that continues to inspire people around the world.

The essence of modern Dancehall Reggae (often simply called Dancehall) is defined by a raw, high-energy, and digital expression of urban Jamaican life. This series tries to capture the pulse of this music and it's culture. WARNING: Explicit Lyrics!

Weekly showcase diving into the wide world of dub and the global evolution of reg

In times of political tension, endless headlines, and growing division, music stands as a reminder of another way forward. Reggae has always spoken where words fail. By carrying truth, resistance, and hope on a steady heartbeat against war, violence, and fear. It’s music for reflection and resilience, for remembering our shared humanity when the world feels fractured and helps us to remain rooted in the belief that peace is not passive, that love is not weak, and that unity is a radical force.

Hugh Beresford Hammond, born August 28, 1955, is a legendary Jamaican singer and the undisputed icon of romantic Lovers Rock reggae. Gifted with a smoky, soulful voice reminiscent of Sam Cooke, he began his career in the 1970s with the band Zap Pow before achieving massive solo success in the 1990s. His signature hits include "Rock Away," "I Feel Good," and "Tempted To Touch." In 2013 he was honored with the Order of Jamaica for his exceptional musical contributions.

This series celebrates the underground movement that shaped identity, community and style for generations, where powerful beats and unfiltered voices became a school of life. It’s about diverse vibes, real stories and the culture that continues to inspire people around the world.

The essence of modern Dancehall Reggae (often simply called Dancehall) is defined by a raw, high-energy, and digital expression of urban Jamaican life. This series tries to capture the pulse of this music and it's culture. WARNING: Explicit Lyrics!

Weekly showcase diving into the wide world of dub music and the global evolution of reggae

In times of political tension, endless headlines, and growing division, music stands as a reminder of another way forward. Reggae has always spoken where words fail. By carrying truth, resistance, and hope on a steady heartbeat against war, violence, and fear. It’s music for reflection and resilience, for remembering our shared humanity when the world feels fractured and helps us to remain rooted in the belief that peace is not passive, that love is not weak, and that unity is a radical force.

The Gladiators are a legendary Jamaican roots reggae band formed in 1965 by guitarist and vocalist Albert Griffiths. They achieved international fame during the 1970s with their distinctive three-part vocal harmonies and deeply spiritual roots tracks, including classics like "Hello Carol" and "Bongo Red." Their 1976 debut album, Trenchtown Mix Up, is widely considered a masterpiece of the genre.

This series celebrates the underground movement that shaped identity, community and style for generations, where powerful beats and unfiltered voices became a school of life. It’s about diverse vibes, real stories and the culture that continues to inspire people around the world.