Initially, dancehall music arose in the early 1980s from roots reggae and dub tradition in the island. This genre was a raw reaction to the popularity of studio pop reggae and showcased vocal over basic instrumentals. Throughout the eighties, dancehall became more aggressive, incorporating aspects of hip hop and electronic sounds. Nineteen nineties

Dancehall sound originated in early Jamaica, evolving from ska's more relaxed tempo and adding electronic instrumentation. Initially a community party in Kingston nightclubs , it quickly gained popularity amongst the younger generation. The shift toward quicker rhythms and deejaying's prominence – whereby DJs chanted over backing tracks – signa