Jamaican dancehall music has undergone a significant transformation since its modest beginnings in the late 1970s . Emerging from the prior soundsystems of roots reggae , it initially provided a space for community DJs and artists to express their skills . Early dancehall was characterized by toasting over instrumental versions of popular reggae tr

Dancehall music sprung in the late 70s Jamaica, developing from roots reggae's slower tempo and adding electronic instrumentation. Initially a grassroots gathering in Kingston dancehalls , it quickly attracted favor amongst youths . The change toward quicker rhythms and toasting's prominence – whereby DJs chanted over instrumental – signaled a