The Best of Native American Reggae Music

Discover the best of Native American Reggae music, from its origins to the contemporary artists keeping the genre alive today.

The Best of Native American Reggae Music

Reggae music has its origins in the ska and rocksteady styles of Jamaican music, both of which emerged in the 1950s. Reggae is characterized by a strong backbeat, off-beat accents (often on the second and fourth beats), and use of Rastafarian symbolism and imagery.

The earliest known reggae recordings were made by Jamaican musicians such as Clue J & His Blues Blasters, The Skatalites, and Count Ossie & The Warrikahs in the late 1960s. However, it wasn’t until the early 1970s that reggae began to gain international popularity, with the release of songs like Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry,” Peter Tosh’s “Legalize It,” and Jimmy Cliff’s “The Harder They Come.”

Since then, reggae has been adopted by many different cultures around the world, including Native Americans. Native American reggae artists such as BR549, Indigenous, Medicine for the People, and Supaman have brought their own unique perspectives to the genre, creating a sound that is both familiar and new.

If you’re looking for something different in your reggae listening experience, check out some of the best Native American reggae artists out there today. You’re sure to find something you’ll love!

The Best of Native American Reggae Music- Pt. 2

In popular music, a Native American musical artist is someone who is of Native American ancestry and who sings or raps about their experiences as a Native American. While there have been many famous musicians of Native American descent over the years, there has been a particular resurgence of popularity in recent years, with many contemporary artists making a name for themselves in the music industry.

Here are some of the best Native American reggae musicians around today:

1. Qunesha-Qunesha is a singer-songwriter from the Navajo Nation in Arizona. She first rose to prominence with her debut album “Rez Redeux”, which received widespread critical acclaim. She has since released several more albums and EPs, all of which have been well-received by fans and critics alike.

2. Franky Nah- Nah is a rapper and producer from the Oglala Lakota Tribe in South Dakota. He first came to prominence with his album “Rezistance”, which tackled substantive issues like poverty and alcoholism on reservations. He has since released several more albums and mixtapes, all of which have been hailed by fans and critics as some of the best contemporary Native American hip-hop around.

3. The ReZURRECTION- The ReZURRECTION is a reggae band from the Mohawk Nation in New York. They first gained attention with their debut album “Mohawk Style”, which blended traditional Mohawk music with modern reggae stylings. They have since released several more albums and EPs, all of which have been warmly received by both fans and critics.

4. Jimboy- Jimboy is a singer-songwriter from the Seminole Tribe in Florida. He first gained notoriety with his album “Rez Dog”, which told stories about growing up on the reservation. He has since released several more albums and EPs, all of which have been praised for their moving lyrics and catchy melodies

The Best of Native American Reggae Music- Pt. 3

We’ve reached the third and final installment of our three-part series on the best of Native American Reggae music. In this last segment, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best reggae albums released by Native American artists.

So without further ado, here are our top three picks for the best Native American Reggae albums:

1) “We Are The Halluci Nation” by A Tribe Called Red

A Tribe Called Red is a Canadian electronic music group that has been making waves in the reggae world for their unique blend of danceable beats and Native American influences.Their 2016 album “We Are The Halluci Nation” is a great example of their work, with its mix of traditional powwow drumming, electronica, and reggae vibes. If you’re looking for something truly unique, this is the album for you.

2) “Warrior Blues” by Nahko and Medicine For The People

Nahko And Medicine For The People is a seven-piece folk-rock band with a heavy focus on sustainability and social issues. Their second album “Warrior Blues” features several tracks with a distinctly reggae flavor, including the lead single “Aloha Ke Akua”. This is an album with a message that will stay with you long after the last track has ended.

3) “Eternities” by Bjorn Again featuring Robbie Armstrong

Bjorn Again is an Australian “ABBA tribute band” that has been around since 1988. They decided to branch out into reggae territory with their 2017 album “Eternities”, which features guest vocalist Robbie Armstrong on several tracks. If you enjoy ABBA’s catchy pop tunes but wish they had a little more of a reggae flavor, this is the album for you.

The Best of Native American Reggae Music- Pt. 4

This is the fourth and final installment in our series on the best of Native American reggae music. This time, we’re featuring some of the best up-and-coming artists in the genre. If you’re a fan of reggae music, or just looking to explore something new, these artists are definitely worth checking out.

-Rupa and the April Fishes: This band blends traditional Indian sounds with reggae, ska, and punk rock to create a sound that is both unique and catchy. Their debut album, “Elements,” was released in 2010 and received rave reviews from critics.

-Tribal Theory: This California-based band has been making waves in the reggae scene with their modern take on the genre. Their debut album, “Soundsystem,” was released in 2012 and topped the iTunes Reggae charts.

-Zion I Kings: This Canadian duo mixes reggae, hip hop, and R&B to create a sound that is both soulful and danceable. Their latest album, “Rebel Frequency,” was released in 2017 andfeatures guest appearances from some of the biggest names in the reggae world.

The Best of Native American Reggae Music- Pt. 5

In this final installment of our series on the best of Native American reggae music, we take a look at some of the most popular songs and albums from this genre.

One of the most popular Native American reggae musicians is Red Thunder, who hails from the Navajo Nation. His debut album, “The Return of Red Thunder,” was released in 2013 and reached #1 on the Native American Music Awards (NAMA) chart.

Another popular artist is Lakota Sioux rapper Frank Waln, who has been praised for his lyrical prowess and positive messages. His debut album, “The Return of the Red Crow,” was released in 2012 and reached #2 on the NAMA chart.

Other popular Native American reggae artists include Standing Rock Sioux Tribe member Pteptekata Winona LaDuke, ApacheRootz, and Nahko and Medicine for the People.