New Reggae Music for 2017
Looking for some new Reggae tunes to get you through the rest of 2017? Check out our roundup of the best new Reggae music for 2017, featuring both up-and-coming and established artists.
New Releases
We’ve rounded up some of the best new reggae music for 2017. From roots to dub to dancehall, there’s something for everyone.
-Rebelution, “Free Rein”
-SOJA, “Poetry in Motion”
-The Green, “Marching Orders”
-J Boog, “Wash House Ting”
– Protoje, “A Matter of Time”
Upcoming Artists
Reggae music has been around for decades, and its popularity has only grown in recent years. If you’re a fan of reggae, or simply curious about the genre, there are plenty of new artists making great music in 2017. Here are just a few of the most promising up-and-comers in the world of reggae.
Jah9 is a Jamaican singer and songwriter whose latest album, “9”, was released in 2016 to critical acclaim. Her blend of reggae, jazz, and soul is truly unique, and her lyrics are both empowering and uplifting. Jah9 is definitely an artist to watch in 2017.
Another promising artist is Jesse Royal, whose debut album “Lily of da Valley” was released in 2016. His music is heavily influenced by classic roots reggae, but with a modern twist. Jesse Royal is sure to please reggae fans old and new in 2017.
Last but not least is Protoje, whose third album “Ancient Future” was released in 2015. Protoje’s music blends elements of reggae, hip hop, and R&B, resulting in a sound that is both fresh and familiar. His lyrics are often political or socially conscious, and his live shows are said to be unforgettable. Be sure to check out Protoje’s work if you’re looking for some new reggae music in 2017.
Genres of Reggae
Reggae is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The term also denotes the modern popular music of Jamaica and its diaspora. A 1968 single by Toots and the Maytals, “Do the Reggay” was the first popular song to use the word “reggae”, effectively naming the genre and introducing it to a global audience. While sometimes used in a broad sense to refer to most types of popular Jamaican dance music, the term reggae more properly denotes a particular music style that originated following on the development of ska and rocksteady. Reggae is based on a rhythmic style characterized by regular chops on the off-beat, known as the skank.
One of the most easily recognizable elements is offbeat rhythms; staccato chords played by a guitar or piano (or both) on the 2nd and 4th beats of every measure, often referred to as the “skank.” The tempo of reggae is usually slower than ska but faster than rocksteady. The concept of call and response can be found throughout reggae music. Reggae has been strongly influenced by African music, R&B, jazz, early rock ‘n’ roll, and has even incorporated elements of hip hop, disco, pop and Punjabi music.
Collaborations
In recent years, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of reggae music, and 2017 has seen some great new releases in the genre. One trend that has emerged in recent years is the increased use of collaborations, with artists from different countries and regions coming together to create some truly unique sounds. Here are some of the best new reggae tracks that have been released so far this year.
“No Woman, No Cry” by Vitas ft. Shaggy
“No Woman, No Cry” is a classic Bob Marley song, and this new version by Vitas ft. Shaggy is a great update to the classic track. The two artists bring their own unique styles to the song, and the result is a fresh take on a classic tune.
“One Love” by Damian Marley ft. Nas
This track features two of the biggest names in hip hop coming together to create a reggae-infused track that is sure to get your head nodding. Damian Marley’s soulful vocals combine perfectly with Nas’s lyrical prowess to create a track that is both chilled out and catchy.
“Roots Rock Reggae” by DJ Khaled ft. Buju Banton & Bounty Killer
DJ Khaled teamed up with Jamaican artists Buju Banton and Bounty Killer for this track, which blends elements of hip hop, dancehall, and reggae into one infectious tune. The three artists bring their own unique styles to the track, making for a truly original sound.
