Originally, riddim music arose in the early 1980s from ska and dub tradition in the country. It was a raw response to the rise of polished reggae and showcased deejaying over basic rhythms. During the late 1980s, it evolved more fast, incorporating aspects of hip hop and electronic beats. Nineteen nineties experienced major spread and development,

Dancehall music emerged in early Jamaica, developing from roots reggae's more relaxed tempo and blending synthesized instrumentation. Initially a local event in Kingston nightclubs , it quickly attracted popularity amongst youths . The shift toward faster rhythms and toasting's prominence – whereby DJs rapped over riddims – marked a clear depar