The foundation — conscious lyrics, heavy bass, undeniable groove
Roots reggae is the soul of the genre — music about freedom, justice, and upliftment, born in Jamaica in the 1970s. If you're new to it, these are the doors in.
Bob Marley & The Wailers — Start with Catch a Fire or Rastaman Vibration. Marley took roots reggae worldwide without watering it down.
Peter Tosh — The Wailers' firebrand. Legalize It and Equal Rights are as fierce as reggae gets.
Burning Spear — Winston Rodney's deep, meditative sound. Marcus Garvey is essential.
Culture — Two Sevens Clash, apocalyptic and beautiful.
Black Uhuru — Red, the Sly & Robbie-powered masterpiece.
Augustus Pablo — The melodica master. King Tubbys Meets Rockers Uptown for the dub side.
Roots reggae grew worldwide. Cultura Profética carries it from Puerto Rico with El fruto de la tierra. Peru's Laguna Pai blends it with Latin soul — their "Canales" is a modern classic.