Reggae has sustained the test of time. It has evolved from a simple music art form known as Mento, which was developed in the early 20th century by labor workers and direct descendants of the still present Maroon Society.

As the art form took shape, it integrated external mainstream influences, such as Rock and Roll in the 50?s, which spurned the Ska music form in Jamaica. With this new generation of peppy horn melodies and up-tempo vocal sounds, Reggae for the first time emitted the potential to cross over into the mainstream music industry and finally share the limelight with the big names of that era. It happened with a mega hit from a small girl with a big voice, Millie Small, and her debut single "My Boy Lollipop". This sparked a creative explosion in the local industry and literally overnight labels and studios popped all over downtown Kingston. The Reggaeloution was in full gear. Artists to emerge from this era was Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh, and King Stitch just to name a few. This sparked a creative explosion in the local industry and literally overnight labels and studios popped all over downtown Kingston. The Reggaeloution was in full gear..

With the war ravaged era of the 60's approaching reggae finally took form with a mellow beat and mind bending conscious lyrics, and rebel Bands that spoke the words of the people. The mystical influence of reggae captured fans worldwide and for the first time ever, reggae was a real influence internationally. Bob Marley and the Wailers expelled songs of hope and freedom that stretched to the war torn jungles of Vietnam and the heart aching mothers, girlfriends, and wives in the US, and giving protestors a voice to carry them on. The song "War" by Bob Marley and the Wailers impacted the world.

Burning Spear , Culture, Mighty Diamonds and Israel Vibrations followed suit. Then it came the experimental 70's. It was a new stage in the evolution of the art form. The birth of dancehall came unexpectedly, with Daddy Uroy emerging as a pioneer in the creation of the new sound. Sound clashes were cultivating quietly in the background, and dancehall was a new platform for projecting the fledging Sound Industry. Sound Clashes came to the frontline and it was all about one drop riddims, and versatile lyrics. Deejay face offs in the dance became common place and it was all about the "new dance" whatever it might be.

The 80's quietly slipped in and Bob Marley passed away. With the legend gone, it was left to the upcoming acts to carry on the Icons works, but no one would be able to fill his shoes. Yellow Man was the man of the moment, and Blood Fire Posse carried out their first US Tour. Their single "Get Flat" ruled the airwaves worldwide. With the mainstream Band/group influence infecting Jamaica, Third World emerged with sweet melodies, unforgettable punch lines and a unique blend of contemporary music and reggae. They gave us hits such as "96 degrees in the shade", "Sense Of Purpose", and "Try Jah Love". Chalice came on the scene with the mega hits "Trapped" and "Reggae Symphony". Shabba Ranks broke new grounds by becoming the first Dancehall Artiste to sign a Major contract. This spurned a rebirth of the music in the US and Europe suddenly every Major label suddenly wanted a reggae catalog. Manufactured groups such as Jamericans came about and fizzled in the process. Cobra, Lady Patra, Tiger, and Richie Stephens all signed with major labels during this era. But Reggae was about to take another turn in its rapid state of evolution.

The 90's rolled in with the Japanese discovering Reggae full stream, Yami Bolo took the Orient by storm and was made a legend in that country. Mystic Revellers released "Gotta Be a Better Way". Tiger crashed and with it went his career. Beenie Man and Bounty Killa emerged with a fiery rivalry and a case full of lyrics. Mid 90's set dancehall on a rocky foot with a down surge in popularity and a string of gimpy lyrics that never made sense. Beenie Man and Bounty reigned supreme. The sound alike period came and went Buju Banton, debuted two albums and joined the ranks of the greats.

Now its 2000. A new era, a new millennium. What does the future hold? Potential is all around, Mr Vegas, Mr. Lex, Morgan Heritage, Sizzla, Tony Curtis, Singing Melody... just a few who will definitely be around in the not so near future.

The next generation of reggae is currently unfolding. Be There.