DJ Toasting

The early 1970s produced a strain of Jamaican music called DJ Toasting that would eventually influence the course of hip-hop and Dancehall. DJ's working for top producers would spin the latest hits on traveling sound systems, hosting parties for weekend revelers, and spicing the music with their boastful commentaries, chants and half-sung rhymes. Artists such as Big Youth and U-Roy would play a popular reggae hit with the lead vocals removed, and create their own version filled with fiery wit, melodic poetry and a rhythmic style.