Recognizing the popularity of sound systems, producers such as Duke Reid and Henry “Junjo” Lawes began recording dancehall tracks in the 1970s. They reworked existing instrumentals or vocal passages by layering new performances from other singers and DJs. The genre solidified by the 1980s with pioneers like Yellowman and U-Roy, who established the core style of modern dancehall: toasting over aggressive, beat-heavy tracks sourced from vintage reggae. The mid-1980s saw a pivotal shift with the introduction of digital instrumentation, which changed the genre's sound significantly. Faster tempos and digital rhythms became defining elements of digital dancehall, making the music more energetic. The genre’s rhythms also inspired new dance moves, which enhanced live performances and influenced international genres, including hip-hop.

The arrival of digital music technology in the mid-1980s expanded the genre’s reach. This new technology enabled producers to create beats without session musicians or expensive studio time, reducing production costs and hastening the release of new tracks. Also note that. digital dancehall is sometimes  referred to as “ragga.” It's growth was driven by advancements in DJing and this new music production technology. Faster digital beats, exemplified by the "Sleng Teng" rhythm, allowed artists to blend electronic sounds with vocal toasting. This accesible technologies pushed the genre's expansion.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, computer-generated rhythms continued to shape dancehall’s identity.