Wayne Smith (1965-2020) was a pivotal Jamaican reggae and dancehall artist best known for popularizing the "slack" style of dancehall music in the 1980s. He gained prominence with his groundbreaking track "Under Me Sleng Teng," released in 1985, which is considered one of the first songs to utilize a fully synthesized riddim. This track not only revolutionized the sound of dancehall but also marked a significant shift in reggae production techniques, favoring digital instrumentation over traditional live instrumentation. Smith's work laid the groundwork for future dancehall artists, influencing the genre's evolution and helping to popularize it internationally. His collaborations with notable producers like King Jammy further solidified his impact, and he became a key figure in the transition from roots reggae to the more upbeat, electronic sound of dancehall. Despite facing challenges in his later career, Wayne Smith's legacy endures as a trailblazer who helped define the sound of modern dancehall music, paving the way for artists such as Beenie Man and Bounty Killer. His contributions continue to resonate in contemporary reggae and dancehall music today.