The Slackers formed in Manhattan, New York, in 1991, emerging from the city's early-1990s ska scene. Their music blends ska, rocksteady, reggae, dub, soul, garage rock, and jazz, drawing from 1960s Jamaican styles while incorporating American and British influences. They distinguish themselves from third-wave ska's punk elements by emphasizing roots reggae and soul arrangements. Over three decades, the band has released 15 studio albums, including Better Late Than Never (1996), The Great Rocksteady Swindle (2010), and Don't Let The Sunlight Fool Ya (2022), which topped US Billboard charts. They have toured extensively in North America, Europe, South America, and Japan, maintaining an independent approach. The Slackers are known for energetic live performances featuring extended jams and improvisational sets, often compared to influences like the Skatalites and Bob Marley.