Tony Rebel is sited by many as the first rasta "singjay" in dancehall reggae music, a style which blends singing with traditional deejaying over dancehall riddims (other singjays include Pinchers, Anthony B, and many newer artists).

Tony Rebel's career began in the 1980's, and was often seen performing with Sugar Minott's Youthman Promotion sound system. Rebel is responsible for introducing a young Garnett Silk (then known as Bimbo or Little Bimbo) to the sound. The two were closely linked until Silk's untimely death in 1994.