Formed in 1997 in Wellington, New Zealand, the band released their debut studio album, Keep On Pushing L.P, in 2001.
Their second studio album, On the Sun, was released in 2004 and debuted at number 3 on the New Zealand music charts.
This album was the start of the band's popularity spreading around the world, with the German-based label Sonar Kollektiv signing them and releasing Into the Dojo into Europe in 2007, as well as two 12-inch vinyl EPs.
In July 2009, the Black Seeds signed with American label Easy Star Records, then toured around America supporting John Brown's Body, before John Brown's Body came to New Zealand to tour with The Black Seeds in their home country.
During this tour, Solid Ground was released in America and reached number 15 on the US Billboard Reggae chart.