RAS Records was founded in 1979 by Doctor Dread.

In his travels to Jamaica he created a network within the reggae artist community there.

By the early to mid-1980s, RAS had signed artists such as Black Uhuru, Inner Circle, Culture, Junior Reid, Yellowman, and Freddie McGregor.

This allowed RAS to grow significantly throughout the world.

To date, the label has also signed artists including Luciano, The Wailers Band, Sizzla and Tony Rebel.