The rising star of reggae, Skip Marley, has released his new single entitled “Close,” accompanied by an amazing music video directed by Gabriella Kingsley. Fresh off a successful, sold-out headlining tour across Europe, Marley is back in the spotlight and he isn’t holding back. Released with a debut on BET Soul and prominently on the iconic Paramount Times Square billboards, this release has immediately seized the attention of both fans and music critics alike.
Close” by Marley follows in the lines of the past while still taking a modern spin: taking that timeless feel of reggae and then molding it into a modern style of R&B. The track, produced by Rykeyz-a collaborator of such names as Jessie Reyez, Demi Lovato, and Wiz Khalifa- a reimagining of Maxi Priest’s classic hit “Close To You.” The song is a revelation of robust vocals from Marley himself, accompanied by the silkiest of rhythms that give new life to the original song, paying homage to its heritage while giving it that edge that today’s listener loves. The pulsating reggae groove coursing through this track carries a sense of nostalgia poising itself against the unmistakable style of Marley. Of his new work, Marley said, “It’s modern, but it pays respect to Maxi Priest. I love the concept of giving this brilliant song to a new generation. On the one hand, I’m talking about being in love with a girl. For me, there’s another meaning to it. The song is hinting that I’m back and I’m starting another chapter.
Since his 2015 debut, Skip Marley has taken his rightful place among music’s regenerative forces: a voice of the future with an innovative sound that blends reggae, R&B, pop, and hip-hop. Born in Kingston, the artist went global in 2017 with “Chained to the Rhythm,” his double-platinum anthem with Katy Perry. Even more recently came the release of his GRAMMY®-nominated album Higher Place in 2020, which included the gold-certified track “Slow Down” with H.E.R. enacting not only the first #1 on the Billboard Adult R&B Chart for a Jamaican-born artist but also a record for the Marley family as the biggest streaming single in their history. It has been a genre fusion that has remained consistent with the kind of music done by Marley, and “Close” just sealed in his commitment to connecting with people across cultures and time.
Damian Marley, Rick Ross, Major Lazer, Ayra Starr, and Ari Lennox are some of the various artists Marley has worked with during his career-a fact that shows how versatile he can get and how committed to musical worlds crossing. His reach has extended beyond recorded music to the stage, with unforgettable performances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Late Late Show with James Corden, and morning television appearances on Good Morning America and TODAY. This year, he has provided a cover in tribute to “Exodus” for the Bob Marley: One Love soundtrack, being released concurrently with the highly publicized Bob Marley biopic One Love. With “Close,” Skip Marley shows up on another side of his family’s legacy, incorporating his voice and point of view.
One thing’s for sure: He is very passionate about unifying and connecting. As he mentioned himself, this release really marks a new chapter. This is to say that more music and live shows are on their way, and he is just getting started. As he continues to rise in music, what continues to separate Marley is a complete ability to transcend genres and simply make music across all age groups. He solidifies himself as one of the most influential forces not only in reggae but also beyond. “Close” is now available on all major streaming platforms; this is the first taste of what is to be expected from one of the generation’s dynamic artists.
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