Following his sold-out headlining tour across Europe, GRAMMY® nominated, multi-platinum artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Skip Marley returns with his latest smash single “Close,” released today with an official music video directed by Gabriella Kingsley which made its broadcast premiere on BET Soul and the Paramount Times Square billboards.
Produced by Rykeyz (Jessie Reyez, Demi Lovato, Wiz Khalifa), the powerhouse vocalist sounds as natural as ever while putting his own spin on the original hook from Maxi Priest’s dancefloor classic “Close To You,” illuminating his versatility and ability to transcend genres and generations with his songwriting and musicianship. The instantly recognizable chorus melts into a slow-burning reggae groove fueled by a head-nodding beat and smoldering verses.
“It’s modern, but it pays homage to Maxi Priest. I loved the idea of bringing this great song to the new generation.” The young Marley shares. “On one hand, I’m reminiscing about a girl. For me, there’s a bigger meaning too. The song hints that I’m back and about to begin another chapter.”
Anybody who thought the vinyl resurgence was just a fad was mistaken: The industry has experienced a legitimate revival. As a result, music fans are interested in physical media in ways they may not have if the decades-old medium hasn’t made a comeback. That doesn’t mean everybody is listening to just their parents’ old music, though. That’s part of it, sure, thanks to rereleases that present classic albums in new ways. A vital part of the renewed vinyl wave, though, is new projects being released as records, of which there are plenty.
Whatever you might be into, each month brings a new slew of vinyl releases that has something for everybody. Some stand out above the rest, naturally, so check out some of the best vinyl releases of May below.
Justice — Hyperdrama
Ed Banger Records/Because Music
Justice had one of the month’s best new albums with Hyperdrama, which includes features from Miguel and Tame Impala. The 2-LP release (a double black 140g vinyl in a gatefold sleeve) bears on the front its striking cover art, an organic spin on their classic cross imagery.
Modest Mouse — Good News For People Who Love Bad News: 20th Anniversary Expanded Edition
Legacy Recordings
Good news: Good News For People Who Love Bad News is 20 years old now and Modest Mouse is celebrating by reissuing the album. The release has new cover art and the vinyl edition specifically is pressed on baby pink and spring green vinyl and five new remixes by folks like Dan The Automator and Jacknife Lee.
DIIV recently told Uproxx of their new album, “For a lot of people, that is part of what they fell in love with with the first two albums — this rich, dreamy atmosphere that is very feelings-forward. Rather than this song has an amazing bridge and an amazing chorus. A lot of times with the earlier songs, sometimes there wasn’t even a chorus, but it didn’t really matter because the song felt so good to listen to. I feel like the new album has an element of that which makes it feel more comprehensive in our catalog.”
The 180 gram red ECO pressing is limited to 500 copies and still available, but we can’t imagine that will be the case for long.
Will we hear from Black Sabbath again? Maybe! Either way, we’ll always have their music, and now their self-titled debut album is on vinyl once again via Rhino’s High Fidelity series, which is limited to 5000 copies of 180-gram vinyl pressing.
Also from the same Rhino series, which boasts Kevin Gray as personally overseeing the pressings, 1980’s Freedom Of Choice is an essential for any collection for two predominant reasons: It’s the album with “Whip It,” and it’s the album that saw Devo introduce their now-iconic energy dome hats. This reissue is a special edition of a special album: it’s a AAA cut from the original stereo master tapes, it comes with exclusive notes from album producer Robert Margouleff, and, like the Sabbath release, only 5,000 numbered copies are being pressed.
The highly anticipated A24 horror film I Saw The TV Glow came out this month, and it has quite the soundtrack, too, featuring Phoebe Bridgers, Caroline Polachek, Bartees Strange, and more. The vinyl edition is even better, as it comes with a vinyl exclusive cover of The Smashing Pumpkins’ “Tonight, Tonight” by Snail Mail (who has an acting role in the movie, by the way). It’s also one of the best movies of the year, so be sure to check it out while it is still in theaters.
The Above The Rim soundtrack was one of the more iconic R&B- and hip-hop-oriented OSTs of the ’90s, and now that it’s 30 years old, it has gotten a fresh reissue. Like the cassette edition before it, this rerelease includes tracks that were from from the CD version, including a pair of Tupac songs.
Sylvan Esso has marked a decade of their self-titled debut album with a deluxe edition. Goodies include a cover of Porches’ “The Cosmos,” “Jamie’s Song” (which debuted in 2015), and new remixes by J Rocc, Rick Wade, Helado Negro, Dntel, Hercules And Love Affair, and Charles Spearin. There are a number of vinyl editions available, including one that’s only available from record stores in North Carolina.
Bob Marley & The Wailers’ 1997 album Exodus is iconic and spawned some of the group’s biggest hits, including “Jamming,” “One Love/People Get Ready,” and “Three Little Birds.” In celebration of the recent Bob Marley: One Love biopic, the album has been re-released, including an exclusive 10-inch LP of rare bonus tracks.
Pete Townshend — All The Best Cowboys Have Chinese Eyes (Reissue) and White City (A Novel) (Reissue)
Atco Records
Pete Townshend followed 1980’s Empty Glass (the “Let My Love Open The Door” album) with a pair of solo albums that have now been reissued. Both projects received a half-speed mastering by longtime The Who engineer Jon Astley.
YG Marley is making a lot of heat. Last December, the R&B and reggae singer released his debut single, “Praise Jah In The Moonlight.” The song garnered much popularity on TikTok and has reached No. 34 on the Billboard Hot 100. Since then, YG has released another single called “Freedom.”
In the realm of music, the name Marley carries a lot of weight. And with so many Marley musicians, including Skip Marley, Selah Marley, and the family patriarch, Bob Marley, many listeners are fascinated by YG Marley, and curious to learn more.
Who Is YG Marley?
YG Marley is the grandson of famed reggae musician, Bob Marley. He is also the son of former college football and Canadian Football League, Rohan Marley and rapper and singer Lauryn Hill.
His sister is model Selah Marley and former NFL player Nico Marley.
During Coachella 2024, YG performed a set. On the first weekend of the festival, YG was joined by his mother, Hill, as well as Wyclef Jean, which made for a mini Fugees reunion.
While YG only has two singles available for streaming on DSPs, he is carrying his grandfather’s legacy with honor. His vocal and lyrical abilities, paired with his stage presence make him a promising act to watch.
You can see the video for “Praise Jah In The Moonlight” above.
Paramount Pictures has unveiled an exclusive sneak peek into it’s widely successful biopic, “Bob Marley: One Love.” This never-before-seen clip offers a glimpse behind the scenes as the filmmakers delve into the mystical aura surrounding Bob Marley’s legendary concerts.
In the clip, Bob Marley’s nephew, Aston Bennett Jr., shares insights alongside film director Reinaldo Marcus Green, shedding light on the immersive experience they aimed to create for audiences. As the camera pans over scenes of vibrant concert reenactments, Bennett and Green describe the magical essence they sought to capture, allowing viewers to feel the transcendent energy of Marley’s music and message.
With meticulous attention to detail, the filmmakers painstakingly recreated Bob Marley’s iconic performances, infusing each scene with authenticity for the reggae legend’s legacy. From the pulsating rhythms of the music to the energy of the crowds, every aspect of Marley’s concerts was brought to life with precision.
As Aston Bennett Jr. and Reinaldo Marcus Green delve deeper into the creative process, audiences are given a glimpse into the passion and dedication driving the film’s production. Their commitment to honoring Bob Marley’s spirit and impact promises an unforgettable cinematic experience for fans and newcomers alike.
To witness the mystical magic behind the recreation of Bob Marley’s iconic concerts, check out the exclusive clip below from Bob Marley: One Love’
Paramount Pictures biopic Bob Marley: One Love, based on the prolific life of Jamaican musician Bob Marley, has eclipsed $100 million at the box office in only ten days.
The breakdown includes over $60 million in North America and nearly $40 million from foreign box office. Full stop. These days, when theatrical successes are few and far between, as the exhibition industry still works out the kinks post-pandemic, this is a big win.
It is fair to say Bob Marley: One Love has performed better than projections with a modest production budget of $70 million.
The biopic is directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and stars Kingsley Ben-Adir as Bob Marley and Lashana Lynch, who plays Marley’s wife, Rita Marley. Despite the strong performance, the film follows other run-of-the-mill biopic blueprints, follows Marley’s life during essential moments, and dives into his music and the storied activism that arose from it.
In a statement from Bob Marley’s son Ziggy Marley, he said: “My family and I are honored with the amazing response to ‘Bob Marley: One Love’. Like my father’s music, this movie is meant for the people and his message of peace, love, and unity is clearly connecting with audiences around the world. We thank the people for embracing this film and in so doing helping to highlight the message of one love.”
Paramount’s highly anticipated biopic One Love, depicting the life and music of reggae legend Bob Marley, has exceeded expectations with a stellar $80 million global debut.
The film’s portrayal of Marley’s journey has struck a chord with audiences worldwide, surpassing box office projections and affirming its status as a cultural sensation.
According to Deadline, Bob Marley: One Love has earned an estimated $80 million in its opening week, with $29 million generated from international box office sales. Despite initial doubts from critics, audiences have embraced the film’s depiction of Marley’s life and legacy, joining together to celebrate his music and enduring influence.
The success of One Love highlights the universal resonance of Bob Marley’s music and message, transcending borders to unite audiences globally. With compelling storytelling and captivating performances, the film captures Marley’s essence and the profound impact of his music on generations of fans.
The documentary “Bob Marley: One Love” performed exceptionally well at the box office, surpassing Sunday’s domestic projections with a three-day total of $27.7 million and reaching $51 million over six days. This success underscores the enduring appeal of Marley’s work and his remarkable talent, despite the finite amount of content available following his death. According to an analysis by the Megaways-Casino analytics team, Marley’s streaming figures on music platforms contribute significantly to his legacy’s financial support for his heirs. For instance, on Spotify in the past month, Marley’s tracks were played 12,526 times, with his most popular song “Judge Not” accumulating 4,516,237 streams, translating to approximately $18,064.95 in revenue. However, his popularity on YouTube Music is even more pronounced, with over 4 million subscribers to his channel and the track “Sun Is Shining” amassing 78,653,199 streams, equating to $137,643.10 in earnings.
Ziggy Marley is an iconic figure in the world of reggae music. He has carved out an illustrious career that spans decades, following in the footsteps of his legendary father, Bob Marley. As of 2024, Ziggy Marley’s net worth is estimated at $12 million, a testament to his enduring presence in the music industry and his ventures beyond it. This figure, highlighted by Eric Singer, showcases the successful trajectory of Marley’s career, encompassing his musical achievements and his contributions to philanthropy, business, and advocacy. Further, Ziggy’s journey from the son of a music legend to a revered artist and humanitarian in his own right is a compelling narrative of innovation.
Legacy & Musical Evolution
Photo of Jamaican Reggae musician Ziggy Marley at the Montreux Rock Festival, Montreux. Switzerland, May 12, 1988. (Photo by TPLP/Getty Images)
Ziggy Marley was born David Nesta “Ziggy” Marley. He was thrust into the limelight at a young age as the eldest son of Bob Marley. Moreover, Ziggy grew up in a household deeply entrenched in music. He naturally gravitated towards his father’s path, absorbing the rich musical heritage of his family. Ziggy made his onstage debut alongside his siblings in the group The Melody Makers. It was a formative experience that would lay the foundation for his future solo career. While deeply rooted in the reggae tradition passed down by his father, Ziggy’s music has also embraced a diverse range of influences. It also allowed him to forge a unique sound that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Further, Ziggy Marley’s impact extends far beyond the confines of music. He has ventured into various fields, including writing, with his children’s books promoting messages of love and unity, and acting, lending his voice to animated characters that share his positive vibes. Moreover, Ziggy has been a staunch advocate for environmental causes and marijuana legalization, using his platform to raise awareness and drive change. His entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his organic food and hemp products businesses, which further diversify his career and contribute to his net worth.
Philanthropy & Social Impact
Musician Ziggy Marley in February, 2016 also in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gregory Bojorquez/Getty Images)
A significant aspect of Ziggy Marley’s legacy is his commitment to philanthropy and social activism. Inspired by his father’s vision of love and unity, Ziggy has dedicated a considerable part of his life and resources to supporting causes related to education, health, and environmental protection. Through his family’s foundation, he has worked tirelessly to uplift communities in Jamaica and beyond, embodying the ethos of giving back that was instilled in him from a young age.
Cultural Ambassador & Reggae Icon
PARIS, FRANCE – FEBRUARY 01: (L-R) Kingsley Ben-Adir, Ziggy Marley and. Reinaldo Marcus Green attend the Paris Premiere of “Bob Marley: One Love” at Le Grand Rex on. February 01, 2024, also in Paris, France. (Photo by Marc Piasecki/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)
As a cultural ambassador for reggae music, Ziggy Marley has played a pivotal role in introducing the genre to new generations and geographic locales. His efforts to preserve and celebrate his father’s legacy while also pushing the boundaries of reggae have earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. His numerous Grammy Awards are a testament to his talent and ability to stay relevant in an ever-changing music landscape.
Paramount’s highly anticipated Bob Marley biopic, ‘One Love’, has made waves in its opening week, raking in an impressive $80 million globally. The film, which brings to life the legendary reggae icon’s journey and music, has resonated deeply with audiences worldwide, surpassing box office expectations and solidifying its place as a cultural phenomenon.
According to reports from Deadline, ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ has garnered an estimated $80 million in its debut week, with $29 million of that total coming from international box office sales. Despite early skepticism from critics, audiences have embraced the film’s portrayal of Bob Marley’s life and legacy, coming together to celebrate his music and enduring influence.
The success of ‘One Love’ underscores the universal appeal of Bob Marley’s music and message, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries to unite audiences around the world. Through powerful storytelling and captivating performances, the film captures the essence of Marley’s spirit and the impact of his music on generations of fans.
In conjunction with the film’s release, The Source Magazine’ Courtney Brown conducted an exclusive interview with Ziggy Marley, the executive producer of ‘One Love’ and son of Bob Marley. In this insightful conversation, Ziggy Marley offers behind-the-scenes insights into the making of the film and reflects on his father’s enduring legacy.
As the film continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, it serves as a powerful tribute to Marley’s legacy and a celebration of his timeless music. ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ is now playing in theaters, offering audiences a chance to experience the life, music, and legacy of one of music’s most iconic figures. As the film’s box office success continues to soar, it reinforces the enduring impact of Bob Marley’s music and the universal message of love, unity, and social justice that he championed throughout his life.
Don’t miss this exclusive interview with Ziggy Marley discussing Paramount’s highly anticipated film “Bob Marley: One Love”. Esteemed journalist Courtney Brown from The Source Magazine sits down with Ziggy Marley, producer of the biopic that delves into the life of legendary reggae musician Bob Marley. Get insights into the making of the film, its star-studded cast including Kingsley Ben-Adir and Lashana Lynch, and the impact of Bob Marley’s legacy.
Tune in for an in-depth conversation about the film’s creation and its significance in celebrating the iconic artist’s life and music. Watch below.
Without question, Jamaica’s greatest export is reggae music, as embodied by the genre icon Bob Marley. Even if you’ve never had the fortune to visit the Caribbean country, Marley’s influence can be felt around the globe. Regardless of the genre, the late musician’s groundbreaking discography is the undercurrent for some of the world’s biggest acts, including Burna Boy, Bruno Mars, Janelle Monáe, Nas, Stevie Wonder, and The Police.
In Paramount Pictures’ biopic Bob Marley: One Love, starring Kingsley Ben-Adir (as Bob Marley) and Lashana Lynch (as Rita Marley), audiences are reminded of Marley’s musical greatness. However, the overlooked takeaway from the film is the cultural significance of reggae music. Born out of multiple diasporic sounds (mainly ska, rocksteady, and calypso), its mento (folk) core is what curated the art form into a calling card specific to the people of Jamaica.
As was the case for hip-hop, reggae’s rise had everything to do with its alluring instrumentation as well as the profoundly political and social commentary heard throughout each record’s lyrics. Somewhere along the way, that rebel spirit has been lost (or at least on the mainstream front). So, how did the genre go from Bob Marley And The Wailers’ 1977 version of “One Love” to Drake’s “One Dance” in 2016? Similar to the music itself, the answer to this question is quite layered. The decentering of religious obligations, commodification of Jamaican culture, and leniency of gatekeepers have all contributed to the erasure of reggae music’s social & political commentary roots.
First, you must examine Marley, the man and musician, to dissect why he’s revered around the globe. The person behind those poetic pieces was a spiritually rich man far before his tangible wealth set in. In journalist Vivien Goldman’s 2006 The Book Of Exodus, she recounted one of her many conversations with Marley before his death, where he detailed his faith journey into Rastafarianism. Having a vision of Jah (God) in 1966 while living in America prompted him to return to Jamaica “with a clear vision” of his life’s purpose. Marley’s unwavering tether to his religious obligations led him to inherit the moral responsibilities of a messenger.
Reggae or, as he referred to it, “the king’s music” (quoted by Timothy White in his 1983 biography, Catch A Fire: The Life Of Bob Marley), each time Marley touched a microphone, his duties were to lead his people toward’s God favor pushing back against the wickedness in the world. With Dancehall being the dominant sound coming out of Jamaica presently, long gone are the days when reggae acts could break through for simply speaking truth to power. To borrow a line from the 1993 film Menace II Society, ‘Don’t nobody wanna hear that sh*t, Sharif.’ Well, unless you count Koffee (the youngest musician to win a Grammy in the reggae category). That’s not to say that rising stars Byron Messia, Jada Kingdom, or Dexta Daps don’t sprinkle spirituality into their music. It’s just not their primary focus. Nor does it pick up steam outside the country’s parishes in days past.
The commodification of Jamaican culture has played the most significant role in the erasure of reggae music’s social & political commentary roots. Globalization is a b*tch. As quickly as Marley’s music traveled, so did the industry’s urge to convert this newly found popularity into a steady income stream. From labels’ rush to extract reggae’s musicality (native instruments, production techniques, etc.) to companies’ mass production of “Rasta-inspired” tchotchkes, an influx of items hit the market to give those obsessed with the country’s superstars a piece of Jamaica on-demand.
We’re not talking just about the white tourist wearing tams with faux dreadlocks (zatavi) crocheted into them. Most certainly, it includes non-natives cosplaying cultural ambiguity. This ushers in the music industry question equivalent of whether Black folks can or can not be racist. So, can Black people appropriate other sectors of Black culture? When you boil it down to semantics, the answer is no. But are Black people (including bi-racial or multi-racial) often seen exploiting Caribbean cultures in stereotypical ways? The answer is, without a shadow of a doubt, yes. Is reggae music a monolith? No. But it’s okay to admit that we’re losing the plot.
Rihanna’s 2005 “If It’s Lovin’ That You Want” to 2009 “Rude Boy” pipeline isn’t precisely how reggae music was intended to evolve, but does that mean it should be stripped from the rolling credits? Drake’s “One Dance” is inspired by reggae music. This development is a game of telephone set to music where the subject matter drastically changes, and the instrumentation refuses to give in to eroding. What happens when the money means more than the message? I don’t know. Ask hip-hop.
Its gatekeepers were the last line of defense in reggae music to retain its social & political commentary roots. Unfortunately, their leniency inadvertently contributed to the genre’s now dull bite. When talking about music families, there’s no one above the Marleys in reggae. Starting with the paternal figures to the children and now grandchildren (hi, Skip), several generations of the Marley bloodline carry the torch both in the booth and label boardrooms. Other key players, including producers, songwriters, DJs, and more, continually fuel the genre’s progression on the ground in Jamaica.
Still, as far back as the 1990s, the barrier enforced based on socioeconomic upbringing nearly pushed Sean Paul out of music. In a 2022 documentary with Vice, Paul confessed that during the early days of his career, he desperately wanted to make “cultural records” that spoke to the economic and living conditions of Jamaica’s ghettos harkening to reggae’s foundation. However, producer Jeremy Harding (one of the most impactful music professionals in reggae) advised against it. “[Harding] was like, ‘You know nobody believes you. You know that, right? You’re not the person that will be able to ‘preach.’ So, why don’t you sing about who you are… sing about girls. Sing about parties.’”
Ultimately, Paul’s success doing so helped kick off Dancehall’s international resurgence in 2000 (so thanks for that). Still, now the public is left to fantasize about what artist Paul could’ve been if given the space to craft the art he originally intended. In the same video piece, Harding shed further insight into the divide in Jamaica on who can be the vocal authority in reggae.
“As I started to work with Sean, we realized that we shared a similar background — the way that we describe it, we were Uptown kids,” he said. “So, the friends and family that we had around us were looking at us strangely. Like, ‘Why do you want to get involved with Dancehall? Dancehall is nasty, dutty, ghetto music?’ And at the same time, you’re struggling against the other side of the community, saying, ‘Oh, you shouldn’t be here because you don’t have a place in this music’ and ‘You’re not from the ghetto; therefore, you are not authentic.’”
“Everyone was challenging [me], [saying] ‘You can’t express for us,’” added Paul.
Yet, that same protective energy disappeared when given the breakout moment to promote Bob Marley: One Love during the 2024 Grammys; Ziggy Marley laughed along as host Trevor Noah poked fun at the Jamaican accent and many of their easygoing personalities instead of focusing on the richness of the culture.
What good are gatekeepers if they aren’t keeping the culture when it matters the most? You tell me. Are Afrobeats and amapiano tastemakers taking heed?
Where do we go from here? Nowhere. As with hip-hop, the damage is already done. A complete gutting would have to take place to undo what has been done, which economic players likely won’t let happen. In short, Bob Marley: One Love is a painstaking reminder of what was and how the decentering of religious obligations, commodification of Jamaican culture, and leniency of gatekeepers have all contributed to the erasure of reggae music’s social & political commentary roots.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
