Damian Marley

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• Genre: Dancehall
• Damian Marley Website

About

As the youngest Marley, Damian has taken a decidedly less pop-oriented route than brother Ziggy. His 1996 debut, Mr. Marley, was released to critical acclaim for its contemporary take on roots reggae, but it wasn't until 2001 that Marley broke out internationally with the Grammy-winning Halfway Tree, which saw him toggling easily between conscious lyricism and more dancehall-friendly beats. Marley was pleased with his Grammy, but he quite vocally bemoaned the relegation of reggae music to its own tiny category. He set his sights on a bigger win, and after a long four years he released 2005's Welcome to Jamrock, a remarkable release whose title track spoke eloquently of the tough reality on Jamaican streets. The song gained airplay both in Jamaica and on urban stations in the U.S., and it ultimately won a Grammy for Best Urban/Alternative Performance, while the album won Best Reggae Album. A savvy performer who has also turned his hand to production (with his brother Stephen), Marley is that rare beast: the son of a famous man who seems spurred on -- rather than burdened -- by his father's legacy.

- Sarah Bardeen