Ky-Mani Marley

Following in the legacy of his father’s footsteps, Ky-Mani Marley continues on with the pop-reggae sound for which his family is known. Stepping into his Jamaican roots, Marley independently released his debut, The Journey, in 1998. It developed a huge following on the reggae charts as well as some dedication from fans of Bob Marley. The following year, The Journey was eventually re-released in the United States. Many More Roads appeared in spring 2001, with Radio following in 2007. Both were released on Artists Only. Konfrentation Muzik was the label for his 2015 effort Maestro, an album that featured varied production from across the pop spectrum.

There’s a reason legends like Mix Master Mike of the Beastie Boys and Method Man of Wu-Tang Clan have been photographed wearing Dubplates gear.

It’s the same reason Papa Robbie was performing with King Yellowman in the 90s and was named by Shabba Ranks. It’s the same reason you could find Daddy Brady voicing tunes with Jigsy King in Jamaica in 2004. And it’s the same reason Big Hair and Daddy Brady opened for Damian Marley in 2005 on the Welcome to Jamrock tour. It’s because The Dubplates family is humble and legit.

Since youth their favorite tunes were roads to find artist’s influences. The Clash lead to Lee Perry the same way RUN DMC leads to King Yellowman.

That’s why this band was born from a Dancehall Reggae Soundsystem. What does that mean? It means they ain’t scared of a microphone. It means that every Dubplates show is a dance. Most importantly it means they present their songs the way they would present records on turntables. With the same reverence a priest holds the Bible.

They do it with a deep love and respect for the people and places that inspired each song. They bust out blues, afrobeat, hip hop, rocksteady, dub, dancehall and ska.

No matter style they touch, it is recorded and performed with relentless attention to the traditions and innovations of the originators.