To no one’s surprise, Grammy-nominated artist Skip Marley knows how to make good music. As the grandson of reggae icon Bob Marley, he didn’t have to look far to find incredible influences, but at 28 years old, Marley is building his own legacy.
In 2015, Marley released his first two singles, “Cry to Me” and “Life,” under the infamous Tuff Gong music label founded by his grandfather in 1970. Later that year, he joined his uncles Damian and Stephen Marley on their Catch a Fire tour. Throughout 2016 and 2017, Marley began to solidify himself as the diverse artist he’s come to be acknowledged as by working on projects such as Gap’s 1969 Denin campaign, lending his track “Lions” to Pepsi for a commercial, or taking the stage at the Grammy and iHeart Radio Awards alongside Katy Perry performing their hit, “Chained to the Rhythm.”
In 2020, Marley’s debut EP, Higher Place, solidified his seat in the Marley hitmaking dynasty. Marley recruited Ari Lennox and Rick Ross on the airy, carefree single “Make Me Feel Good” and pulled in H.E.R. for “Slow Down.” Higher Place earned Marley two Grammy nominations, one for Best R&B Song and another for Best Reggae Album. In the 40 years the Grammys have recognized the genre, the latter award has been won by a member of the Marley family 15 times.
Following his sold-out headlining tour across Europe, the multi-platinum artist returns with his latest smash single, “Close.” The smoldering single produced by Rykeyz allows Marley to flaunt his vocal range and appreciation for complementary beats.
Again, paying homage to past reggae legends, the chorus for “Close” is a spin on the original hook of Maxi Priest’s dancehall classic “Close To You.” The steamy video for “Close,” directed by Gabriella Kingsley, puts the artist in a nightclub surrounded by beautiful people despite his focus being one special lady.
Following the release of “Close,” Blavity spoke with Marley about the big shoes he’s proud to fill as long as they help him embark on his own journey.
Can you share when you realized music was your calling, especially considering your family’s rich musical background?
It was around the age of 13 when my uncle Steve brought me on the stage to perform a piece of “One Love.” After that, I’d say the music called me.
How has your family’s legacy, significantly your grandfather’s, influenced your music style? How did it impact the way you want fans to convey your music?
His legacy lives on in us all. His message continues to inspire and bring people light every day all over the world. It inspires me in every way. We want to lift the people with music and free the people with music.
You previously mentioned a feeling of responsibility to carry on the Marley legacy. How do you balance that while wanting to create your unique sound?
I make music from the heart and what comes naturally to me, so I do not see this as a thing of balance, more of a duty. It feels right I follow that. It’s in my blood.
You’ve worked with artists like Katy Perry and H.E.R. How do these collaborations influence your creative process, and what do you learn from working with such diverse talents?
hey make me want to push the boundaries further. I give thanks for their strength.
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You have also worked with several of your family members. Is that similar to working with different artists, or is there a unique family dynamic? Do you have a favorite family member to work with?
Nothing like working with family. No favorites, just love. When we are all together doing the thing we were made for, nothing will ever compare to that love.
Tell us about your new single “Close” and what your fans can look forward to when they see the visuals.
“Close”—respect to Maxi. I like to think of it as putting my own spin on a much-loved classic and bringing the vibes to a whole new generation of music lovers. I can’t wait to share more of what I’ve been working on in the studio next year.
What is your creative process when working on new music and visuals?
I love playing around in the studio and finding a beat or melody to build upon. People don’t realize that I produce, write, and play many instruments, so I love to just play around in the studio until an idea or a melody appears that inspires me, and we go from there.
You have already earned impressive accolades and acknowledgments, including two Grammy nominations. What did that do for your morale as a new artist and in the reggae genre?
It was a grateful feeling. I give thanks for the people’s love of the music. I want to bring this music to the younger generations and inspire them the same way my family has for generations before.
Besides music, are there other artistic avenues or projects you’re interested in pursuing?
I care a lot about Mother Earth and continue to use my platform to help causes close to my heart, to spread the light where the darkness is.
What advice would you give young musicians who aspire to follow in your footsteps, particularly those from legacy families?
To anyone, no matter who your family is, don’t give up. Always believe in yourself and the Almighty, and always lead with love.
Can you tell us anything about a new EP or album you may be working on?
Not much yet. I have been working in the studio and am excited to share more with the people in 2025.
