Stephen Marley
“Revelation Pt. 2 – The Fruit of Life ”
Ghetto Youths International
Bob Marley left an enormous impression on the world in his short life, bringing reggae music from a small island in the Caribbean to the entire world. His legacy is eternal, and no one carries the torch of that legacy better than his son Stephen Marley.
There are lots of Bob Marley’s children who are well known in the reggae scene: Ziggy Marley is perhaps best known, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley is very popular on the club scene, and there others. But Stephen Marley captures the character of his father’s music so well, singing for human rights and morality with a voice that is strikingly similar to that of his father.
Stephen Marley’s recent release “Revelation Pt. 2 – The Fruit of Life” is very much a continuation of his last album “Revelation Pt. 1 – The Root of Life” which took the Grammy for best reggae album in 2012. This time, he brings even more of a hip-hop element into play in many of the songs. It works well, bringing a modern feel to his style, and it’s done tastefully. Having been a producer for most of his early career, he has a great ear for what pops in a mix and how to write a great hook.
I’ve got a whole list of songs on “The Fruit of Life” that have been stuck in my head for the week that this album has been out. Track 3, “Revelation Party” is really catchy pop-reggae anthem featuring Marley’s gorgeous voice front and center. It features his central theme of positivity in the face of adversity, standing up for what’s right, and doing it with the joy of a righteous struggle.
“Father Of The Man” features Wyclef Jean and has a powerful hook, repeating at intervals “I am the keeper of the flame”. It’s got some great lyrics about being strong, being proud of your roots, and fulfilling your destiny. He is singing about picking up the burden his father Bob Marley carried and continuing on his mission – a mission of human values and strength in the shadow of the Babylon system of materialism, selfishness, and greed.
In track 4, “So Unjust”, it opens with a blistering social commentary from legendary hip-hop artist Rakim, then leads into the melodic hooks that Stephen is so famous for. The lyrics are so good: “Don’t bargain for fish that’s still in the waters; The world is so unjust, you don’t know who to trust, my bredren; Cause in who you put your trust, they themselves get bought by the system”.
I could go on and on about the other tracks – Damian Marley in “Perfect Picture”, the hooks in “The Lion Roars” featuring Rick Ross, the haunting voice of Stephen in “Babylon”, and more. If you like reggae at all, or if you like modern music with some pop / hip-hop flavor, you’re going to absolutely love this. If you’re not on the side of truth and human rights, give this a shot anyway and maybe it will change your mind.
Tom Matthew,
Two Ton Music