Anybody active on social media in the past few months is familiar with the new reggae-pop song, “Praise Jah In the Moonlight,” by Young Gong (YG) Marley. The song has spiked in popularity on TikTok, passed one billion streams on Spotify and topped charts in the UK, New Zealand, Norway and Sweden. The song’s idyllic and slow-paced sound evokes easy-going summer vibes, often featured in beach and travel videos. However, the song was released on December 27, 2023, five months ago. With the attention YG Marley has earned since, what is he planning for the future?
YG Marley could arguably be the music industry’s most promising artist. YG Marley has grown up with a legendary legacy on both his mother’s and father’s sides. His mother, Lauryn Hill, is an iconic rap and soul singer who rose to fame in the 1990s with songs like “Killing Me Softly” and “Ready or Not.” YG Marley’s father, Rohan Marley, is a professional Canadian football player and the son of reggae king Bob Marley.
YG Marley appeared at Coachella in late April, along with Hill and her old ensemble, the Fugees. His concert touted full Rastafarian colors and symbols, with YG Marley wearing a red, yellow, and green blazer. While “Praise Jah In The Moonlight” served as his main act, he also performed Bob Marley hits such as “One Love,” “Is This Love,” and “Exodus.” Notably, YG Marley began his performance with three unreleased songs of his, titled “Marching to Freedom,” “Control,” and “Running.”
“Marching to Freedom” was also performed by YG Marley at the start of a concert in Saudi Arabia. The live song, available on Spotify, is an energy-infused piece evoking themes similar to Bob Marley’s “Exodus,” advocating a mass emigration from the oppressive Western world, i.e. “Babylon.” The song’s inspirational tone is backed by a large chorus behind YG Marley’s vocals. “Marching to Freedom” is a step away from his original hit, a more easy-going, mystic beat to a faster-paced track.
On April 20, 2024, YG Marley released a music video to his hit song, “Praise Jah In the Moonlight,” filmed in Jamaica. The video was directed by music videographer Cole Bennett. It also features an appearance by his mother Hill, a nod by YG Marley to his family. The video highlights Jamaican culture and shows many Jamaicans flying Rastafari flags alongside YG Marley himself.
It’s for the future to decide whether YG Marley will be a one-hit wonder or carry on the torch for the reggae music his grandfather established. There also lies an opportunity for YG Marley to enter the rap field that his mother was associated with. It will be interesting to see an artist of such musical royalty grow, earn recognition and spread his message.
