Stephen ‘Ragga’ Marley released his fourth studio album, Revelation Part II: The Fruit of Life, on July 22. It has been at number one for two weeks on the Billboard Reggae Album chart, and it is distributed in Jamaica and the Caribbean by Tuff Gong International.
Produced by the Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist, Revelation Part II: The Fruit of Life is the second instalment of his two-part series, following Revelation Part I: The Root of Life (2011). While The Root of Life is more of a traditional roots reggae album, The Fruit of Life utilises a diversified sonic palette to express the far-reaching impact Jamaican music has had on various genres, especially hip-hop.
Produced by Marley, Fruit of Life boasts 18 new tracks. It features a variety of guest collaborations with Rick Ross, Pitbull, Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley, Iggy Azalea, Waka Flocka, Dead Prez, Rakim, DJ Khaled, Busta Rhymes, Wyclef Jean, Shaggy, Black Thought (of The Roots), Bounty Killer, Sizzla, Capleton, Ky-Mani Marley, Jo Mersa, among others.
“The Fruit is about the different branches. There are many pages within my mind, many colours and ideas,” said Marley. “We come from a versatile generation that can’t be put in a box.”
Stephen ‘Ragga’ Marley is the second eldest son of reggae legend Bob Marley and Rita Marley. He was raised in Kingston, Jamaica, and started singing professionally at seven years old with his elder siblings Ziggy, Sharon and Cedella as The Melody Makers. He has consecutively landed in the top on the US Billboard Reggae Album Chart for all of his solo albums and has earned eight Grammys for Best Reggae Album.