Archive for Friday, March 21, 2008

Ky-Mani Marley, who has transitioned to hip-hop from reggae roots, plays a free show Saturday in Gondola Square.

Courtsey photo

Ky-Mani Marley, who has transitioned to hip-hop from reggae roots, plays a free show Saturday in Gondola Square.

'Radio' revolution

Ky-Mani Marley keeps reggae roots in rebel hip-hop

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Past Event

Bud Light Rocks the Boat Free Concert Series

  • Saturday, March 22, 2008, 3 p.m.
  • Gondola Square , 2305 Mount Werner Circle, Steamboat Springs
  • Not available

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— The second-youngest son in one of music's most fortified families, Ky-Mani Marley benefits from his youth.

His family moved to Miami when he was 7. So while his music is almost inherently informed by his reggae roots, Ky-Mani's latest recordings are almost all hip-hop - soldiering, defiant and anthem-driven. His 2007 album, "Radio," is more defined by street songs such as "The March" than it is by reggae romps like "Hustler."

On Saturday, Marley takes the stage for a free concert in Gondola Square. He spoke with 4 Points about finding a balance in his influences, how the concert will go and how to just let music happen.

4 POINTS: What can people in Steamboat expect from your show here?

KY-MANI MARLEY: They can expect a variety of music, different styles, a lot of music and just a good time.

4 POINTS: Is it going to be mostly hip-hop stuff, like what's on your latest album, "Radio"? Do you plan to throw some reggae in there, too?

KM: You know what, I'm going to include a little bit of everything for you, that way everyone will be satisfied.

4 POINTS: Coming from a musical family known for its connection to reggae, how did you get into hip-hop?

KM: Well, I grew up in the states, and I've been living in Miami since I was 7 years old. So, you know, you're influenced by a lot of things that are going on around you. Hip-hop was a part of me at that age, and it's something I really gravitated to.

4 POINTS: What drew you to it?

KM: Just the content and the beats.

4 POINTS: When you go into the studio and come out with a hip-hop album, do you try to keep that reggae influence in the music?

KM: The influence is there. You know, and when I'm making music I don't think about one or the other, I just let it come out. But you definitely hear that influence.

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