photo by steed media service

Ky-Mani Marley knows how it feels to walk in the footsteps of a giant. As the son of reggae legend Bob Marley, Ky-Mani strives to uphold the legacy that his father created over 30 years ago. With his latest album, Radio, Ky-Mani keeps the Marley name alive and introduces a new generation to the first family of reggae, masterfully intertwining the roots music with hip-hop.

"A lot of people classify what I do as reggae, but it's more than that," Ky-Mani says. "I want people from all over to be able to receive my message."

Fans of Bob Marley may find Ky-Mani's message to be more aggressive than that of his late father.

"People hear the Marley name and think that I grew up with a silver spoon in my mouth," he says. "But it wasn't like that for me. I didn't grow up in the same house; I was raised in Miami. Everything that I've learned in life, I learned it here. I went through struggles like everybody else."

Along with being an accomplished recording artist, Ky-Mani recently starred in the cult film, Shottas. For anticipating fans, Ky-mani promises a sequel.

"We have Shottas 2 that will be coming out soon," he reveals. "Part one of Shottas was true to life about Jamaica. It showed the rise and the demise. Part two is about growing and learning who you are."

Ky-Mani will continue to represent the family name well. "Being from the [Marley] bloodline is a great thing," he says. "I'm just trying to do my part. I want to follow in my father's footsteps, but I want to do it my way." -amir shaw

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