Jr Gong releases 'birthday' album

With announcements for the project made as early as January, Damian 'Jr Gong' Marley released his highly anticipated studio album, 'Stony Hill', yesterday.

It's his first album in 12 years and was planned for release on his 38th birthday.

"We pushed back the album a couple of times, but when we saw that my birthday was available for the release date, I chose that one," Jr Gong told THE STAR.

Life as a touring and recording artiste has not afforded this reggae ambassador the chance to ritualise his birthday.

He said he has been on the road from the third week of May up until about a week ago when he stopped to promote Stony Hill. He will recommence touring North America in September.

"Every year kinda different. Some of the years catch me on the road. Some of the years catch me in the studio. Some of the years catch me with my family. This year is gonna catch me releasing this album, which is historical because I never released an album on my birthday before, so it have a little personal, historical significance," he said.

The album's name carries even more significance for Jr Gong, as Stony Hill is named after the neighbourhood the artiste was raised in, and is also the name he will use to brand his burgeoning marijuana enterprise.

Jr Gong revealed that the album will have production credits notable to the Jamaican audience.

Stephen McGregor produces a track titled Upholstery. Also featured is Anju Blaxx, who produced the beat for the album's introduction, as well as the beat for the track Speak Life.

Jr Gong's brother, Stephen Marley, is featured on the recently-released single, Medication. The artiste also confirmed Stony Hill will feature Bounty Killer's son, Major Myjah.