5 Questions with King Cruff

Following his signing with Universal Music Canada (UMC) and Tuff Gong Collective earlier this year, King Cruff officially launched his recording career under their banner with the release of the single, Samurai Chop, a song which he states "is about the party lifestyle and how chatter and drama can bleed into it".

Solomon Marley-Spence, aka King Cruff, is the son of Sharon Marley, and as his bio notes, he "has reggae in his DNA", but his contemporary favourites include Kendrick Lamar, Chronixx and eccentric hip hop artistes André3000 and MF Doom.

He migrated to Canada from Jamaica at age 17, and now in his mid-20s, he takes it as a huge compliment that he hasn't lost his Jamaican accent. An engaging conversationalist, King Cruff not only speaks with maturity beyond his years, but he is also quite "mannersable" and also gets a big 'tickie' beside the box labelled "grow good".

No newbie to recording, despite having a nine-to-five prior to his signing, King Cruff has been engaged in music to the point where he took home the Forest City London Music Award for Best Hip Hop Artiste this year.

For him, the signing with UMC/Tuff Gong Collective is "a manifestation of years of hard work and commitment to his artistry".

Universal Music Canada's Chairman and CEO, Jeffrey Remedios, noted that "King Cruff is an artiste like no other, he is a captivating performer and compelling lyricist with talent that runs deep. It is an honour to partner with Tuff Gong for the first time in support of this dynamic artiste with global potential. We're proud to share King Cruff's voice."

According to Cedella Marley, chief executive officer of the Marley Group of Companies, "The Tuff Gong Collective is committed to cultivating the next generation of music artistes and creators, and we're thrilled to be working alongside the Universal Music team in Canada to introduce audiences to King Cruff. His distinct style and clear artistic vision shape this project, and we're excited about all that's to come."

Although King Cruff is busy working on new projects from his base in London, Ontario, he took a quick break to answer this week's 5 Questions With.

1. Explain the duality of the name King Cruff .

King Cruff is basically about every individual's ability to balance the best and the worst of their potential.

2. You reference your mother sharing the nugget "words have power" in explaining 'Samurai Chop'. To what extent has she influenced your career?

I wouldn't be where I am without my mother, but she actually wasn't heavily involved in the early stages of my career. She was supportive and gave me honest feedback always, but I'm not sure if she always saw it as a true career path. That's more so on me because I only recently decided to make it my main focus. Recently, she's been more involved and gives me advice. When I have writer's block, she tells me to read my Bible for inspiration and to give thanks to the Most High for the blessings that we have. Things I should admittedly do more.

3. What's your view on the ' choppa ' lifestyle lyrics now banned by the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica?

The 'choppa' lyrics ban is a very slippery slope. I understand the sentiment to steer our youth in a proper direction, but why is it at the cost of artistic expression or free speech? I feel like there are other avenues that our leaders can focus on that would benefit the next generation more so than just music.

4. How long was the UMC / Tuff Gong Collective signing in the works?

The conversation began in November and got finalised in February. Then we kept it under wraps until the release of Samurai Chop in October. In the interim, I wasn't releasing any new music. So I started focusing on collaborations and organising shows to try and contribute to the music scene and give the artistes that I was a fan of some great opportunities.

5. What are your expectations now as a 'signed artiste'?

For my career? I try not to hold any expectations, honestly. I feel like expectations kind of lead you to disappointment. I want to try and keep an open mind on the opportunity and enjoy it for what it is. But I will say the team that we have around the project [is] extremely reliable, and they'll ensure they'll work their hardest to make this project go well. As will I.

BRAWTA : You have described yourself as 'Punky'. Do you have a favourite line from Bob Marley's 'Punky Reggae Party'?

My favourite part of the song is definitely when Bob is yelling, "In a world of hypocrisy". It's one of those moments in a Bob Marley song where you feel like he's unleashing this emotion that he doesn't get to convey regularly. There's a rasp to it, a sort of aggression like he's had to fight this world of hypocrisy his whole life.

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com