Biography
read full storyFrom the heart of Humboldt County, where the redwoods meet the Pacific, Jah Sun emerges as an artist dedicated to global and social healing. Fusing the sounds of hip-hop, reggae and world music with conscious and uplifting lyrics, Jah Sun hopes to awaken the human spirit and inspire others to live to their ultimate potential.
Jah Sun’s debut album, “Height of Light” (More Love Productions & Moodswing Records, 2006), features some of reggae's top recording artists such as Luciano, Junior Reid, Lutan Fyah and Grammy Award winner, Yami Bolo. Jah Sun brings his message of love and unity with a variety of vocal styles. From fierce hip-hop explosions like "Nuff a Dem" and melodic ballads paying respect to generations of family in "Circles and Cycles", to rootsy anthems like ‘More Love’ and sensual, dancehall licks in ‘Fyah Dance’ Jah Sun brings something for everyone. Regardless of style, the common theme throughout all of his music maintains the messages of positivity, love and respect, and kindness to all. In the words of Chuck Foster in The Beat Magazine, “Jah Sun shines brightly on the “Height of Light”…the message remains positive and focused throughout…and offers some solution to the social problems addressed.” (Vol. 26, 2007)
Jah Sun has gained great recognition recently, not just within the reggae industry but in more mainstream markets as well. After being nominated for LA Music Awards’ “Hip-Hop Single of the Year for 2006”, Jah Sun’s song ‘Fyah Dance’ was also featured on the fall 2006 season premiere of MTV’s hit show, “Laguna Beach”. Another track off “The Height of Light”, ‘Nuff a Dem’ was included in FUEL TV’s “2007 Vans Downtown Showdown”. The song that reached the most international recognition "No Bonez No Blood" is played on radio stations world wide and the video plays regularly on Jamaica's Hype TV.
Jah Sun's latest release "Stronger" reaches new levels of musical maturity and features artists such as KRS-ONE, Norris Man, Chezidek, Messenjah Selah and more. In 2007 Jah Sun performed at the Raggamuffins Festival in Santa Cruz, CA where he met and befriended Gentleman and the Far East Band, Germany's top reggae artists. Then in 2009 Jah Sun was asked to sit in with Gentleman and the Far East Band in front of 14,000 people at California's premier reggae festival, Reggae Rising. Soon to follow was the EP "Gravity" from Jah Sun and The Far East Band.
Jah Sun's latest endeavor is the partnership with Stevie Culture, a project called Jah Culture.They have toured together for 8 months, playing many of the west coasts biggest festivals as well as a tour to Hawaii. Their first CD 2012 is scheduled to be released in the summer of 2010.
Jah Sun is also halfway through his third album which is self titled "Jah Sun". This CD is different from the first two and is anticipated to be the best work of his career. Jah Sun has produced, written and arranged most of the music for this album with additional production from Stevie Culture.
Jah Sun is also a founding member of the 7 piece crew called Lion Camp. Lion Camp is a musical family that includes Jah Sun, Ishi Dube, Soul Medic, Rocker T, Jah Works the Revolutionary, Winstrong and Stevie Culture. Lion Camp released their first single in 2009 "King of Kings" and has been an instant favorite to all who have witnessed the unveiling of this project.
One thing that is for sure about Jah Sun, is that since he appeared on the scene in 2006 he has been one of the fastest rising artist from Northern California. He has sold thousands of CD's, played the west coast's major festivals from Reggae Rising, Earthdance, Monterey Bay, Seattle Hempfest and Northwest World Reggae Festival and continues to gain new fans every step of the way. His music appeals to people from all walks of life and in the words of Bob Doran of the North Coast Journal "...an irie time is guaranteed for all".