Biography
From the heart of Humboldt County, where the redwoods meet the Pacific, a new voice emerges in the world of reggae music. Jah Sun is 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. In a world full of sex, bling and violence, Jah Sun shines through. He brings his message of love and unity to the masses 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 feature track off “The Height of Light”, ‘Nuff a Dem’ was included in FUEL TV’s “2007 Vans Downtown Showdown” which pitted skateboard teams against each other.
Before being inspired by Bob Marley and the teachings of Rastafari, Jah Sun was a troubled youth, born to a sixteen-year-old single mother. Growing up in an eclectic bi-racial family, he was exposed to a wide range of music…everything from Cat Stevens and Willie Nelson to Quincy Jones and RUN DMC. Raised by a stepfather who was a rapper and breakdancer, Jah Sun’s deep connection to the world of hip-hop runs to his core. At twelve he was live on the radio, by thirteen he was winning break dance competitions and rapping on stage. After realizing he needed to develop a healthier, more conscious lifestyle, Jah Sun embraced Rastafari and started living differently. His musical influences still included artists such as KRS-ONE and Public Enemy but also incorporated roots reggae from Jamaica.
In 2004, after traveling the world and gathering experience and inspiration, Jah Sun decided to seriously pursue a music career. Since then he has performed at many festivals (Reggae on the River, Earthdance, Raggamuffins, Northwest Reggae Fest, Trinity Tribal Stomp, etc) gaining new fans with every step.
Jah Sun is touring 2009 with veteran reggae star Stevie Culture and the GRAVITY band. GRAVITY is Humboldt County's premiere backing band and consist of Tim Randles, Joseph Dixon, Jay Lynch, Bianka Mankai, Ritana, John Tortorici and Stevie Culture.
Jah Sun is currently working on his next album, “Stronger”, which will feature KRS-ONE, Prezident Brown, Chezidek, Norris Man, Batch, Ras Attitude and more.
Jah Sun is here to spread love, raise awareness and unify the planet through music so we can all secure a positive future for the generations to come.
Instrumentation
Jah Sun- Lead Vocals
Stevie Culture- Keys, Vocals
John - Guitar
Joseph Dixon- Bass
J Lynch- Drums
Tim Randles- Keys
Biancamanki- Vocals
Ritana- Vocals
Discography
"The Height of Light" full length album 2006
"The Red Razor Riddim" Compilation produced by Zion High Production, Ft Lauderdale, FL. 2007
"Higha Meditation Riddim" Compilation produced by Itation Records, Oakland, CA. 2007
"Stronger" More Love Records 2009
"New Day Riddim" Compilation produced by Lustre Kings, Brooklyn, NY. 2006
"Mad Notes" Compilation produced by Royal Inity, Santa Rosa, CA. 2006
Jah Sun has several singles that play on the radio across the US and abroad in Italy, France, England, Jamaica, Hawaii, and the US Virgin Islands.
CONTACT
Booking/Tour Management:
More Love Productions
jahsun411@yahoo.com
(707)668-1939
Links
| http:// www.myspace.com/jahsunmusic |