Praise Jah In The Moonlight

Album: single release only (2023)
Charted: 5 34
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Reggae artist Joshua Omaru "YG" Marley carries the torch of two legends in his veins: Bob Marley, his grandfather, and Lauryn Hill, his mother. "Praise Jah In The Moonlight" is his debut single.
  • Marley sings about love, gratitude, and finding peace in the simple things, all under the glow of the moon. He also calls for a spiritual awakening and resistance against materialism and government control.
  • The song starts with a sample of Bob Marley & the Wailers' 1978 track "Crisis."

    They say the sun shines for all
    But in some people's world, it never shines at all


    This sets the tone for the track, highlighting the contrast between light and darkness, and the idea that joy can be found even in challenging times.
  • "Praise Jah In The Moonlight" culminates in an outro sung by YG's mother. Lauryn Hill's repetitive hymnals of "Give Jah all the thanks and praise" act as a sonic mantra, urging introspective reflection.
  • YG Marley and Lauryn Hill wrote the song and co-produced it with the Seattle musician Johnny G.
  • YG Marley first previewed "Praise Jah" on November 17, 2023, at Lauryn Hill's concert at the Chase Center in San Francisco. He went on to perform the song at several of his mother's tour stops, generating plenty of traction on socials. Fans kickstarted a grassroots campaign for an official release of the track and Marley dropped it on December 27, 2023.
  • When fans got wind of the Bob Marley sample and Lauryn Hill composer and lyricist credits, another viral element was introduced. Fans, already drawn to the song's traditional reggae stylings, embraced the musical lineage woven into its very fabric. They saw a torchbearer carrying the legacy of reggae royalty in his veins. The song hit #1 on Spotify's Global chart, becoming a breakout hit for YG Marley.
  • When "Praise Jah In The Moonlight" debuted at #74 on the Hot 100 dated February 10, 2024, YG became the sixth member of the Marley family to enter the chart. He follows:

    Bob Marley ("Roots, Rock, Reggae")

    Ziggy Marley ("Tomorrow People," "Good Time")

    Ky-Mani Marley (featured artist on Refugee Camp All Stars feat. Pras' "Avenues" and "Gotta Be…Movin' On Up," with Prince Be)

    Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley ("Welcome to Jamrock" and featured artist on Jay-Z's "Bam")

    Skip Marley (featured artist on Katy Perry's "Chained to the Rhythm")

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Julian Lennon

Julian LennonSongwriter Interviews

Julian tells the stories behind his hits "Valotte" and "Too Late for Goodbyes," and fills us in on his many non-musical pursuits. Also: what MTV meant to his career.

Lecrae

LecraeSongwriter Interviews

The Christian rapper talks about where his trip to Haiti and his history of addiction fit into his songs.

Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes

Chris Robinson of The Black CrowesSongwriter Interviews

"Great songwriters don't necessarily have hit songs," says Chris. He's written a bunch, but his fans are more interested in the intricate jams.

Macabre Mother Goose: The Dark Side of Children's Songs

Macabre Mother Goose: The Dark Side of Children's SongsSong Writing

"London Bridge," "Ring Around the Rosie" and "It's Raining, It's Pouring" are just a few examples of shockingly morbid children's songs.

George Harrison

George HarrisonFact or Fiction

Did Eric Clapton really steal George's wife? What's the George Harrison-Monty Python connection? Set the record straight with our Fact or Fiction quiz.

Chad Channing (Nirvana, Before Cars)

Chad Channing (Nirvana, Before Cars)Songwriter Interviews

Chad tells tales from his time as drummer for Nirvana, and talks about his group Before Cars.