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

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

Grunge Bands Quiz

Grunge Bands QuizMusic Quiz

If the name Citizen Dick means anything to you, there's a chance you'll get some of these right.

Zakk Wylde

Zakk WyldeSongwriter Interviews

When he was playing Ozzfest with Black Label Society, a kid told Zakk he was the best Ozzy guitarist - Zakk had to correct him.

Jeff Trott

Jeff TrottSongwriter Interviews

Sheryl Crow's longtime songwriting partner/guitarist Jeff Trott reveals the stories behind many of the singer's hits, and what its like to be a producer for Leighton Meester and Max Gomez.

Yacht Rock!

Yacht Rock!Song Writing

A scholarly analysis of yacht rock favorites ("Steal Away," "Baker Street"...) with a member of the leading YR cover band.

Tony Banks of Genesis

Tony Banks of GenesisSongwriter Interviews

Genesis' key-man re-examines his solo career and the early days of music video.