Skip Marley Honors Maxi Priest with New Single “Close”
Skip Marley, the grandson of reggae legend Bob Marley, has returned with his latest single “Close,” marking his first release under Tuff Gong International/Def Jam Recordings. The song pays homage to Maxi Priest’s iconic 1990 hit “Close To You,” with Marley creatively interpolating the original’s memorable chorus while bringing a modern twist to the track. The accompanying music video, directed by Gabriella Kingsley, visually complements the song’s nostalgic yet contemporary feel.
“Close” showcases Skip Marley’s signature blend of reggae, R&B, and pop, while adding a fresh take on the Maxi Priest classic. The track was produced by Rykeyz, known for his work with artists such as Jessie Reyez, Demi Lovato, and Wiz Khalifa. Notably, the beat incorporates a sample from The Soul Searchers’ 1972 breakbeat hit “Ashley’s Roachclip,” a track that has become a staple in hip-hop for its recognizable instrumental sections. The fusion of these elements makes “Close” both a tribute to the past and a forward-looking statement, blending genres and generations.
In a statement to DancehallMag, Marley expressed his admiration for Maxi Priest and the significance of reintroducing this classic to a new audience. “It’s modern, but it pays homage to Maxi Priest. I loved the idea of bringing this great song to the new generation,” Marley shared. He also noted that the song has a dual meaning for him: “On one hand, I’m reminiscing about a girl. For me, there’s a bigger meaning too. The song hints that I’m back and about to begin another chapter.”
Maxi Priest’s “Close To You” was a global sensation when it was first released in 1990, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaking at No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart. The song also made waves in Canada, Australia, Belgium, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, and Sweden. It has since been certified Gold in the US, Sweden, and Australia, cementing its place as a beloved classic in reggae and pop music.
In the lead-up to the release of “Close,” Maxi Priest joined Marley in an Instagram reel to promote the song, adding a layer of generational continuity to the track’s release. This collaboration not only bridges the gap between two influential reggae artists but also underscores Marley’s role in carrying on the legacy of his grandfather, Bob Marley, while forging his own path in the music industry.
Skip Marley first gained international recognition in 2017 with his double-platinum collaboration with Katy Perry on “Chained to the Rhythm.” His 2020 album Higher Place received a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album, and his single “Slow Down” featuring H.E.R. became the first song by a Jamaican-born artist to top the Billboard Adult R&B chart. In 2024, Marley contributed a powerful cover of “Exodus” to the Bob Marley: One Love (Music Inspired by the Film) soundtrack, which accompanied the highly anticipated Bob Marley biopic One Love.
With “Close,” Skip Marley not only honors a reggae classic but also continues to expand his musical repertoire, blending nostalgic influences with modern production to create a sound that resonates across generations. The official video for “Close” is available to watch now.
