From: Kingston, Jamaica & London, Ontario
Genres: Hip-Hop, Dancehall, Afropop
For fans of: Goldlink, Chronixx, Burna Boy, Masego, Shenseea
Canadian-Jamaican MC King Cruff (Solomon Marley-Spence) was born with the talents of songwriting and performance in his blood. His music combines introspective storytelling with energizing rhythms ranging from dancehall and reggae, to hip-hop and funk. The 26-year-old artist sees his songs as think pieces set to his signature ‘punky’ sound—a vibrant fusion of genres from across the diaspora.
In fall 2022, King Cruff made his major label debut on Universal Music Canada/Tuff Gong Collective with “Samurai Chop,” earning him the title of Pandora’s Artist to Watch: Caribbean. Earlier this year, Cruff made his follow-up with feel-good single “Soufflé”—a certified radio hit with a deep bounce reminiscent of artists like Kaytranada and Goldlink.
A natural-born performer, King Cruff has been spending the summer outside. In the past few months he’s rocked stages in Canada, the US and Jamaica for cultural events like Toronto’s Caribana and Afro Carib Fest, the Tuff Gong Takeover in New York alongside Skip Marley, at both the LA and Toronto opening nights of the Bob Marley One Love Experience and at multiple festivals throughout the summer.
This week, King Cruff dropped his highly anticipated third single “SHEDOENEED” in collaboration with Afro-Dancehall pioneer Stonebwoy and longtime collaborator Jag.Huligin. “SHEDOENEED is one for the independent ladies,” says King Cruff. “My family has always had a powerful matriarchal energy and growing up surrounded by strong women has inspired me to search for strength within myself. I have a deep respect for women and this song celebrates the beauty and strength in their confidence.”
Combining Afrobeats, dancehall, R&B and Pop, “SHEDOENEED” is true to the unique amalgam of genres Cruff has crafted into his signature sound. The song arrives alongside a cinematic music video filmed on location in Jamaica and Toronto, making for the perfect introduction into the world of King Cruff.