Today, Universal Music Canada, the country’s leading music company, and Tuff Gong Collective proudly announce the signing of Canadian-Jamaican MC and lyricist King Cruff.
A captivating performer and introspective songwriter who writes with intention, King Cruff was born with talent in his blood. Reared on undisputed legends like reggae singer Beres Hammond, the Kingston, Jamaica-raised Solomon Marley-Spence (King Cruff) has reggae in his DNA, but his contemporary favourites (Kendrick Lamar, Chronixx and eccentric hip-hop artists André 3000 and MF Doom) straddle the breadth of the Black sonic diaspora and hint at the complexity at the heart of his on-stage moniker.
As his name suggests, King Cruff is drawn to the theme of duality. Cruff plays with these layers in his music, juxtaposing vibrant rhythms and tempos with lyrics that have narrative depth woven within his intricate bars and smooth cadence. The 25-year-old Toronto-based artist views his songs as think pieces set to his original ‘punky’ sound. Uniting his love for hip-hop, reggae, dancehall and funk, he creates music formed from an ear-bending amalgam of Black musical styles.
Today, King Cruff launches his UMC/Tuff Gong Collective recording career with the release of his vibrant, infectious single “Samurai Chop”. While Cruff’s smooth patois-laced lyrical style and Caribbean flavoured rhythms set off a sensual party energy, underneath, Cruff weaves a contrasting lyrical narrative. “I’m a big fan of songs that have one vibe but the lyrics tell a different story,” shares Cruff. “‘Samurai Chop’ is about the party lifestyle and how chatter and drama can bleed into it. The line that really influenced the song was ‘Words cut deep like a samurai chop’. My mom always said that words have power and I believe in that.”
King Cruff describes his signing with UMC/Tuff Gong Collective as a manifestation of years of hard work and commitment to his artistry.
On the signing, Universal Music Canada’s Chairman and CEO, Jeffrey Remedios, said, “King Cruff is an artist like no other – he is a captivating performer and compelling lyricist with talent that runs deep. It is an honour to partner with Tuff Gong for the first time in support of this dynamic artist with global potential. We’re proud to share King Cruff’s voice.”
Cedella Marley, CEO, Bob Marley Group of Companies said, “The Tuff Gong Collective is committed to cultivating the next generation of music artists and creators and we’re thrilled to be working alongside the Universal Music team in Canada to introduce audiences to King Cruff. His distinct style and clear artistic vision shape this project and we’re excited about all that’s to come.”
Following his stellar performance at School Night to a full capacity crowd last month, King Cruff, who took home the Forest City London Music Award for Best Hip Hop Artist this year, will be taking his dynamic live show to select stages this year. Sign up to his mailing list HERE to stay up to date on upcoming concerts, exclusive merch drops and new music.
King Cruff is currently recording his debut project with Universal Music Canada/Tuff Gong Collective due to be released in 2023.
