Skip Marley earns his fourth entry on the Billboard Rhythmic Top 40 chart, thanks to his latest single Close, which features a sample from Maxi Priest’s 1990 Billboard chart-topper Close To You.

It débuts at #34.

When the Jamaica Observer’s Splash caught up with Skip on Wednesday he shared his enthusiasm about the reception to the song as well as his forthcoming début album.

“Big up the legend Maxi Priest. My mother [Cedella Marley] has loved his music for a long time, and she’s really the one who presented the idea for me to try something with that song. This felt like the right time to bring our audiences and the generations together with Close,” said Skip.

Incidentally, Skip said he met Maxi Priest in person for the first time over the summer.

“We met for the first time last summer at Reggaeland UK. Maxi had just performed and I was about to go on-stage. I asked him if he would join me for the song, and he immediately said yes. We did a quick vocal arrangement and then moments later I was sharing the stage with one of the all-time greats. He loves the new version, and his support means a lot to me, you know?”

Skip said the initial response to Close was positive, having tested out the song with audiences on his recent European tour.

“We got to test out the song with audiences on the European tour last summer, and the responses were incredible, so it’s a blessing to see the positive reactions around the world now to the actual record… I am very humbled by that,” Skip disclosed.

Close was produced by the Grammy-nominated Rykeyz, who has been behind hits for some notable names in popular music, among them Chris Brown, BeBe Rexha, H.E.R., and Demi Lovato.

“The man is the best at what he does. I always learn a lot from him, and we had fun making this record,” Skip commented.

Skip has moved from the Island Records roster over to the Def Jam label which is within the Universal Music Group. Close marks his first release for the New York-based imprint.

“Yeah, this is my first release with Def Jam. It’s great to be connected with this historic record label, and we’re excited to see how the partnership develops,” said the artiste, adding that his début album, the follow-up to his 2020 Grammy-nominated
Higher Place EP, is currently in the works.

“I’ll be sharing more details next year. You will not be disappointed,” he said.

Higher Place yielded the #1 Billboard Adult R&B Airplay hit with Slow Down, a collaboration with R&B singer H.E.R. The song also cracked multiple Billboard charts, including Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, Hot R&B Songs, and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.

It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America for sales and streaming equivalent to 500,000 units.

Skip is featured on the Grammy-nominated Bob Marley: One Love (Music Inspired by the Film) Various Artistes album. He covered his grandfather, Bob Marley’s Exodus.

Asked how he felt about the nomination he said: “It is a huge honour for my family to be recognised once again by the Recording Academy. This is a project made with nothing but love and respect for my grandfather and his legacy that continues to shine generation upon generation. We are grateful for the recognition that this film and the soundtrack continue to receive.”

Skip’s previous entries on the Billboard Rhythmic Top 40 were Slow Down (#14 in May 2020), Chained To The Rhythm with Katy Perry (#32 in April 2017), and Make Me Feel featuring Rick Ross and Ari Lennox (#28 in September 2020).