The album's title, Half Way Tree is used metaphorically, to describe the young artist's roots. Explained by Jr. Gong, it is the meeting of two worlds. Both his parents come from different parts of Jamaica. His father, the king, Bob Marley, had humble beginnings in the Jamaican countryside and the innercity community of Trench Town before catapulting to stardom. While his mother, former beauty queen, "Cindy" as he affectionaltely refers to her on the album, was born into jamaican 'uptown' society. This he explains, makes him a product of both worlds.

With 16 tracks (including interludes), the album released by Motown Records is very cohesive and well put together, with the majority of the production credits going to Damian's older brother Stephen Marley (of Melody Makers' fame and head of Marley Boyz Prod.). In my opinon, Damian scores high points with his lyrical approach. Although there are few tracks on the cd , two to be exact, that the album could have done without, Half Way Tree is definitely worth a listen. It features some of today's most briliant artists, Bounty Killer, Capleton, Eve and Yami Bolo.

Beautiful songs with a message, is perhaps a recurring theme on this album. "Born To Be Wild", "Still Searchin'" featuring Yami Bolo (props!) and "Paradise Child" featuring Mr. Cheeks (Lost Boyz) and Jimi Cozier (wicked - I love that song!) are other songs worth mentioning, definitely for the ladies but I am sure that male listeners would be able to relate.

Former Dutty Cup member, Daddigan appears in "Give Dem Some way", a tune with a riddim like NOTHING you have heard before.

While comparing Damian to his father would be considered absurd by staunch listeners of reggae music, one cannot deny that Bob Marley would be proud of his son's continuation of the incredible legacy that he left behind.

With age and spiritual maturity, "A little child has grown", and as a result deserves credit for his efforts.

PEACE!!!

RATING SYSTEM
TOUGH! TOP A TOP
Up deh
Shows extreme potential
Can listen
WACK

IT WAS WRITTEN VIDEO SHOOT REVIEW
by FYAH - 2nd Assistant Director

It's always nice when you get the opportunity to work with someone you truly admire and respect. An artist whose CD you actually buy, and respect the message dem a send. Though this is Damian's sophomore album, he is nonetheless, still green in the industry. I expect and hope for great things from him. He has brought something fresh and harmonic to the table, laced with smart and sometimes impressive lyrics yuh jus' know will inevitably get better. I am sure I wasn't the only person to turn up my radio upon hearing "It Was Written" for the first time. Many a dance I have been to where it never failed to get the lighters up in the air.

So, being asked to 2nd AD [Assistant Director] for the video was my pleasure, no matter what the pay. I probably would done it for free! (yah...right)

Being a recently "re-converted" Capleton fan was also a plus...I still was expecting a far more extreme individual than the one I met on the shoot... but we'll get into that later. I've worked with the Marleys before and I have always found them pleasant and patient - two very important qualities for anyone in entertainment to possess. So based on my past and present experiences with them, I have personally dispelled the rumours. We just low it at dat.

The video's treatment, for those of you who didn't see it last week Friday on ER, is something to the effect of...

This greedy archaeologist comes to the island in search of this sacred scribe. So he begins his hunt and the map he follows leads him to this cave (Green Grotto)...Kinda Indiana Jones style (or so they said). He and his men are there trespassing on some sacred ground or something cuz in the cave there are three higher spirits (Damian, Stephen and Capleton) who are the protectors for the scribe. The scribe holds the message for generations to come. The archaeologist buck dem up after he smashes one of his prize slaves through a (fake) wall.

I figure you're all bound to see the video soon anyway. So in wrappin this up, the wicked and greedy archaeologist gets chased off the island, all is well, and the kids get the message.

Greeeeeat!!!! It was a really pleasant shoot and the Marleys were cool. Did I mention their entourage? That was a sight, yow! When I say a crew of people, I mean a CREW. And all man!! They were all polite though. You have to loud up some rambunctious guys sometimes on a shoot, but not on this one. Mr. Cheeks from the Lost Boyz was there along with some other DJs like Daddigan. Both of them have songs on Damian's Album, so I guess dem a fren. All ah dem kick some ball, or swim inna di river, jumping from the rocks. I saw Cheeks up there a few times. Dem tek out the guitar and play some tune... whenever there was a break between scenes, or bun some kiki'. And trus'mi, nuff ah dat did a gwaan. I didn't think it was possible for one person to inhale 7 ziggy's in the space of seven or eight hours. Yow! What kinda shape is your brain in? An' I smoke, so yuh know! Anyway...

When working on a set, one person will normally stand out in your eyes as being really remarkable, whether talent or crew member. That was Capleton for me still. You hear it everyday...don't judge a book....That's precisely what happened. He challenged and dispelled every preconception I had had of him. He shone in my eyes, with his polite mannerisms. They were all cool, but he definitely stood out in my mind.

I'll leave you on that note. Enjoy the pics!
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