Hey everyone, welcome to episode 9 of Innersleeve. Being diagnosed with cancer is probably the most devastating news anyone can receive. Jonathan Emile, a Reggae and Hip Hop artist (and now cancer survivor) opens up about his battle with cancer, how it motivated him to pursue a career in music, his work with Kendrick Lamar, and Bob Marley’s influence on his music. We hope you enjoy this very special episode of Innersleeve on SoundMojo.

Live in-studio performance of Bob Marley's classic "Redemption Song" by Jonathan Emile & Marco Vezina on guitar.

Live in-studio performance of Ben Harper's classic "Waiting In Vain" by Jonathan Emile & Merrick on guitar.

Live in-studio performance of Bob Marley's classic "Waiting In Vain" by Jonathan Emile & Merrick on guitar.

Solidarity is a hymn calling for rallying and commitment to the many challenges that the entire planet is currently facing. This song aims to be soothing, but also impactful, in the hope that it will resonate in the hearts of all communities. Jonathan Emile Solidarité est un hymne appelant au rassemblement et à l’engagement vis-à-vis les nombreux défis auxquels la planète entière est présentement confrontée. Cette chanson se veut apaisante, mais aussi percutante, dans l’espoir qu’elle résonne dans le cœur de toutes les communautés. Jonathan Emile

I want to let people experience Jamaica the way I have. Savanna-la-Mar and Westmoreland encapsulate my Jamaican experience. Whenever I go back to Jamaica it’s like a pilgrimage or a birthright where I get to rediscover and uncover parts of myself. Savanna is warm, chaotic, colourful, rough, noble and stoîc. The song tries to capture and communicate this, and the love I feel for a place I call home.

“Try A Likkle More”, is a song about how time and effort equal love. In patois, “a likkle more” or “a little more”, means “see you later” or “au revoir”. In the lyrics, I play on the idea of time and love as a participatory action rather than an emotion or a passive state. Jamaica in itself is a color-filled phenomenological experience. The roots riddim with its easy skank and swaying guitar and bass are set at the speed of rural Jamaica. You can hear the one drop against the slow crash of waves. The guitar melody opens and closes the song like a storybook.