Caribbean Up-And-Comer of the Month: Malie Donn Upholds Portmore’s Dancehall Legacy With ‘Golden Child’ Debut Album
The Waterford-bred star is Billboard's Caribbean Up-And-Comer of the Month for August.
Jamaican dancehall artist Malie Donn, 25, is set to release his debut studio album, The Golden Child, on September 4 via VP Records. Born and raised in Portmore, a neighborhood in Jamaica, Donn is the latest in a lineage of dancehall luminaries that includes Popcaan, Blak Ryno, Masicka, and Vybz Kartel. Growing up, Donn was surrounded by music, particularly King of Dancehall Vybz Kartel's work, which influenced his passion for the genre.
After deciding to drop out of his collegiate track and field career, Donn began releasing standalone singles in the early 2020s, leading to local hits like "Hennergy" and "Crook." His breakthrough came in February 2023 with the release of "V6," a laid-back track featuring producer Ireland Boss and Kartel's name-dropping wordplay.
Donn has since released hits like "Dragga," "Cups Up," "Little Miss Grippy," and "Dungeon." His new album showcases his boldness and expressive side, featuring collaborations with artists like Byron Messia and DJ Frass. Donn aims to connect with a wider audience, offering a mix of emotionally charged and smoother tracks.
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