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| Alkaline (entertainer) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Alkaline |
| Birth name | Earlan Bartley |
| Birth date | 19 December 1993 |
| Birth place | Jamaica, Saint Thomas Parish |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, record producer |
| Years active | 2011–present |
| Label | 22Sugar Music, Alkaline Music |
Alkaline (entertainer) is a Jamaican dancehall and reggae artist known for provocative lyrics, distinctive aesthetic, and influence on contemporary Caribbean music. He emerged from the Jamaican music scene in the early 2010s and has released several charting singles and albums while courting international attention through collaborations and tours. Alkaline's career has intersected with producers, promoters, and artists across Jamaica, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Earlan Bartley was born in Saint Thomas Parish, Jamaica, and raised in Kingston near communities associated with Jamaica House, Waterhouse, Kingston, and Portmore. His upbringing intersected with local cultural institutions including Bob Marley Museum, Trench Town culture, and the street dancehall circuits frequented by artists such as Vybz Kartel, Beenie Man, and Bounty Killer. Bartley's early exposure to soundsystems, local radio stations like IRIE FM and RJR 94 FM, and live events at venues such as Sangster's Hall and National Arena shaped his artistic trajectory. He attended schools in Kingston and became associated with producers who worked out of studios like Tuff Gong Studios and Anchor Studios.
Alkaline began recording in the early 2010s, gaining attention with singles distributed via platforms connected to labels such as VP Records, Gaza Music affiliates, and independent Jamaican imprints. His breakthrough involved singles that circulated on YouTube, SoundCloud, and Jamaican television programs like HYPE TV and TVJ. Alkaline collaborated with producers and artists linked to Don Corleon, Shaggy, and Sean Paul networks and performed at festivals including Reggae Sumfest, Sting (concert), and UK dates promoted by entities similar to Live Nation. He released albums and mixtapes through self-owned imprints and worked with international distributors such as Island Records and Roc Nation-adjacent promoters. Touring across North America, Europe, and the Caribbean, he shared stages with acts like Skrillex, A$AP Rocky, and Drake-affiliated events while engaging with influencers and media outlets including Complex (magazine), Rolling Stone, and The FADER.
Alkaline's music fuses elements of dancehall, reggae, and contemporary hip hop production, drawing lineage from artists like Shabba Ranks, Super Cat, Yellowman, and contemporaries such as Mavado and Sean Paul. His vocal delivery features toasting techniques reminiscent of U-Roy and rhythmical cadences influenced by Jamaican deejay traditions found in sound system culture propagated by pioneers like King Tubby and Lee "Scratch" Perry. Production collaborators have invoked sonic palettes similar to those used by Sly and Robbie and modern producers associated with Major Lazer and Bunji Garlin projects. Lyrically, Alkaline incorporates narratives common to dancehall storytelling also present in works by Busy Signal and Capleton, while experiments with melody and autotune align him with Kanye West, Travis Scott, and Drake stylistic choices.
Alkaline's public persona, characterized by trademark aesthetic choices and contentious lyrics, generated debate across media outlets such as The Jamaica Gleaner, The Jamaica Observer, and international platforms like BBC News and The New York Times. Controversies involved lyrical content criticized by organizations akin to Jamaica Council of Churches and public figures such as Patrick Allen-type authorities advocating for community standards. His image prompted social media discourse on platforms including Instagram (company), Twitter (now X), and TikTok, sparking commentary from peers like Vybz Kartel and promoters tied to Caribana-style events. Legal disputes and censorship attempts emerged in contexts similar to performance cancellations at venues overseen by municipal authorities and promoters linked to Jamaica Constabulary Force liaison offices.
Alkaline has released multiple albums, mixtapes, and singles through independent and partnered labels, with notable releases circulating on charts monitored by organizations like Billboard and services such as Spotify (service), Apple Music and YouTube Music. Key releases include studio albums, collaborative singles with international artists, and compilations promoted at events like Reggae Sumfest and distributed by outlets comparable to VP Records and Sony Music Entertainment.
Alkaline received nominations and awards from Jamaican and Caribbean institutions including bodies analogous to Caribbean Music Awards, UNIA-affiliated honors, and recognition in lists compiled by BBC Radio 1Xtra and Essence (magazine). His commercial impact translated into chart placements on Billboard reggae charts and coverage by music industry analysts from IFPI-related reports and year-end lists from Complex (magazine) and Pitchfork.
Beyond music, Alkaline engaged in business activities involving branding, fashion, and partnerships with local enterprises modeled on collaborations between artists and companies such as PepsiCo-adjacent promotions, boutique clothing lines similar to Stampede (label), and community initiatives resembling campaigns run by UNICEF and UNDP in Jamaica. Philanthropic efforts included benefit events for causes connected to Jamaican institutions like University of the West Indies outreach programs and disaster relief efforts coordinated with organizations akin to Red Cross affiliates in the Caribbean.
Category:Jamaican dancehall musicians Category:1993 births Category:Living people