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| Alkaline (musician) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Alkaline |
| Birth name | Earlan Bartley |
| Birth date | 19 December 1993 |
| Birth place | Kingston, Jamaica |
| Years active | 2011–present |
| Labels | King Jammy, Yard House Records |
| Associated acts | Vybz Kartel, Mavado, Sean Paul, Shenseea |
Alkaline (musician) is a Jamaican dancehall recording artist and songwriter known for a provocative image, distinctive vocal style, and commercial success in Caribbean and international markets. Emerging from Kingston, Jamaica in the early 2010s, he gained attention through a string of singles that blended dancehall, reggae, and contemporary pop production. His career has intersected with prominent figures and institutions in Jamaican music and global popular culture.
Earlan Bartley was born in Kingston, Jamaica and raised in the parish of St. Andrew Parish, Jamaica near communities associated with Waterhouse, Kingston. During his upbringing he was exposed to local sound-system culture, street performances, and the legacy of artists like Bob Marley, Yellowman, Shabba Ranks, Buju Banton, and Vybz Kartel. He attended schools in Kingston, Jamaica and engaged with community dance events tied to venues such as Trench Town and Half Way Tree. Bartley's early associations included local producers and deejays who worked with studios like Tuff Gong and Studio One-affiliated engineers.
Alkaline began recording in the early 2010s with independent producers and released mixtapes and singles that circulated via platforms tied to YouTube, SoundCloud, and Caribbean radio outlets like Irievibe Radio. He collaborated with producers connected to labels such as King Jammy and promoters who organized shows at venues like Gordon House and festivals linked to the Reggae Sumfest circuit. His breakthrough tracks achieved rotation on stations including RJR 94 FM and drew attention from established artists such as Sean Paul and Mavado, facilitating regional tours and international bookings in markets like London, Miami, and Toronto. His rise coincided with the expansion of digital distribution through services linked to iTunes and Spotify.
Alkaline's music synthesizes traditional dancehall rhythms with pop, hip hop, and electronic production techniques, often employing sparse digital riddims, melodic singjaying, and vocal effects associated with contemporary studio workflows. He cites influences from Jamaican figures such as Vybz Kartel and Beenie Man as well as international performers like Kanye West and Drake, drawing on production aesthetics from studios connected to Prince Jammy and mixing engineers with credits on projects for Shaggy and Buju Banton. Songs frequently explore themes found across dancehall history—romantic narratives, social commentary, and braggadocio—positioning him alongside contemporaries like Sean Paul, Shenseea, and Spice in festival bills and chart listings.
Alkaline's discography includes multiple studio albums, mixtapes, and charting singles released through labels such as King Jammy and independent imprints. Notable releases comprise albums and projects that impacted Caribbean charts and playlists curated by outlets like Billboard, BBC Radio 1Xtra, and regional platforms including The Gleaner and Jamaica Observer. Singles achieved traction across streaming platforms used by audiences in United Kingdom, United States, and the Caribbean diaspora in New York City. He has been featured on collaborations with artists in reggae and hip hop scenes, joining performers who have appeared on compilations produced by labels associated with VP Records and international promoters affiliated with SXSW and Reggae Sumfest.
Alkaline's career has been accompanied by public controversies and legal matters that attracted coverage in media outlets such as The Gleaner and Jamaica Observer. He has faced disputes over stage persona and lyrical content debated within forums tied to Caribbean Broadcasting Union standards and social commentators. Legal proceedings and arrests reported in Jamaican courts involved matters that intersected with criminal justice institutions in Kingston, Jamaica; some cases received international attention through outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian. These incidents provoked responses from fellow artists and organizations within events like Reggae Sumfest and discussions about artistic expression in Caribbean music.
Alkaline has received nominations and awards from regional institutions including ceremonies organized by Iriefm-affiliated events and honors presented at Jamaican award shows akin to The Jamaica Music Awards. His chart performance on platforms tracked by Billboard and inclusion in festival lineups such as Reggae Sumfest and international showcases like Notting Hill Carnival have been cited as markers of recognition. Industry commentators from outlets like The Observer (Jamaica) and broadcasters at BBC Radio 1Xtra have profiled his impact on contemporary dancehall.
Alkaline's public image is characterized by a carefully curated persona, distinctive visual aesthetics, and fashion choices referencing designers and trends visible at events in Kingston, Jamaica, London, and Miami. He maintains a presence on social media platforms including Instagram (service), Twitter, and YouTube, where performances, interviews, and music videos generate engagement from fans across the Caribbean diaspora in cities like Toronto and New York City. His personal life has been subject to media scrutiny in publications such as The Gleaner, with commentary from peers including Vybz Kartel and Mavado shaping public perception.
Category:Jamaican singers Category:Dancehall musicians Category:Living people Category:1993 births