Kranium

A Jamaican dancehall vocalist rooted in New York and recognized for rapid-fire, inventive lyricism, Kranium achieved an early breakthrough via the independent 2013 release “Nobody Has to Know,” which secured him a place on Atlantic Records. After issuing his debut full-length, Rumors, in 2015, he sustained momentum through a steady flow of singles and joint projects that generated substantial streaming figures and took him on worldwide tours. His follow-up album, Midnight Sparks, appeared near the close of 2019; it was succeeded in 2021 by the Toxic EP and prominent tracks such as the 2022 solo cut “Wi Deh Yah.”

Born Kemar Donaldson in Montego Bay, Jamaica, he absorbed reggae traditions during his teenage years once a relocation to Miami placed him near his uncle and guiding figure, dancehall singer Screw Driver. He subsequently relocated to New York and, in a geographic twist, established himself in Jamaica, Queens, where he spent years sharpening his craft across local venues. The 2013 standalone single “Nobody Has to Know” first drew widespread attention and lured major-label interest; Atlantic made initial contact that year and renewed discussions in 2014. By 2015 Kranium had joined Sean Paul and Wayne Wonder among the small roster of reggae acts signed to a major, prompting Atlantic to reissue the earlier hit. Around the same time he entered the studio with producer Ricky Blaze—frequent Gyptian associate—to appear on the track “Overrated.” Later in 2015 his first album, Rumors, arrived, spawning singles including “Stamina,” “Can’t Give A…,” and a Ty Dolla $ign and KickRaux remix of the breakthrough song. The 2016 collaboration “We Can” featuring Tory Lanez became another success, as did 2017’s “Can’t Believe,” which paired Dolla $ign with WizKid. While extending his global touring calendar, Kranium maintained a consistent output of solo material, guest spots, and features that culminated in the late-2019 arrival of Midnight Sparks. Without interruption he resumed releasing in early 2020, linking with Moyann for “I Got You” and unveiling standalone tracks such as “Gal Policy” and “Through the Window,” both of which landed on the 2021 EP Toxic. Throughout the following year he remained prominent via heavily streamed offerings like “Life of the Party” with Young T and Bugsey, “Without You” alongside Queen Naija, and solo numbers including “Wi Deh Yah” and “Section.”