That vision is now a reality, with today's release of the genre-bending, mind-blowing Mind Control. And as Stephen revealed in an exclusive interview with BobMarley.com's Jen Gurny, he's stepping out from behind the studio control room and in front of the microphone at the right time.
When asked what people can expect from Mind Control, Stephen echoed the sentiment of his famous father. "Positive music," he said with a smile. "Jah, light, hope, you know, good stuff like that."
The album, which has already been lauded in early reviews from such industry stalwarts as Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone, Spin, Time Out New York, Interview and Performing Songwriter, mixes influences that Stephen soaked up during childhood while observing his legendary father with those he developed as producer for his Grammy-winning brother, "Jr. Gong," among others.
There's a little bit of everything on Mind Control, including straight-up reggae that recalls classic Bob tunes ("Chase Dem"), funky, hip-hop influenced and soul-infused love songs ("Hey Baby," with Mos Def), and a heaping helping of politically and socially oriented song craft (the title track plus the real-life story-telling trilogy of "Officer Jimmy Interlude," "The Traffic Jam" and "Iron Bars.")
Stephen said he didn't set out to make the album a mishmash of all the sounds and ideas that flood his creative mind. It just worked out that way.
"The music we hear is the music that influences us in some way or another," Stephen said. "We didn't make an effort at having it sound that way. We're just making music, and that's how it comes out."
Stephen, who has won five Grammys, more than anyone in his prolific family, said he has always been a big fan of hip-hop music, although he can't necessarily remember the first time he heard it.
"There was always an interest," he said. "You know, beat and rhyming. In Jamaica, the deejays do it similarly. They sit at the mic and 'toast.' So that's what really attracted me first -- the toasting."
As for his prowess as a multi-instrumentalist, which he displays in grand fashion on Mind Control, Stephen said it started with guitar early in his life and branched off from there. Being around his dad and the Wailers taught him the reggae style and overall message of tolerance, he said, while observing their talent and dedication in the studio and at concerts helped shape his own musical sensibilities.
Now it's Stephen's turn to shine as a solo artist, and he's making the most of it by getting ready for a North American tour with Jr. Gong at his side, spreading the word to everyone about Mind Control. For fans of all Marley family members, it's simply about time.
"I'm a natural," Stephen said. "We're doing what we love and we're doing what comes natural to us at the same time. It's in our blood."
During the course of Stephen Marley's well-decorated music career, he always had the idea for a solo album in the back of his mind.