Kranium

Kemar Donaldson, professionally known as Kranium, is an internationally acclaimed Jamaican dancehall artist celebrated for his signature fusion of dancehall, reggae, and R&B. Born and raised in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Kranium grew up immersed in the island’s rich musical culture and comes from a musical lineage, with legendary dancehall artist Screwdriver being his uncle. His early exposure to music helped shape the melodic style that would later earn him global recognition and the nickname “The Melody Gad.”

At the age of twelve, Kranium relocated to Queens, New York, where he continued pursuing his passion for music while developing a sound that seamlessly blended the rhythmic energy of dancehall with the smooth melodies of contemporary R&B. His distinctive approach has established him as one of the most influential and innovative voices in modern dancehall, bridging Caribbean music with mainstream global audiences.

Kranium first captured international attention in 2013 with his breakout single “Nobody Has to Know.” The song became a worldwide phenomenon, making him the first New York-based dancehall artist since Shaggy to achieve major international commercial success. More than a decade later, the record continues to resonate globally, earning gold certifications in both the United States and New Zealand, Platinum and Gold certifications in Canada, and gold and silver certifications in the United Kingdom.

Building on that momentum, Kranium continued delivering chart-topping records that further cemented his international profile. His hit collaboration “We Can” featuring Tory Lanez earned gold certification in the United States, Platinum and Gold certifications in Canada, and silver certification in the United Kingdom. His fan-favorite collaboration “Can’t Believe” featuring Ty Dolla $ign and Wizkid received gold certification in Canada, while “Gal Policy” earned silver certification in the United Kingdom.

Across his catalog, Kranium has amassed an impressive collection of seven gold certifications, three silver certifications, and two Platinum certifications across four major music markets—the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. His music has also surpassed one billion global streams, underscoring his lasting impact as one of dancehall’s most successful international artists.

In 2019, Kranium released his critically acclaimed debut studio album, Midnight Sparks, featuring collaborations with Burna Boy, Davido, Ty Dolla $ign, AJ Tracey, PJ, and several other internationally recognized artists. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with an impressive roster of global stars including Ed Sheeran, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Bebe Rexha, Lil’ Kim, Tory Lanez, Ty Dolla $ign, Davido, AJ Tracey, and more. His artistry has been recognized by leading publications including Billboard, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Complex, and numerous international media outlets.

Continuing to evolve creatively, Kranium recently released his latest EP, A Slight Delay, showcasing a more mature and introspective side of his artistry while maintaining the infectious melodies that have become his trademark. The project is led by the standout single “Daily Bread,” a reflective anthem centered on ambition, perseverance, faith, and purpose. Simultaneously, Kranium generated significant buzz with “Girl Trip,” his standout contribution to Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor’s acclaimed Hill & Gully Riddim. The witty, infectious dancehall anthem once again demonstrated his exceptional songwriting, melodic instincts, and ability to remain at the forefront of an ever-evolving genre.

With more than one billion streams worldwide, multiple Platinum, Gold, and silver certifications spanning four international markets, an unmistakable melodic style, and a career defined by both commercial success and artistic innovation, Kranium continues to stand among the leading global ambassadors of contemporary dancehall, proudly representing Jamaican culture while influencing audiences around the world.