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Biography
Alkaline, born Earlan Bartley on December 19, 1993, in Kingston, Jamaica, is a Jamaican dancehall and reggae singer, songwriter, and record producer. He developed an interest in music while attending Ardenne High School and later studied Media and Communication at the University of the West Indies. Beginning his recording career as a teenager, he adopted the stage name Alkaline and became known for his distinctive style, innovative sound, and strong presence within Jamaican dancehall.
Alkaline began gaining recognition in the early 2010s through singles such as "123," "High Suh," "Bruk Out," and "Move Mountains." His popularity expanded beyond Jamaica through performances across the Caribbean, North America, and Europe. His major breakthrough came with his 2016 debut album, New Level Unlocked, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart and remained there for 18 weeks. The album helped establish him as one of the leading young figures in contemporary dancehall.
Alkaline continued building his international career through his New Rules Festival, collaborations, and subsequent releases. His second studio album, Top Prize, was released in 2021 and reached No. 2 on Billboard's Reggae Albums chart. His music also gained international exposure through appearances and collaborations, including a feature in Givenchy's 2023 men's campaign. His 2022 EP, The Ripple EFFX, won EP of the Year at the Caribbean Music Awards in 2023.
In 2025 and 2026, Alkaline expanded the New Rules Festival internationally, bringing it to venues in London, Toronto, and Brooklyn. In March 2026, he headlined his first U.S. solo arena show at Brooklyn's Barclays Center, becoming the youngest dancehall artist to sell out an arena at age 32. Shortly afterward, he released his third studio album, NPT, which reached No. 10 on Billboard's Reggae Albums chart. Alongside his music career, Alkaline has supported charitable initiatives in Jamaica, including donations to cancer patients, children's organizations, the Jamaica Society for the Blind, and hurricane-relief efforts.
Discography
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