INTERVIEW: Skip Marley On Why 'Lions' Actually Isn't A Political Record | Behind The Song

It's not easy to be born into a legacy that remains not just intact, but strong and revered simply by last name. It's even harder not to succumb to that pressure. However, Skip Marley, the grandson to legendary reggae titan Bob Marley and son of Cedella Marley, has absolutely no hesitations, or so he says.

With the release of "Chained to the Rhythm," his smash collaboration with Katy Perry, which they performed at the 59th Grammy Awards in February and our 2017 iHeartRadio Music Awards last month, Skip has officially jumpstarted his career. Now, the 20-year-old, born in Kingston, Jamaica, has a focused goal that surpasses the expectations of a guest on a pop star's comeback record. He doesn't just want to make a name for himself. He wants to create a movement that unites and challenges the status quo, and it all kicks off with the release of "Lions," his debut single via Island Records.

Earlier this week, the budding star took to iHeartRadio HQ in New York City to discuss the new release, working with Max Martin's camp and spoke specifically about why his song isn't laced with as much of a political agenda as you might think. Take a look at our latest installment of "Behind the Song" with Skip Marley below!

Song Details

Artist: Skip Marley

Title: "Lions"

Album: TBA

Producer: Ilya Salmanzadeh

Writers: Skip Marley, Ilya Salmanzadeh, James Alan Ghaleb

Release Date: February 3, 2017

Political Interpretation Behind "Lions"

"It didn't stem from [the election], but it just happened to fall around that time. The song can be used in that way. It can [be used like that] because it's up to people and their interpretation of a song. You can say it, but it's not really a political song. I don't want it to be viewed as a political song because it's not really that kind of song. But I'm happy that people take it as strength in these times. It's for the people in the United States to reassure that there's a feeling inside that were lions."

Creating The Melody

"I started playing the riff on the guitar. You know, [I] just started with a melody. It was the verse melody. Savan [Kotecha] heard it and he was like, 'What's that?' Ilya heard it. Max heard it, and then we just went from there.

What It's like Working With Max Martin

"Max is great. He's a great guy, first and foremost. But he's such a legend in that sense [that he's] behind your music, and wants you to do this, you know? I kept going in there asking for anything I could show him. He's never like 'This is wrong' or 'This is right.' But he'll always put his input, so I thank him for that."

Skip Marley's "Lions" is available for download on iTunes.

Photo: Katherine Tyler for iHeartRadio