“Bam” by Jay-Z featuring Damian Marley is now certified Gold in the US, having sold 500,000 units. The certification was awarded on December 4, 2023, coinciding with Jay-Z’s 54th birthday. The song was one of the 19 new Gold and Platinum certifications for singles bestowed upon the billionaire rapper by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on Monday. This is Damian’s third Gold certification in the US and second for a single.
In a conversation with WMV four years ago, Damian expressed his honor at working with Jay-Z for the first time, especially after the two had entered into business dealings when Jay offered Marley shares in Tidal.
“I met him a few times before doing any music with him. Of course, I was honored to be considered part of his music. Jay-Z is definitely one of the legends when it comes to modern music,” he remarked.
Regarding the impact of “Bam” on his career, Damian noted at the time that it was just another addition to his list of successful collaborations.
“I can’t say that ‘Bam’ did this or that. I have made other great collaborations over the years. I think every ‘mickle makes a muckle,’ so consistently releasing good music is what does it, and not any one thing,” Damian stated.
The song, released on September 26, 2017, also features a sample of Sister Nancy’s “Bam Bam” and stands out as one of Damian’s most successful features. It is the second song that samples Nancy’s toasting from her 1982 song to be certified Gold after Kanye West’s 2016 single “Famous” from his album “Life Of Pablo” is certified 2x Platinum.
With over 80 samples under its belt, Nancy told NME that the renewed interest in her song was beneficial to her. “When I heard (Kanye) do it, I just thought, well, that’s good for me.” As for JAY-Z, “It’s a blessing,” she added.
“Bam Bam” samples Toots And The Maytals winning 1966 Festival song and was the final track to be added to Sister Nancy’s debut album “One, Two.” The Jamaican deejay reminisced about the creation of the song to NME, stating, “It’s been 36 years, and ‘Bam Bam’ is still there. It’s not going anywhere.”
Nancy clarified that she does not own the rights to the song, and when someone wants to sample it, it is not imperative to contact her, although Jay-Z did. The song was recorded by Winston Riley and released on his Techniques label. U.K. publishing company Westury Music controls the song and Nancy gets publishing after fighting to get royalties for 34 years.
Reportedly, Jay-Z sent his jet for Damian, who was touring in Africa for his Grammy-winning album “Stony Hill,” to shoot the video in Jamaica. Afterward, Damian was flown back to Africa to continue his tour. The music video also features Nancy, as the three spent time in Jamaica at Tuff Gong studios and the streets of West Kingston capturing inner city life which served as the backdrop for the video. “I spent three days down there with him,” Nancy said, adding that she was not star-struck by the 24-time Grammy winner. “It was nice, but a man is just a man. JAY-Z is just a man, the same as you. He’s no different.”
Jay-Z heaped praises on Nancy with questions about how it feels to create something so timeless as “Bam.”
