By Tanola Jackson, STAR Writer

Sample King - Contributed

Marlon Hull otherwise known as Sample King is no stranger to the music industry. His love for music began at a young age while performing at neighbourhood concerts and talent shows. He later left Jamaica and moved to Canada in 1989 with dreams of pursuing a career in music.

"I started singing in my neighbourhood (Cassia Park), the crowd response was good, so I kept doing talent shows." King said.

Sample King is a creative and talented artiste, who shows hopes of making it big in the business. He has performed across Canada, US and Jamaica, and on shows like the 2005 Montreal Reggae Festival, the 2004 Toronto Reggae Festival and has toured with Sizzla on his 'Real Thing' tour last year. King has also performed with many renowned artistes such as Beenie Man, Vybz Kartel, Fantan Mojah, Lexxus and Baby Cham.

Sample King not only does music but he is a member of the (ACRA) Association of Canadian Radio and Television Artistes, and has appeared in films such as Get Rich Or Die Tryin' and 16 Blocks featuring Bruce Willis.

"I do not see myself as merely a dancehall artiste, as I have no intentions on limiting myself." King said.

Over the years, Sample King has received much support from Dancehall promoters and DJs such as Military, King Turbo, Stone Love, Cash Money, Kilamanjaro and David Rodigan. His most recent achievements include the 2005 Artiste of the Year, awarded by Military (Allan Ladd), Best Dub-Plate Artiste, awarded by Fifth Element and The Stage Show Recognition, awarded by Voices.

Sample King is currently in the studio working on his debut album, which features artistes like Beenie Man, Pinchers and Mavada. His current songs Bird Flu and Not A Gangster have been getting heavy rotation on radio stations. The public can look out for great things from this young upcoming artiste.