This Reggae Group's New Single Is An Ode To Their San Pedro Roots: 'Through Thick And Thin'

SAN PEDRO, CA — When Konker Spliff was 21, he was wounded by a stray bullet during a drive-by shooting.

That moment turned into one of the most difficult moments of his life, Spliff told Patch. But the San Pedro community he grew up in rallied around him, turning that struggle into motivation to live and thrive, Spliff said.

"Growing up in San Pedro means EVERYTHING to us," Spliff told Patch in an email. "It’s home to our family, friends, culture, and history. It has shaped who we are today, for better and for worse."

Through those highs and lows, Spliff, along with his two brothers, turned to music to express their reality.

On Friday, the brothers' band, Spliff Vision, will be releasing their new single, "San Pedro." The new single was described by the band as a "love letter" 10 years in the making to the city that has shaped the group's music and raised them.

"San Pedro is not only our place of residence; it is a teacher," Spliff Vision said. "It has taught us about love, loyalty, and coming together to overcome hardships. "Spliff Vision is there for San Pedro, like San Pedro has always been there for us, through thick and thin."

Spliff Vision was formed in 2007 after Konker Spliff and his brothers received their first set of instruments — a drum, guitar and bass — from their elders, they said. Eventually, more family members joined the group, adding keyboards, percussion and lead guitar to the ensemble.

The group is particularly inspired by Roots Reggae and Soul Oldies. They write music about everyday life and the environment they grew up.

The brothers grew up in "The Lows" of San Pedro, where they say they had to adapt to the environment around them to survive.

Those experiences that shaped them also helped them form their own style, which they call "Reality Roots." Unlike most modern Reggage, which only sings about the "good vibes," Spliff Vision says they sing about the "good, the bad and the ugly" experiences of life.

"The joy that the music brings to us individually is medicine, and it helps to heal our community and those around us," Spliff Vision said. "Life is rough in the ghetto, but music can uplift the spirit and help people rise above their surroundings."

The band has since become a staple in the San Pedro music scene due to their sound and "powerful" live shows. Today, their Spliff Vision Flag stickers can be seen everywhere from local venues to ski lifts across California, according to the band.

They've also been openers for other reggae legends such as Don Carlos, Steel Pulse and The Wailers, the band said.

On Friday, Spliff Vision will be celebrating the release of its new "San Pedro" single and music video with a show at DiPiazza's in Long Beach. Other bands, such as Del Sol and Blind Man Drew, will also be at the event.

"We are excited to play anywhere we can to get our message and music out to the ears and minds of the people who need it most," Spiff Vision said. "Our music is for everybody, but especially for those dealing with hard lives. That’s reality!"

The video can be found on the band's YouTube channel on Aug. 1.