There’s a special kind of magic that happens when deep respect for tradition meets bold, modern vision. Double Tiger, the musical moniker of Jay Spaker, stands firmly in that intersection. Known for his dynamic vocals, explosive live shows, and meticulous production, Double Tiger is a torchbearer of roots reggae and dub culture, bringing it to new audiences with a fresh voice and global perspective.

Now, after a four-year hiatus, Double Tiger returns with “Yearning”—a powerful new single that marks his first release since 2020’s acclaimed album The Journey. Released on July 25 through Easy Star Records, “Yearning” is more than just a song—it’s a tribute, a collaboration across generations, and a love letter to the foundation of reggae itself.

What makes “Yearning” instantly iconic is the riddim at its core, crafted by none other than the legendary duo Sly & Robbie. Recorded in Kingston, Jamaica and mixed in Boston, the track features lush horn arrangements by Lee Hamilton (John Brown’s Body, Double Tiger) and an accompanying dub version mixed by Craig Welsch aka Dub Fader of 10 Ft. Ganja Plant. The result is a track that moves with timeless rhythm and heartfelt authenticity.

“Being that it is such an honor to sing on Sly & Robbie riddims, I was initially a bit intimidated, honestly,” Spaker shares. “But as I stepped into the booth that first night, a feeling came through that was effortless and full of vibes.” That first take would become the foundation of “Yearning,” capturing the energy and spirit of two reggae giants—Sly Dunbar and the late Robbie Shakespeare—while layering in Spaker’s own soulful urgency. “Rest in Power to the mighty Robbie Shakespeare,” he adds.

Double Tiger’s return is anything but ordinary. Having spent the last decade earning his stripes as a key member of the progressive reggae collective John Brown’s Body, Spaker’s solo career has also flourished. His debut Sharp & Ready debuted at #3 on the iTunes Reggae Chart and #5 on Billboard’s Reggae Albums Chart. His 2020 follow-up, The Journey, climbed even higher, peaking at #2 on iTunes and #4 on Billboard, while earning Grammy consideration and placements in pop culture, including the Hulu series High Fidelity.

Live, Double Tiger is a force—whether performing solo with a sound system or backed by a full band. His style fuses early dancehall energy with UK dub textures and modern soul vocals. His performances blend singjay flair, melodic hooks, and rapid-fire lyricism into sets that are as meditative as they are electric. Each show is a celebration of rhythm, message, and unity.

More than just a performer, Spaker has dedicated his career to preserving and expanding reggae’s global legacy. He’s toured alongside acts like Rebelution, Chronixx, Slightly Stoopid, Morgan Heritage, Stick Figure, and Dirty Heads. He’s also the co-founder of Brooklyn’s Dub-Stuy Records and a collaborator with legendary voices like Luciano, Johnny Osbourne, Lutan Fyah, Omar Perry, Scientist, Rankin Joe, Brother Culture, and of course, Sly & Robbie.

With “Yearning”, Double Tiger reaffirms his place at the forefront of American reggae—not just as a singer, but as a cultural curator, teacher, and innovator. The single is available now on all platforms, accompanied by a visually stunning video premiere on Reggaeville that captures the mood and message of the song in cinematic form.

As Double Tiger hits the road this summer and fall with a string of East Coast dates, fans can expect a return to form—and a new chapter. Whether it’s on stage in a small club or through headphones on a solo walk, Double Tiger invites listeners into a space that is both deeply spiritual and irresistibly rhythmic.

At NEWHD LA, we’re proud to feature Double Tiger as part of our ongoing commitment to showcasing artists who fuse musical excellence with meaningful expression. Tune in to NEWHD LA to hear “Yearning” and more from the next wave of reggae, hip hop, and rock innovators.