Mark Morrison

{{Infobox musical artist

| background = person

| name = Mark Morrison

| image =

| birth_name = Mark Anthony Joseph Morrison

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1974|5|3|df=y}}

| birth_place = Hanover, West Germany

| origin = Leicester, England

| genre = R&B

| occupation = Singer

| instrument = Vocals

| years_active = 1993–present

| label = {{hlist|WEA|Death Row|Mack Life}}

| website = {{URL|markmorrison.com}}

}}

Mark Anthony Joseph Morrison (born 3 May 1974){{cite web|url=https://repertoire.bmi.com/Search/Search?SearchForm.View_Count=&SearchForm.Main_Search=Title&SearchForm.Main_Search_Text=return+of+the+mack&SearchForm.Sub_Search=Writer%2FComposer&SearchForm.Sub_Search_Text=morrison&SearchForm.Search_Type=all|title=Songview|publisher=BMI|access-date=8 February 2025}} is a British singer, best known for his 1996 platinum hit song "Return of the Mack", which was immediately met with success upon its release in several European countries. In the following year, the song peaked at No. 2 in the United States.

Personal life

Morrison was born in Hanover, West Germany, in 1974.{{cite book|last=Whitburn|first=Joel|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1Bvm2rnwUDIC&pg=PA455&dq=%22morrison+mark%22+singer+hanover&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiW3Lan4rWLAxVpHjQIHQYwJoQQ6AF6BAgMEAM#v=onepage&q=%22morrison%20mark%22%20singer%20hanover&f=|title=The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits: Complete Chart Information about America's Most Popular Songs and Artists, 1955-2009|year=|page=455|edition=9th|isbn=9780307985125|place=New York|publisher=Billboard Books|via=Google Books}} Morrison later lived in Leicester, England, until moving to the US city of West Palm Beach, Florida, at age 11.{{cite web|last=Myrie|first=Russell|url=https://www.the-independent.com/news/people/profiles/mark-morrison-return-of-the-mack-6101257.html|title=Mark Morrison: Return of the Mack|work=The Independent|date=10 May 2006|access-date=8 February 2025|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20100206125436/http://www.independent.co.uk:80/news/people/profiles/mark-morrison-return-of-the-mack-477747.html|archive-date=6 February 2010|url-status=dead}} After graduating from Palm Beach Lakes High School in 1990, Morrison returned to Leicester.

He is of Barbadian descent.{{Cite web |date=2021-03-29 |title=Mark Morrison |url=https://primarywave.com/writer/mark-morrison/ |access-date=2025-02-01 |website=Primary Wave Music |language=en-US}}

In October 2020, Morrison publicly stated that he would consider challenging Peter Soulsby to become the next Mayor of Leicester.{{cite news|url=https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/mark-morrison-seriously-considering-challenging-4615337|title=Mark Morrison 'seriously considering' challenging Peter Soulsby to become next mayor of Leicester|work=Leicester Mercury}} His bid ended in September 2022.{{Cite news |date=2022-09-06 |title=Singer Mark Morrison quits bid to be next Leicester city mayor |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leicestershire-62796511 |access-date=2022-09-06}}

In October 2022, Morrison bought a house in Florida, paying $2 million in cash.{{Cite news|url=https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/celebs-tv/mark-morrison-pays-cash-2-7704731|title=Mark Morrison pays in cash for $2 million Florida house|work=Leicester Mercury|date=12 October 2022}} He bought a second home in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida in December 2023.{{cite web | url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C1Agsj0qku_/?hl=en&img_index=1 | title=Instagram }}

Career

Morrison's first official recording was the 1993 vinyl release "Where Is Our Love", pressed on his own private Joe'Mel label.

In mid-1995, Morrison released his debut single, "Crazy", which became a Top 20 hit in the UK and was a club favourite. The follow-up single, "Let's Get Down", also entered the Top 40. They were followed in the spring of 1996 by "Return of the Mack", which became a smash international hit, spending two weeks at the top of the UK Singles Chart.

His debut album, also titled Return of the Mack, followed and became a multi-platinum success. It reached number four in the UK chart and sold 3 million albums worldwide. It spun off several more hit singles over the next year: "Crazy", "Trippin'", "Horny" and "Moan & Groan" would all reach the UK Top 10, making him the first artist in British pop history to have five Top 10 hits from a debut album.

Although his career was going well, Morrison was constantly in trouble with the police. In 1997, he was imprisoned. The same year he received numerous nominations: four Brit Award nominations, a Mercury Prize nomination, an MTV Europe Music Award nomination, and five MOBO Award nominations. "Return of the Mack" began to climb its way to No. 2 on the American Billboard charts, receiving platinum status. It stayed on the Billboard charts for a lengthy 40 weeks. Morrison had one further minor US hit, 1997's "Moan & Groan," which went to number 76.

Morrison performed at the 1997 Brit Awards. The performance influenced WEA and Morrison to release Only God Can Judge Me, a nine-track EP which contains live performances, interviews, prayers and three full-length songs, including "Who's the Mack!", which reached No. 13 in the UK.

Morrison appeared on the 1999 Brit Awards where he presented an award, introduced Whitney Houston and announced his return to music. In September 1999, a single titled "Best Friend" (featuring Conner Reeves and Gabrielle) became Morrison's ninth Top 40 hit single, reaching No. 23 on the UK Singles Chart.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/Best%20Friend|title=Official Charts Company – Mark Morrison And Connor Reeves – Best Friend|website=Official Charts |date=23 October 2012}} The following year, it was announced by Billboard that Morrison had signed a five-year worldwide deal with Death Row Records founder Suge Knight, making him the first, and only, European (British) artist to be signed with Death Row Records, in a deal which saw Death Row Records UK operating as an independent record label in conjunction with the Ritz Music Group{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/78134/death-row-heads-to-uk |title=Death Row Heads To U.K. |magazine=Billboard |access-date=10 March 2017}} (a company known for its success with Irish country music artists such as Daniel O'Donnell).{{Cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/17215/daniel-odonnell/|title=Daniel O'Donnell | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company|website=Official Charts }}

He later signed to soccer player Kevin Campbell's 2 Wikid label in 2003. His only release for the label, a single entitled "Just a Man"/"Backstabbers", was a minor UK hit, reaching No. 48 in the UK Singles Chart in August 2004.{{cite web | title=love you too much – full Official Chart History | publisher=Official Charts Company | url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/Love%20You%20Too%20Much | access-date=13 September 2019}}

In May 2006, Morrison released the limited-edition CD/DVD album entitled Innocent Man in the United Kingdom on his private label, Mack Life Records. The title track, "Innocent Man" (featuring DMX) was released in March 2006. It was well received and reached No. 46 on the UK Singles Chart. In 2007, he was featured on hip-hop artist Cassidy's single titled "Innocent Man (Misunderstood)" from the album B.A.R.S. The Barry Adrian Reese Story. The track sampled Morrison's vocals from "Innocent Man" and charted on Billboard{{'s}} Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart.

On 29 January 2007, he released the single titled "Dance 4 Me" (featuring Tanya Stephens). It was the fourth single to be released from his album Innocent Man. The official music video was directed by Ray Kay."[https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/legacy/chartblog/2007/01/monday_shopping_list_150107.shtml Sunday Shopping List – 14/01/07]", BBC, 14 January 2007. Retrieved 14 January 2007

In 2012, Morrison appeared as a guest feature on Houston rapper Trae tha Truth's "I'm On 2.0" which featured notable rappers Big K.R.I.T., Jadakiss, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, B.o.B, Tyga, Gudda Gudda and Bun B. A music video for "I'm On 2.0" starring Morrison and all artists featured was released on 3 June.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/videos/trae-tha-truth/787135/im-on-20-intro.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203151523/http://www.mtv.com/videos/trae-tha-truth/787135/im-on-20-intro.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 December 2013 |title=Original TV Shows, Reality TV Shows |publisher=MTV |date=30 September 2016 |access-date=10 March 2017}} Also in June 2012, he announced the release of a new single titled "Ain't No Good". The single was set to be released 29 July 2013 and paid homage to the charity Refuge. The single was unsuccessful, and shelved before release. It would ultimately remain unreleased."[http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/mark-morrison-to-release-new-single-and-album-embark-on-first-worldwide-tour/049114 Mark Morrison to release new single and album, embark on first worldwide tour]", Music Week, 6 June 2012. Retrieved 6 June 2012

In June 2013, Morrison released the music video to "I Am What I Am" shot by DIS Guise of Visionnaire Pictures, with the release date set for the single on iTunes of 1 September 2013.{{cite AV media | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obQ1j_yLdTw | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619231553/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obQ1j_yLdTw&gl=US&hl=en| archive-date=2013-06-19 | url-status=dead| title=Mark Morrison – I Am What I Am | via=YouTube}}{{cite web | url=https://itunes.apple.com/ag/album/i-am-what-i-am-remixes-ep/id66743516 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110212214/https://itunes.apple.com/ag/album/i-am-what-i-am-remixes-ep/id66743516 | url-status=dead | archive-date=10 November 2013 | title=I Am What I Am (Remixes) – EP | publisher=iTunes Store}}

On 20 October 2013, he released a single titled "N.A.N.G. 2.0" featuring Crooked I and Shonie."[http://www.mryoung.net/122556.orz Mark Morrison – N.A.N.G. 2.0 (feat. Crooked I & Shonie) – Single (2013) [iTunes]]", Mryoung.net, 24 November 2013. Retrieved 24 November 2013

On 7 July 2014, Morrison released an EP titled I Am What I Am. The EP included the singles "I Am What I Am" and "N.A.N.G. 2.0", with five additional new songs.

In September 2016, American DJ Nevada remixed "Return of the Mack" for its 20th anniversary, retitling it "The Mack".{{Cite web|title=Spotify – Nevada|url=https://open.spotify.com/artist/15NtJjjHRFybdNSMyM9smT|access-date=13 October 2023|website=open.spotify.com}}{{Cite web|last=Songfacts|title=The Mack by Nevada - Songfacts|url=https://www.songfacts.com/facts/nevada/the-mack|access-date=13 October 2023|website=www.songfacts.com}}{{Cite web|last=Média|first=Bell|title=INTERVIEW: Nevada Says Fetty Wap Added 'A Fresh Twist' To 'The Mack'|url=https://www.iheartradio.ca/news/interview-nevada-says-fetty-wap-added-a-fresh-twist-to-the-mack-1.2191860|access-date=13 October 2023|website=www.iheartradio.ca}}{{cite web |title=Nevada – The Mack |url=http://www.edmsauce.com/2016/09/25/nevada-the-mack/ |website=EDM Sauce |access-date=13 October 2023 |date=25 September 2016}} Nevada's version features the re-recorded vocals of Morrison, and additional vocals from American rapper Fetty Wap.{{cite web |title=Mark Morrison and Fetty Wap team up for Return of the Mack 20th anniversary revamp |url=http://www.tv3.ie/xpose/article/entertainment-news/218565/Mark-Morrison-and-Fetty-Wap-team-up-for-Return-of-the-Mack-20th-anniversary-revamp |website=Xposé Entertainment |publisher=TV3 Group |access-date=13 October 2023 |date=29 September 2016}}

In May 2017, a series of Burger King commercials for Mac and Cheetos featured a remix of Morrison's classic, entitled "Return of the Mac and Cheetos".

In July 2020, McDonald's featured "Return of the Mack" in a UK television commercial, as part of a post-COVID-19 lockdown promotional campaign to mark the resumption of services and the gradual reopening of restaurants.

In 2021, Morrison was featured alongside Chris Brown on G-Eazy's single "Provide", as the song samples "Return of the Mack".{{Cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart-update/|title=Official Singles Chart Update | Official Charts|website=www.officialcharts.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://grmdaily.com/g-eazy-chris-brown-mark-morrison-provide/|title=G-Eazy & Chris Brown Sample Mark Morrison's Classic "Return Of The Mack" On "Provide"|first=Hayley|last=Habbouchi|date=5 February 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2021-02-05/60393/g-eazy-and-chris-brown-reimagine-a-mark-morrison-classic-with-provide|title=G-Eazy and Chris Brown reimagine a Mark Morrison classic with “Provide”|first=Jon|last=Powell|website=REVOLT}}

In October 2022, Morrison, Post Malone and Sickick released a mashup of "Cooped Up" and "Return of the Mack". The song went viral on social media, then was made available for retail purchase.{{cite web | url=https://hypebeast.com/2022/10/post-malone-mark-morrison-sickick-cooped-up-return-of-the-mack-stream | title=Post Malone, Mark Morrison and Sickick Officially Drop "Cooped up / Return of the Mack" | date=21 October 2022 }}

Legal issues

Morrison has faced various criminal charges during his career, including a 1997 conviction for attempting to bring a firearm aboard an airliner, for which he served three months in jail just as his hit song "Return of the Mack" began rising up the US Billboard charts.{{cite web |last=Erlewine |first=Stephen |title=Mark Morrison Biography |publisher=AllMusic |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/mark-morrison-mn0000833539/biography |access-date=13 March 2023 }} In 1998, he failed to appear in court on charges of possessing an offensive weapon, choosing to instead fly to Barbados. He was arrested and remanded into custody upon his return to the United Kingdom."{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1432336/19980318/morrison_mark.jhtml |title=Mark Morrison Back In Custody After Jumping Bail |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130129042455/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1432336/19980318/morrison_mark.jhtml |publisher=MTV |date=18 March 1998 |access-date=31 May 2010 |archive-date=29 January 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |url=http://www.nme.com/news/mark-morrison/118 |title=Slammertime! Mark Morrison in Wormwood Scrubs |publisher=NME |date=23 February 1998 |access-date=31 May 2010 }} He was later cleared of the offensive weapon charge.{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1432334/19980327/morrison_mark.jhtml |title=Mark Morrison Not Guilty of Offensive Weapon Charge |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130129064720/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1432334/19980327/morrison_mark.jhtml |publisher=MTV |url-status=dead |date=27 March 1998 |access-date=31 May 2010 |archive-date=29 January 2013 }}

He was convicted of affray for his part in a brawl resulting in one fatality and sentenced to community service.{{cite news |last=Lister |first=David |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/in-the-news-mark-morrison--pop-star-takes-the-ultimate-rap-for-a-life-of-living-dangerously-1152244.html |title=Mark Morrison – Pop star takes the ultimate rap for a life of living dangerously |work=The Independent |date=25 March 1998 |access-date=31 May 2010 }} Morrison later was incarcerated in Wormwood Scrubs for a year for paying a lookalike (Gabriel Maferika) to perform his court-appointed community service in his stead, while Morrison himself went on tour.{{Cite news |last=Heawood |first=Sophie |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/mar/08/popandrock |title='I'm the most real black artist in England' |work=The Guardian |date=8 March 2006 |access-date=31 May 2010 }} While in prison, Morrison reportedly converted to Islam and attempted to change his name to Abdul Rahman."{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1432333/19981028/morrison_mark.jhtml |title=Mark Morrison Changing Name |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130129162835/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1432333/19981028/morrison_mark.jhtml |publisher=MTV |url-status=dead |date=28 October 1998 |access-date=31 May 2010 |archive-date=29 January 2013 }} Also in 1998, Morrison was banned from driving for six months and fined £1,380 after twice being caught driving without a licence.{{cite news |url=http://www.nme.com/news/mark-morrison/120 |title=Morrison's Troubles Continue |publisher=NME |date=24 February 1998 |access-date=31 May 2010 }}

In 2002, Morrison was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and car theft.{{cite news |url=http://www.nme.com/news/korn/12080 |title=Mark Morrison Drama – Policeman Arrested |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002211529/http://www.nme.com/news/korn/12080 |work=NME |date=18 July 2002 |access-date=31 May 2010 |archive-date=2 October 2013 |url-status=dead }} He was released on bail, but a policeman was later arrested on suspicion of taking a bribe from Morrison in return for his release. Morrison failed to appear in court to face the charges and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

In 2004, he was arrested and spent a night in custody, after a fracas in which a platinum and diamond medallion was snatched from around his neck during a confrontation at a Leicester nightclub.{{cite news |last=Youngs |first=Ian |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/3527444.stm |title=R&B star Mark Morrison arrested |work=BBC News Online |date=2 August 2004 |access-date=31 May 2010 }}

In 2009, Morrison was arrested for an assault in London.{{cite news |url=http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/107044/Morrison-facing-assault-charge-after-arrest |title=Morrison Facing Assault Charge After Arrest |work=Daily Express |date=12 June 2009 |access-date=31 May 2010 }}{{Better source needed |date=March 2025 }}