Stephen Marley was part of the reggae group Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers with his siblings Ziggy, Cedella, and Sharon. In 1980, at age 8, Stephen took lead vocals on "Sugar Pie", which he also performed live at the 1982 Jamaica World Music Festival in Montego Bay. In 1985 Stephen was featured on a 12" single titled "Jah Is The Healing" (reverse side to "Naah Leggo", a Tuff Gong Jamaican release), and again on "Lord We A Come" from the 1986 Melody Makers release Hey World. Many tracks feature Stephen DJ/Ragga/Rudeboy toasting in support of Ziggy's lead, including on the track "Unuh Nuh Listen Yet" from Play the Game Right (1985). Later tracks featuring Stephen on lead vocal include "A Who A Say," "Problem With My Woman," "Rebel In Disguise," "African Herbsman," "Mama," "Tipsy Dazy," "Traffic Jam," "Bygones," "Keep On," "Postman," "Long Winter," "Five Days A Year," "Notice," "Jah Bless", "All Day All Night," "One Good Spliff," and "High Tide or Low Tide."

Stephen produced much of his brother Damian Marley's three solo albums, most notably 2005's Welcome to Jamrock, where he was featured on the tracks "All Night," "Pimpa's Paradise," "For the Babies," and "Hey Girl." He also produced for brother Julian Marley, and executive produced and performed on the 1999Bob Marley mash-up, "Chant Down Babylon".

Stephen released the video for Traffic Jam (which also features brothers Damian and Julian) in December, 2006. His debut album 'Mind Control' was released 20th March, 2007. Stephen is a five time Grammy award winner.