Disney Diva Dabbles in Dancehall
Buju Banton may be languishing behind bars, but his music cannot be contained. Sometimes that’s a good thing and sometimes, not so much. Case in point: Justin Bieber’s on-again-off-again lady love Selena Gomez has just covered his 1995 dancehall classic “Champion” inna island-pop stylee. Insert ear plugs and press play. Audio After The Jump… (more…)
Tag: Buju Banton
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HEAR THIS: Selena Gomez “Like A Champion”
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HEAR THIS: The Incomparable Shakespeare “Murderer”
BK Rapper Reps For Trayvon Over a Barrington, Beenie, Buju Mashup
The tragedy of Trayvon Martin’s murder and subsequent miscarriage of justice has inspired much outrage and more than a few good songs, the latest being this heatrock from The Incomparable Shakespeare, a young rapper from Brooklyn’s Vandevere housing projects. His use of various dancehall “murder” anthems helps drive home the point behind his lyrics of fury. Shaky baby is spitting that murder murder murder. Tun it up. Loud. Audio & Download Link After The Jump… (more…) -
Konshens Pays Respect To 47 Reggae Superstars Who Paved the Way
Who And Who Rates As An Icon Inna The Business?
Remember when Shabba Ranks dropped that tune “Respect“? “Step by step you haffi climb the ladder / The elders you haffi show respect fah.” It’s plan to see that Konshens got the message. He may be on top of the game now, but he’s not one of those “likkle entertainers” who lose sight of the fact that their opportunities came from icons before him. The Dancehall artist recent single, “Icon,” on the Bad Bounce riddim, pays tribute to a long list of certified icons, all of whom helped “put the spotlight on we island” and established the worldwide success of Jamaican music.Audio & Photo Gallery After The Jump… (more…)
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HEAR THIS: Stephen Marley ft. Buju Banton & Akon “My Conclusion”
Brand New Music From the GYI Album Set Up Shop Vol. 1
The big bad Ghetto Youths International album Set Up Shop Vol. 1 hits iTunes today. One of the standout tracks is also a preview of Stephen Marley’s long-awaited Revelation Part 2: The Fruit of Life. The classical rub-a-dub selection (a track reminiscent of the “Sun is Shining” riddim) features vocals by Akon as well as a verse from the Gargamel himself. Whosoever have ears let them hear. Audio After The Jump… (more…) -
Buju Banton Juror Turns Over Computer for Investigation
Could The Banton Be On His Way To A New Trial?
In the latest crazy plot twist surrounding The Banton’s federal trial, Terri Wright, a juror who was part of the original trial has turned over her personal computer for investigation. After the trials proceedings concluded in February of 2010, Wright admitted to Florida-based media outlets that she researched Buju Banton and his music while serving jury duty. This fault could grant Buju and his legal team the mistrial they’re looking for. Find Out Why After The Jump…
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Judge Orders Second Hearing Into Juror Misconduct In Buju Banton Case
How Is This Trial Not A Mistrial?
Calling Buju Banton’s fight for freedom tough would be an understatement. His journey has been quite the roller-coaster ride since December 2009 when he was initially remanded on drug trafficking charges. The first trial led to a hung jury. Later he was convicted but his gun possession charges were dismissed. A whole new legal team was then hired and gun charges have been reintroduced. These are just a few of the many ups and downs The Banton has faced. Now, attention is focusing on whether the jury foreman violated the judge’s instructions by doing her own research on the case during the trial. The court has ordered a hearing to look into juror misconduct, inspiring hope for a new trial. Find Out Why After The Jump… -
Top 10 Ganja Legalization Tunes
Legalize It And I Will Advertise It
Why is Peter Tosh smiling? The ongoing struggle to repeal the prohibition of marijuana has inspired countless great records—and earlier this month it inspired a historic moment at the ballot box. Starting December 6 in the state of Washington and January 1 in Colorado, the dream of legal ganja will become a reality. Many questions remain: Will California be the next American state to free up the herbs? Will the Federal government sit back and let west coasters puff in peace? Will Jamaica ever embrace its number-one cash crop? While we ponder those issues, let’s take a look back at some of the greatest reggae songs ever sung in defense of ganja decriminalization. Audio After The Jump… (more…) -
WATCH THIS: Free Buju Press Conference Video
Earlier this month, Buju Banton’s defense team gathered supporters of the imprisoned reggae star for a press conference in Washington D.C. to discuss the latest details of his case. The speakers included Buju’s defense attorney Chokwe Lumumba, Dr. Carolyn Cooper, and Banton’s friend and musical collaborator Gramps Morgan. We’ve just obtained the exclusive footage. Video after the jump… (more…) -
Buju’s Defense Team Hold Press Conference on Capitol Hill
The Banton’s New Attorney, Chokwe Lumumba, Describes Buju as a “Political Prisoner”
The road for reggae star Buju Banton has not been easy since he began serving a 10-year bid on federal drug trafficking and conspiracy charges. Incarcerated in a Florida prison, Banton maintains his innocence and is resiliently working on getting a new trial as he now gears up to fight a gun possession charge that was previously dismissed in his 2011 sentencing. After severing ties with lawyer David Oscar Markus in late August, Banton hired veteran attorney Chokwe Lumumba to represent him in his legal battles. Lumumba, who previously worked on the cases of activist Assata Shakur as well as Tupac Shakur, hosted a press conference in Washington D.C. to engage with Buju’s fans and supporters and bring them up to date about where the case stands. Photos and More After the Jump… -
Buju Banton Sends Out a Special Message from Jail
Buju Reaches Out to His Fans In His Hour Of Need
It has been a long, hard struggle for Buju Banton the last couple of years. Since December of 2009 he has been fighting a battle at trial that some say he was bound to lose even when the jury had his back. But Buju is trying to stay positive and push forward through the long stretch he has ahead of him until 2019, when he is set to be released. Just as the news broke that his sentencing on gun charges had been postponed, Buju decided to reach out to his friends and fans via the “Free Buju Now” Twitter Page and give them a little strength. Read Buju’s message below.
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Buju Banton Jurors Would Say “Not Guilty” On Gun Charge
The Banton Faces Resentencing Later This Month—But Will Justice Be Served?
The Broward/Palm Beach New Times is reporting that at least four of the jurors who served on Buju Banton’s drug case would have found him not guilty of gun charges. Chris Sweeney’s latest blog post is a must-read: “Terri Wright has been called to serve jury duty seven times,” Sweeney writes. “But none of the cases compares to the federal drug and gun trial of reggae singer Buju Banton. That one “took the cake,” as she puts it. She still talks to coworkers about the murky back story of the federal snitch, Alex Johnson, and says she couldn’t sleep at night when deliberating.” The Half That’s Never Been Told After The Jump… (more…) -
Buju Hires New Lawyer
Gargamel Hasn’t Given Up The Fight
Already having his appeal denied by a Tampa federal Judge, David Oscar Markus (Buju’s then attorney) has told the New Times that he’s moving on from the case. (more…)
