Global reggae icon Buju Banton is making headlines with his latest single, “This is Jamaica,” which has quickly gained significant traction on streaming platforms. In just a few weeks, the song has surpassed 1 million streams on Spotify, marking a notable milestone in organic growth.
The track, produced by acclaimed Jamaican producer and Grammy Award winner Kemar McGregor, has also garnered over 1 million organic views on YouTube. The song’s momentum continues to build, with more than a dozen playlists adding it today alone, contributing to a surge in streams and saves.
The release of “This is Jamaica” is timely, coinciding with Jamaica’s 62nd Independence celebrations and historic achievements at the Olympic Games. With its powerful lyrics and Buju Banton’s distinctive sound, the song resonates with audiences globally, celebrating Jamaica’s rich culture and heritage.
As Buju Banton prepares for his highly anticipated Overcomer Tour, set to begin in the coming weeks, fans can look forward to performances that embody the themes of resilience and triumph central to his latest hit. “This is Jamaica” continues to reinforce Buju Banton’s impact on the music industry and highlights the global appeal of reggae and dancehall music.
Buju Banton was not playing around. The legendary dancehall artists went on Drink Champs and made it very clear he wanted smoke. Not with a single peer, mind you, but entire genres. Banton called out artists who work in the afrobeats and reggaeton genres for not putting more respect on the name of reggae. He also took afrobeats artists to task for their lyrical content. Banton went as far as to say that the genre lacks the inspirational qualities that make reggae so important to him.
“Listen, a lot of culture vultures out there,” Banton told the Drink Champs hosts. “We have sat and we have watched reggaeton taking reggae music. You have f*cked with our music so hard and stolen our culture.” Banton demanded that the artists who profit from these genres pay more respect to the genres that influenced them. “You don’t give us no respect, and you still expect us to kowtow and act like we take something from you,” he added. “This is the King’s music. Your music hall come and go, because it has nothing to do with soul; it has nothing to do with building energy.”
Buju Banton Was Criticized For His Take On Social Media
Buju Banton criticises Afrobeats for having a lack of substance and says Afrobeat artists don’t aim to free Africa or make an impact pic.twitter.com/ZS8vudz0uR
— TMC Music Connoisseur WATCH S2TIMES (@MusicConnoisseu) August 11, 2024
Buju Banton proceeded to take afrobeats to task for not addressing important social issues. “Which of these afrobeats songs can I relate to for a peace of mind,” he asked. “To tell me that I’m in the struggle, and we are gonna be better in the struggle. And even though it’s hard, we’re gonna overcome? Tell me.” N.O.R.E. did not have a response for the dancehall artist, but the internet certainly did. Twitter swarmed the clip of Banton criticizing other genres and labeled him out of touch. Some users even named songs that showcase the lyrical depth that Banton claimed was nonexistent.
Interestingly enough, Buju Banton doesn’t have a problem with hip-hop. He recalled hearing it for the first time as a teenager, and instantly becoming a fan. “We got exposed to hip hop,” he noted. “We were listening to Slick Rick [and] Doug E. Fresh’s ‘The Show’… hip hop has always been influential.” Banton added that he was further endeared to the genre when he learned about its originator, DJ Kool Herc. “I realized that Kool Herc was a DJ, a Jamaican, who made the fusion more palatable,” he noted. “I said, ‘OK, then it makes sense.’ So, we embrace it.”
Buju Banton’s “Long Walk to Freedom – New York” concert at the UBS Arena was a landmark event, marking his return to the U.S. stage after 15 years. The concert was not just a musical performance but a celebration of Buju’s resilience and triumphs, including his 51st birthday, which added a personal touch to the event. The UBS Arena was packed with over 18,000 fans, creating a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of a New York block party, with a diverse crowd representing the Caribbean diaspora, including strong showings from Jamaica, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago.
One of the standout moments was Buju’s grand entrance, where he captivated the audience with his powerful presence and signature sound. The Shiloh Band, his backing band, played a crucial role in the concert’s success, seamlessly transitioning between songs and delivering impressive solos that highlighted the raw energy of live reggae music. Buju’s sister led the audience in a surprise birthday celebration, adding an emotional highlight to the night.
The concert also featured special guest appearances, including Gramps Morgan, Fat Joe, and Remy Ma, who brought additional excitement and highlighted the deep connections between reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop. Buju’s performance was a masterclass in live music, demonstrating his unparalleled stage presence and vocal prowess, proving why he is regarded as one of the greatest performers in reggae history.
The event was not only a celebration of Buju’s career but also a testament to his enduring influence and the love and support of his fans.
Fresh off the USB Arena stage in New York for two sold-out shows, Buju Banton is getting redy to tour the country. According to Billboard, the legend is running a 14-date tour titled The Overcomer Tour. The tour will be supported by Fridayy. Pre-sale begins Wednesday, July 16 at 10 a.m. local time; General onsale starts Friday, July 19 at 10 a.m. local time.
The dates are available below.
Aug. 23 — Ft. Lauderdale, FL — Amerant Bank Arena Aug. 25 — Tampa, FL — Amalie Arena Aug. 27 — Washington, DC — Capital One Arena Aug. 30 — Boston, MA — TD Garden Sept. 1 — Philadelphia, PA — Wells Fargo Center Sept. 6 — Hartford, CT — XL Center Sept. 8 — Atlanta, GA — State Farm Arena Sept. 12 — Houston, TX — Toyota Center Sept. 13 — Dallas, TX — American Airlines Center Sept. 15 — Phoenix, AZ — Footprint Center Sept. 18 — Inglewood, CA — Intuit Dome Sept. 23 — San Jose, CA — SAP Center Sept. 29 — Chicago, IL — Allstate Arena Nov. 17 — Brooklyn, NY — Barclays Center
Buju Banton is a renowned reggae and dancehall artist. He has left an indelible mark on the music industry with his powerful voice and thought-provoking lyrics. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated to be $2 million, according to CelebrityNetWorth. Banton’s career, spanning over three decades, is a testament to his talent and enduring influence in reggae music.
Born Mark Anthony Myrie on July 15, 1973, in Kingston, Jamaica, Buju Banton grew up in a musically rich environment that greatly influenced his artistic development. From his early days in dancehall to his later work in roots reggae, Banton’s music has consistently reflected his deep connection to his roots and his commitment to addressing social and political issues through his art.
Early Career & Rise To Fame
NEW YORK, NEW YORK–JULY 4: Jamaican Reggae Dancehall artist Buju Banton (aka. Mark Anthony Myrie) also appears in a portrait with Rapper Busta Rhymes (aka. Trevor George Smith, Jr.) taken on July 4, 1993, in the Times Square section of New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives)
Buju Banton began his musical journey in the late 1980s. He quickly gained attention with his distinctive voice and energetic performances. His breakthrough came with his debut album, Mr. Mention, in 1992, featuring hits like “Love Me Browning” and “Bogle.” The album’s success made Banton one of the most prominent figures in dancehall music.
In 1995, Banton also released ‘Til Shiloh, a critically acclaimed album that marked a significant shift towards roots reggae. Songs like “Untold Stories” and “Wanna Be Loved” showcased Banton’s more mature and reflective side. It also resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. This album solidified his status as a versatile artist capable of blending the high-energy beats of dancehall with the deeper, more soulful sounds of roots reggae.
Legal Challenges & Resurgence
Buju Banton and Wyclef Jean during Buju Banton’s Record Release Party at Show in. New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Djamilla Rosa Cochran/WireImage)
Additionally, Buju Banton’s career faced a major setback in 2009 when he was arrested on drug-related charges in the United States. He was convicted in 2011 and sentenced to ten years in prison. Despite this significant challenge, Banton’s music continued to inspire and influence. His fan base remained loyal throughout his incarceration.
Following his release in 2018, Buju Banton returned to the music scene with his “Long Walk to Freedom” tour in 2019. It was met with widespread acclaim and enthusiasm. His return was marked by the release of his album Upside Down 2020, which included tracks like “Blessed” and “Buried Alive.” This album reaffirmed his place in the reggae world and contributed to his financial resurgence. It also led to his current net worth of $2 million.
Personal Life & Legacy
CANADA – JULY 02: Buju Banton (Photo by Andrew Stawicki/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
Buju Banton’s personal life has been as dynamic as his music career. A father of fifteen, he has always been deeply connected to his family and his Jamaican roots. Despite the controversies and challenges he has faced, Banton remains resilient and determined. Further, Banton’s influence extends beyond music. He is also known for his philanthropic efforts and his commitment to social justice. He has been involved in various initiatives to support education and community development in Jamaica. Overall, his legacy is one of powerful music intertwined with a message of hope, resistance, and love.
The Christmas holiday has long since passed. But if you’re in the mood for biblical stories, The Book Of Clarence has you covered. In November, to build up hype for the film, director Jeymes Samuel began to tease the supporting soundtrack back by Jay-Z.
Starting strong, Samuel dropped the lead single, “Hallelujah Heaven,” featuring Lil Wayne, Buju Banton, and Shabba Ranks. Since then, details surrounding the soundtrack have been sparse. So, when does the soundtrack for The Book Of Clarence come out?
Although an official release date has not been announced, it would be safe to assume that the project will be released in alignment with the film’s theatrical debut on January 12. Hopefully, the soundtrack will be made publicly available across streaming services the day before to give ticketholders time to absorb the project. In a press statement, Samuel shared his excitement for the musical side of the film.
“While I was working on ‘The Harder They Fall,’ and all my other projects, the story and the music for ‘The Book of Clarence’ were always there percolating in my mind,” he said. “There was never a question as to whether I would compose the score and write and perform on the soundtrack, as well as write and direct the movie. It was all one amazing journey where one depended on the other. But I also worked with the most awesome artists on our track ‘Hallelujah Heaven.’ Collaborating with Lil Wayne, Buju Banton, and Shabba Ranks was so dope; I loved getting them all on the same track.”
During a sit-down with Elliott Wilson, Jay-Z confirmed that he does appear on the soundtrack by way of an over 9-minute-long collaboration with D’Angelo.
One of the highlights of the films of Jeymes Samuel (aka The Bullitts) is the soundtrack albums he curates for them. In 2021, I praised the soundtrack of The Harder They Fall, writing that the movie often works best as a themed music video a la Beyoncé’s Black Is King. It looks like that may continue to be the case with Samuel’s next upcoming film, The Book Of Clarence, as Samuel shares its first soundtrack song, “Hallelujah Heaven” featuring Lil Wayne and dancehall legends Buju Banton and Shabba Ranks.
Samuel’s love for dancehall and reggae artists was also a fixture of the Harder They Fall soundtrack, which featured Barrington Levy, Dennis Brown, and Koffee in addition to rappers like Jay-Z, Jadakiss, and Conway The Machine. The Book Of Clarence will likewise contain appearances from Jay-Z (who is again credited as a producer for Samuels’ latest work), Kid Cudi, Jorja Smith, and more.
The Book Of Clarence is set in 33 AD and follows the exploits of the titular character (portrayed by LaKeith Stanfield) as he tries to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ — not as a disciple but as an imitator, looking to get rich quick. The film is set to hit theaters in January 2024.
You can listen to “Hallelujah Heaven” above and check out the new Book Of Clarence trailer below.
The RX is Uproxx Music’s stamp of approval for the best albums, songs, and music stories throughout the year. Inclusion in this category is the highest distinction we can bestow, and signals the most important music being released throughout the year. The RX is the music you need, right now.
Humility is often painted as a superpower that has its strength in being a cornerstone for one’s success. For it to work best, it’s sad that other dominant qualities must be submissive in its presence. Confidence works hand-in-hand with it while pride takes a back seat. The alleged beauty behind humility has been professed in numerous ways by many for centuries upon centuries. Confucius called humility the “solid foundation of all virtues” while Rick Pitino said it’s the “true key to success.” Though these examples are not wrong per se, a more accurate one, arguably, can be credited to William Law who said humility is “nothing else but a right judgment of ourselves.”
The “right judgment” portion of that quote is as subjective as ever and on her new album Jaguar II, Victoria Monét declares her own judgment of self and the world around her. The irony here is that through the project’s 11 songs, Monét’s right judgment of self actually sheds the humility that has lived beside her in a career that’s lasted over a decade. For years, Monét was known for her songwriting as she penned records for Diddy, Ariana Grande, Chris Brown, Fifth Harmony, Chloe X Halle, Blackpink, and more – all while working on her own music. It wasn’t until recently that the scales of both seemed to even out, something she wished for back in 2020. “[My] songwriting took off before my [own music] so it wasn’t like I made a decision, I was trying to do both,” she explained in Wonderland Magazine interview. “Now I’m just trying to even the playing field.”
Successful songwriters are often left to live in the shadows of the background making for a disconnect between that and their own releases. That hasn’t been the case as of late for Monét. If her 2020 EP Jaguar was the connection and spark, her debut album Jaguar II is the electric field and bright lights that rightfully resulted. Monét shines with blinding radiance on songs that find her as confident as ever from start to finish on her latest release. Whether it be through the shimmering dance number that is the Kaytranada-produced “Alright,” or the sexy and uplifting “Party Girls,” Monét finds a way to be simultaneously jaguar-like in her fearless approach and as sleek and classy as the luxury vehicle that shares her album’s namesake
At the very center of this album, comes multiple swipes at humility. Monét specifically calls out the extinction of humility in her world moments into “On My Mama.” She pierces through each line with unfiltered cockiness while allowing not an inch of doubt to creep into her statements so as to not invalidate them. More indirectly, we see Monét pop the collar of her fur coat on “Cadillac (A Pimp’s Anthem) while mocking the idea that women can’t be pimps. The tone of disgust is prominent on “Stop (Asking Me 4Shyt)” as she’s in disbelief at the requests a man makes to her for money and other items. Lastly, in what is one of the best moments on the album, Victoria Monét paints herself as a flawless gem on “I’m The One,” perfect in all ways and specifically crafted for a lover who fails to see her as this fairytale love story. Humility often calls for a level of timidness and reservation in how one presents themselves, but for Monét this moment had been over a decade in the making. There isn’t room for dimming the light that she wired tirelessly to make shine.
The Victoria Monét that lives throughout Jaguar II isn’t new by any means. Her bold approach was at the center of Jaguar where records like “Ass Like That” and “Moment” marvelously presented her worth as a diamond in the rough. Much of the same is present on Jaguar II, just refined and crafted to a level that makes the multitalented singer’s artistry more pristine than ever. With heavy production from D’Mile, who has laced irresistible and pleasing records for the likes of Ty Dolla Sign, Snoh Aalegra, Lucky Daye, HER, Mary J. Blige, Silk Sonice, and more Victoria Monét had the necessary tools, both internal and external, to achieve that excellence that is Jaguae II. As she boldly proclaimed on her latest project, Victoria Monét is the one. So yes, humility to the wind and everything else like it. Her blinding radiance looks better and makes for the ideal ingredient in her recipe for success.
Jaguar II is out now via RCA Records/Lovett Music, Inc. Find out more information here.
Victoria Monét wowed with her 2020 EP Jaguar and now her long-awaited debut album, Jaguar II, is finally approaching. She revealed the cover art and release date (August 25) last month and announced last week that she’s going on tour. Now we know a bit more about he album: specifically, the tracklist.
Monét shared that today (July 17) and the 11-track album includes features from Lucky Daye; Buju Banton; Hazel Monét; and Earth, Wind & Fire; as well as a song produced by Kaytranada. Fans were excited about the collaborators, as Kaytranada and Earth, Wind & Fire were trending topics on Twitter after Monét’s reveal.
While unveiling the tracklist on social media, Monét wrote, “I present to you: The JAGUAR II TRACKLIST!!!! I’m so happy to finally share this with you!! Look at these FEATURES [crying emojis] screaming..what is life?! from the titles alone, which songs do you think will be your favorites? I’m so curious.”
I present to you: The JAGUAR II TRACKLIST!!!!
I’m so happy to finally share this with you!! Look at these FEATURES screaming..what is life?! from the titles alone, which songs do you think will be your favorites? I’m so curious pic.twitter.com/u21Va3YQae
1. “Smoke” Feat. Lucky Daye
2. “Smoke” (Reprise)
3. “Party Girls” Feat. Buju Banton
4. “Alright” (Prod. by Kaytranada)
5. “Cadillac (A Pimp’s Anthem)”
6. “How Does It Make You Feel”
7. “On My Mama”
8. “I’m The One”
9. “Stop (Askin’ Me 4Shyt)”
10. “Hollywood” Feat. Earth, Wind & Fire and Hazel Monét
11. “Good Bye”
Jaguar II is out 8/25 via Lovett Music/RCA Records. Find more information here.
Grammy-winning reggae artist Buju Banton is set to release his highly anticipated album, Born For Greatness, on Sept. 8, 2023. The album, featuring 17 new tracks, will be released through Gargamel Music/Roc Nation Records/Def Jam Recordings.
Born For Greatness takes listeners on a journey through various vibes, starting with the cinematic opener “Ageless Time” and culminating in the triumphant finale of “Let My People Go.” Buju also collaborates with notable artists on the album, including Victoria Monét on the sultry “Body Touching Body” and Stephen Marley on the emotionally charged “Feel A Way.” Fans have been eagerly awaiting this reggae blockbuster, and the album promises to showcase Buju Banton’s signature style and musical prowess. Born For Greatness is set to solidify Buju’s status as an international reggae icon.
Buju shared: “Another milestone, Another stage. I embrace it all. I’ve accepted the change. Here is something special. From my experience and musical journey. An ode to those who acknowledge the struggles and challenges that surmount. And others who will, your eyes are not deceiving you nor are your ears, you were born for greatness. I embrace you with love melodies and music.”
Arriving with the album announcement is the title track, “Born For Greatness” available below.
WATCH S2TIMES 
(@MusicConnoisseu) 
from the titles alone, which songs do you think will be your favorites? I’m so curious 