Buju Banton Criticizes Afrobeats Artists For Not Respecting Reggae

August 13, 2024 by newhiphopnews

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 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.”

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Spice “The Queen of Dancehall” Becomes First Jamaican Female Artist To Debut #1 In Canada, #2 In US & United Kingdom On iTunes

August 12, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Grammy® Award-Nominated, chart-topping, global superstar Spice, is lighting up the Summer with the arrival of her highly anticipated third studio album, ‘Mirror 25’ which released on Friday, August 9, 2024 via Spice Official Entertainment with distribution through Empire. The chart-topping album made history within minutes after its release, debuting at #1 in Canada, #2 in the United States and United Kingdom on the All Genres Top Albums iTunes chart, and #1 at the Reggae Top Albums iTunes chart simultaneously, making Spice the first Jamaican female artist to land the highest chart entry on the all-genres chart!

‘Mirror 25,’ the 25-song project quickly dominated the charts, landing in second place behind Rapper, Kanye West’s ‘Vultures 2’ album which held the number one spot. The milestone album, Executive Produced by Spice, solidified its global dominance worldwide, charting as the #1 Apple Music Top Album in several countries such as Canada, Israel, Jamaica, Italy, UK, Cayman Islands, Antigua Bermuda, Trinidad, and Saudi Arabia among others. It is also the #1 album in Jamaica on Apple–both explicit and clean versions of the album are at #1 and #3 in the US on the iTunes Reggae Chart.

In addition, Spice’s Gospel song, ‘You are Worthy,’ the second track featured on the celebratory album, quickly soared up the charts, debuting at #1 for Gospel on the Apple Music Top Songs in Jamaica, also charting in 11 countries on Apple Music.

Even Nicki Minaj, “the Queen of Rap” co-signed Spice’s independent project, acknowledging the Platinum-Gold selling Grammy nominated artist’s ‘musical evolution.’ ‘Mirror 25’ is an iconic 25 track album showcasing Spice’s legendary sound infused with a unique kaleidoscope of rhythmic tracks intertwined with a melting pot of genres; further reinforcing the powerhouse performer’s signature influence in the genre of Reggae/Dancehall and beyond; cementing her presence as one Jamaica’s most versatile and creative artists of today’s time. Across 25 tracks, ‘Mirror 25’ is a unique body of work serving as Spice’s raw, open diary of her past trials and tribulations– with each track revealing a vulnerable part of her life. The album title, ‘Mirror 25’ symbolizes reflection and self-discovery, marking a new era for Spice to artistically showcase her growing pains and lessons learned as an artist and as a woman.

“I’m so grateful for the unwavering support,” says Spice, the Queen of Dancehall in response to the worldwide success of the album. “I knew that the album was a masterpiece, but I’m excited to see the positive responses because I was very meticulous in creating ‘Mirror 25.’ I knew my fan base is very diverse, so I wanted to make sure that there was something on it for everyone. Learning that this is the first time a Female Jamaican artist has entered the USA All Genres Chart at #2 I’m grateful to open up another international door for women in Dancehall. I’m humbled and grateful for this milestone.”

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Vybz Kartel Drops “First Week Out” Mixtape Following Prison Release

August 1, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Dancehall legend Vybz Kartel is out of prison. To celebrate, he dropped a new project to celebrate. First Week Out is 12 tracks long and about 33 minutes. It also features SQUASH, a newer dancehall artist, one that some fans of the genre consider the face of the scene. The mixtape serves as a collection of loosies that have floated around since the dancehall star has been in prison. Vybz, long considered a polarizing force in the dancehall space, has done work with some of the biggest names in music. Eminem, Jay-Z, and Rihanna, to name a few. Of course, Vybz Kartel’s release from prison is a big deal to those who are fans of the space in which he operates.

After 13 years, Vybz Kartel and three co-defendants gained their release from Jamaican prison on Wednesday. Back in 2014, the court sentenced the artist to life in prison for the 2011 murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams. Vybz’s trial was the longest in the island’s history, lasting 65 days. Toward the end of the process, the jury suspected that a juror was offering bribes to the other jurors. That contributed to Vybz receiving a guilty verdict, though he always maintained his innocence. In March, a London appeals court threw out their convictions. They stated that allowing the juror accused of bribery to continue serving led to a “miscarriage of justice.” The Jamaican Court of Appeal then decided a retrial wasn’t worth the effort and set the four men free, also citing Vybz’s poor health in their explanation. Stream the first release from the dancehall star since coming out of prison below.

Vybz Kartel – First Week Out

First Week Out tracklist:

Feel Great (Intro) [feat. SQUASH]
The Menace
Terror By Night
Unstoppable
Skillful (feat. SQUASH)
Adiadking
Giant (feat. SQUASH)
Victorious
Beat Dem Bad
Win
Success Story
Number One

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Drake Rocks “Free Vybz Kartel” Shirt To Celebrate Kartel’s Release From Prison

July 31, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Drake has always had a contentious relationship with dancehall. The rapper was criticized for exploiting the Jamaican genre during the making of the “Find Your Love” video way back in 2010. That said, he has repeatedly voiced his adoration for its artists. He has collaborated with numerous dancehall legends, and helped to boost their profile with American listeners. It’s been a while since Drake dabbled in dancehall in his own music, but the rapper’s recent Instagram post confirms that he’s still very much a supporter. He celebrated the release of Vybz Kartel by rocking a “Free Vybz” t-shirt on Instagram.

This is not the first time Drake has shown off his “Free Vybz” merch. The rapper posted a photo of the shirt on his Instagram Story back on April 2. “Up 2 Di Time,” the rest of the text on the shirt reads. “Free Kartel, free world boss.” The timing could not have been better. Vybz Kartel was sprung from prison on July 31. The Jamaican deejay was convicted of murder back in 2011, but the Privy Council in the United Kingdom overturned his conviction back in March. The Privy Council cited juror misconduct and bribery as the main causes, according to Rolling Stone.

Drake Cites Vybz Kartel As A Huge Musical Influence

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Drake has advocated for Vybz Kartel’s release for most of his career. The rapper praised the deejay during a 2016 interview with Narduwar. “Vybz Kartel is one of my biggest inspirations, one of my favorite artists,” he explained. “You want to talk about a guy coming out of a place that has their own thing, their own culture, and absolutely just taking over. The one person to idolize.” Drake proceeded to single out Kartel’s ability to transcend era, and maintain longevity within Jamaican culture. “I been to Jamaica,” he explained. “And no matter what, people are always holding up Vybz as an icon.” The Toronto artist also revealed that PARTYNEXTDOOR shares his admiration for Kartel.

Drake and Vybz Kartel have never collaborated on a song, for obvious reasons. The former did link up with Kartel’s longtime producer, however, in 2022. Rvssian posted photos alongside the 6 God on IG, fueling rumors that they were going to cook up music together. Sadly, nothing from the sessions has seen the light of day. The closest fans have come to getting an OVO and Vybz Kartel collaboration was the PARTYNEXTDOOR single “Not Nice.” The 2016 song featured a sample of Kartel’s “Real Bad Gal,” which was unreleased at the time. Hopefully fans will get an official Drake and Kartel song, since the latter is a free man.

[via]

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Sean Paul Claims Chance Encounter Led To Classic Beyonce Collab

June 18, 2024 by newhiphopnews

2003 was a breakthrough year for both Sean Paul and Beyonce. Both artists landed their first number one singles, and then they linked up for the joint number one, “Baby Boy.” It was an inspired blend of pop and dancehall, but the origins of the sang actually date back several years. Sean Paul talked about the hit single during a recent interview with the Hollywood Reporter. He revealed that his friendship with Queen Bey started during her days in Destiny’s Child.

Sean Paul told the outlet that he got a chance to meet Beyonce during the late 1990s. “She opened on a show here in Jamaica with Destiny’s Child,” he recalled. “They only had one song, and I was on that same show. That’s where we all met.” The two artists had similar tastes in music, but Sean Paul was pleasantly surprised when Beyonce reached out for a collab on her debut solo album. “Knowing she called me back a couple of years later for her first solo project was awesome,” he admitted. Paul wrote the bulk of “Baby Boy” with Beyonce, and praised the singer for embracing dancehall sounds.

Sean Paul Praised Beyonce’s Musical Ambition

Sean Paul told THR that hip-hop artists were always interested in dancehall, but was impressed that a pop star like Beyonce would take a chance on such a different sound. “At the time, people were hollering at me to do collabs,” the reggae artist noted. “I was working with Busta Rhymes, I was doing stuff with Clipse and Blu Cantrell—and all of those things were very dope but they were more Hip-Hop oriented. This was such a big artist, and she was stepping out on her own.” Beyonce’s instincts proved dead on. “Baby Boy” was a smash hit that topped the Billboard Hot 100 for nine consecutive weeks. It would be Beyonce’s biggest hit until 2007, and Paul’s biggest hit ever.

Eclecticism is part of Beyonce’s image in 2024. She’s dabbled in dance, country, and just about every genre you can name. Still, she holds a special place in her heart for dancehall. She based much of her classic 2018 performance at Coachella on dancehall and Jamaican culture. She covered the standard “Still in Love with You Boy” by Marcia Aiken, and performed “Baby Boy” before a screaming audience. Paul is still extremely proud of the song. “It made sense to me,” he concluded. “And it made history for both of us.”

[via]

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Nicki Minaj Brings Out Beenie Man During Her London Concert

May 30, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Nicki Minaj has been on a roll lately. She broke the record for the highest grossing tour by a female rapper, and her latest album, contained her first solo number one single. The positive vibes have been carried over by Minaj, who has welcomed multiple guests during her shows. She reunited with Drake at the Toronto show, and gave the fellow Young Money artist his flowers in early May. Minaj decided to kick things up a notch during her London show, however. She brought the King of Dancehall, Beenie Man, out to perform.

The rapper welcomed Beenie Man with all the reverence one would expect. All she asked for upon his entrance was a hug, and then she proceeded to bow down before Beenie Man and the rest of the crowd. Beenie Man quickly repaid the compliment, noting that Minaj is the queen of hip-hop if he is the king of dancehall. The two artists then helped Minaj and Beenie Man sing along to the classic Beenie Man track “I’m Drinking / Rum & Redbull.” Nicki Minaj is known for being one of the most outspoken and boisterous artists in the genre, so her deference was notable. The rapper even posted about the onstage collab via X (formerly Twitter).

Nicki Minaj Considers Beenie Man An “Inspiration”

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“I just performed with the KING OF DANCEHALL,” Minaj tweeted. “One of the most talented musicians that I looked to for inspiration my entire career. I can’t believe this is my life sometimes. Wow. One of my heroes. I love this man so much. @KingBeenieMan.” The rapper may be New York raised, but she was born in Trinidad, and has made a point of incorporating dancehall influences into her music. She made this evident on the Pink Friday 2 cut “Forward from Trini,” which featured appearances from artists like Skillibeng and Skeng.

Nicki Minaj even got on Stationhead to tell fans that didn’t like her dancehall cuts to get with it. “Y’all, some of them don’t like it, but it’s okay,” she noted. “They’re gonna have to get with it… I’m sorry if y’all can’t understand this kind of music.” Minaj isn’t the first Young Money artist to link up with Beenie Man, either. Drake featured the legendary artists on his blockbuster 2016 album Views. Beenie didn’t have an actual verse on a song, but he provided the outro on “Controlla.”

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Buju Banton Net Worth 2024: What Is The Singer Worth?

May 28, 2024 by newhiphopnews

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

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

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.

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Shenseea Is “Anxious” For What Could Follow The Release Of “Never Gets Late Here”

May 26, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Shenseea was definitely hinting that something bigger could be coming down the pipeline over the last year and change. The Jamaican-bred singer and rapper was dropping a bevy of singles in that time frame, but only the 2024 releases would make the final cut. From “Hit & Run” featuring Masicka and Di Genius to “Dolla,” the “Shen Yeng Anthem” artist was giving fans different sonics on each cut. That was part of the mission for Shenseea on Never Gets Late Here, according to an Apple Music interview.

“Iv’e always been an artist who just always tries new things because that’s how magic happens,” Shenseea explained. “My album is so versatile. It’s almost like you can like this one today-but tomorrow is a different day.” Perhaps part of the reason for this massive undertaking of different genres is her gunning for recognition from critics in particular. In another chat with People, she has said that she has “no expectations” for her sophomore release. However, these statements would leave you to believe otherwise.

Listen To Never Gets Late Here By Shenseea

“I really want one of these songs to go further than any of my songs has ever been. One wish is to definitely get a Grammy,” she said. “I always said that I want to win a reggae Grammy first before I win any other Grammy because it’s where I’m from. I don’t want to win just for myself, I want to win it for my country, I want to win it for my family, my friends, the people who grew up with me, my team.” Shenseea definitely has some potential winners in the tracklist, and we are wishing her the best of luck with this release going forward.

What are your thoughts on Never Gets Late Here by Shenseea? Is this her best album so far, why or why not? Who had the strongest guest performance? Is she one of the top voices in dancehall/reggae? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Shenseea. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.

Never Gets Late Here Tracklist:

Face Lift – Intro
Hit & Run (feat. Masicka & Di Genius)
Tap Out
Neva Neva
Die For You
Keep A Place
Dolla
Loyalty
Flava (feat. Coi Leray)
NaNa
Red Flag (with Anitta)
Stars
Heaven On Earth
Work Me Out (with Wizkid)

[Via]

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Shenseea Is Determined To Have A Long-Lasting Love On “Neva Neva”

April 27, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Shenseea is known for writing catchy and rhythmic dancehall/R&B cuts over the past several years. However, even with all of her singles that she has dropped, the albums are a rarity. In fact, the Kingston, Jamaica native has only put out one record and that happened back in 2022. That project was called ALPHA and had quite the feature list of 21 Savage, Tyga (2x), Megan Thee Stallion, Offset, Sean Paul, and Beenie Man. Hopefully, Shenseea is close to a sophomore release after dropping a new song “Neva Neva.”

This is now her fourth offering of the year, with the first being “Hit & Run” with Masicka and Di Genius back in January. She did have a big moment in February when she helped provide a song for her birthplace and one of its icons, Bob Marley. Shenseea performed “No Woman No Cry” for the late legend’s biographical film Bob Marley: One Love. Following that, she would go on to write a pretty raunchy cut “Die For You” in late March.

Listen To “Neva Neva” By Shenseea

Now, she is back with “Neva Neva,” a track about being fed up with men’s games and wants true love. She appears to have found someone she connects with and is not going to let anyone get in the way of it. “And now you know seh mi a think ’bout you night and a day / Love you, love you, love you, don’t know what else to say / Try fi get the ting, turn inna eternity / That’s what me hope and pray, yeah.” Overall though, the song may be the weakest of the bunch, as the beat feels generic and the chorus repeats itself too much. But still give it a try with the link above.

What are your thoughts on this brand-new single “Neva Neva” by Shenseea? Is this one of her better songs as of late, why or why not? Do you think she has something bigger in store down the line? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Shenseea. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the music world.

Quotable Lyrics:

See what we have is just so real and you can’t fake it
If them don’t know we business, them can’t break it
And them no know is not a game, so them can’t play me
Come make me rock a bye yo’ body, you’re my baby

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Shenseea Is Willing To “Die For You” On Latest Sensual Single

March 30, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Shenseea is a dancehall artist that you can to for the summer bops, but also the records that get you in the mood if you know what we mean. That is what her past couple of releases have been like as of this year. She kicked off 2024 with “Hit & Run,” a track all about sneaky links and one-night stands. Shenseea is bringing similar vibes to “Die For You.”

This is song is more so about wanting to have those intimate moments with your partner. However, for Shenseea, she is craving it so badly, that she is willing to go to great lengths for it. Then, when she does get to that point, she gets braggadocious about how good it will be. Shenseea also gets pretty erotic on “Die For You.”

Listen To “Die For You” By Shenseea

“Eat it up, me can smell you pon me breath (Oh-oh, yes) / Me love it raw, me allergic to latex (Oh).” This is now the artist’s second solo release of the year, but third overall. Shenseea was featured on the soundtrack for Bob Marley: One Love. You can find her vocal work on “No Woman No Cry.”

What are your thoughts on this brand-new single, “Die For You,” by Shenseea? Is this the best track she has put out as of late, why or why not? What is your favorite element of the track and why? Do you think a new album is in the works? Is she one of the more underrated names in dancehall right now? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Shenseea. Finally, stay with us for the most informative song posts throughout the week.