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 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 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
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.
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.
“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.
Rita Marley, often known as the widow of reggae legend Bob Marley, has long been an iconic figure in her own right. Beyond being the wife of one of music’s most influential figures, Rita Marley has made significant contributions to the music world herself. With an illustrious career spanning decades, her net worth remains a subject of curiosity for many. Let’s delve into Rita Marley’s net worth in 2024 and explore the journey that brought her to where she is today.
Rita Marley’s musical journey began long before she met Bob Marley. Born Alpharita Constantia Anderson, Rita grew up in Jamaica and developed a passion for music at a young age. She started her career in the 1960s as part of the vocal trio The I-Threes, alongside Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt. Their harmonious voices became synonymous with Bob Marley’s music, providing backing vocals for many of his most famous tracks.
Rita Marley’s solo career also saw success, with albums like Who Feels It Knows It and Harambe showcasing her talent and versatility as a singer-songwriter. Her music often carried messages of love, unity, and empowerment, reflecting the spirit of the reggae movement.
Relationship With Bob Marley
Rita’s life became intertwined with Bob Marley’s when they married in 1966. Their relationship endured through both triumph and tragedy, with Rita — who shares three kids with the late legend — standing by Bob’s side as he rose to international fame and battled against political and personal challenges. Despite the strains of fame and the pressures of Bob’s career, their bond remained strong until his untimely death in 1981.
Beyond their personal relationship, Rita Marley played a pivotal role in Bob’s career, providing unwavering support and inspiration. As part of The I-Threes, she contributed to the distinctive sound that defined Bob Marley and the Wailers. Rita’s influence extended beyond music, as she supported Bob’s activism and embraced his message of peace and social justice.
As of 2024, Rita Marley’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. This substantial wealth is a testament to both her own successful career and her association with Bob Marley, whose legacy continues to generate significant income through music sales, merchandise, and licensing deals.
Despite the loss of her husband over four decades ago, Rita Marley has remained actively involved in preserving Bob’s legacy and promoting his message worldwide. Moreover, through the Bob Marley Foundation, she supports charitable initiatives focused on education, healthcare, and community development in Jamaica and beyond.
In addition to her philanthropic endeavors, Rita Marley continues to be a respected figure in the music industry, inspiring new generations of artists with her talent and resilience. Her contributions to reggae music and her role as a cultural ambassador for Jamaica have earned her widespread admiration and recognition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rita Marley’s net worth in 2024 reflects not only her financial success but also her enduring impact on the world of music and beyond. As she continues to carry forward the legacy of Bob Marley, Rita remains a symbol of strength, creativity, and unwavering devotion to her craft.
Ziggy Marley is an iconic figure in the world of reggae music. He has carved out an illustrious career that spans decades, following in the footsteps of his legendary father, Bob Marley. As of 2024, Ziggy Marley’s net worth is estimated at $12 million, a testament to his enduring presence in the music industry and his ventures beyond it. This figure, highlighted by Eric Singer, showcases the successful trajectory of Marley’s career, encompassing his musical achievements and his contributions to philanthropy, business, and advocacy. Further, Ziggy’s journey from the son of a music legend to a revered artist and humanitarian in his own right is a compelling narrative of innovation.
Legacy & Musical Evolution
Ziggy Marley was born David Nesta “Ziggy” Marley. He was thrust into the limelight at a young age as the eldest son of Bob Marley. Moreover, Ziggy grew up in a household deeply entrenched in music. He naturally gravitated towards his father’s path, absorbing the rich musical heritage of his family. Ziggy made his onstage debut alongside his siblings in the group The Melody Makers. It was a formative experience that would lay the foundation for his future solo career. While deeply rooted in the reggae tradition passed down by his father, Ziggy’s music has also embraced a diverse range of influences. It also allowed him to forge a unique sound that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Further, Ziggy Marley’s impact extends far beyond the confines of music. He has ventured into various fields, including writing, with his children’s books promoting messages of love and unity, and acting, lending his voice to animated characters that share his positive vibes. Moreover, Ziggy has been a staunch advocate for environmental causes and marijuana legalization, using his platform to raise awareness and drive change. His entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his organic food and hemp products businesses, which further diversify his career and contribute to his net worth.
Philanthropy & Social Impact
A significant aspect of Ziggy Marley’s legacy is his commitment to philanthropy and social activism. Inspired by his father’s vision of love and unity, Ziggy has dedicated a considerable part of his life and resources to supporting causes related to education, health, and environmental protection. Through his family’s foundation, he has worked tirelessly to uplift communities in Jamaica and beyond, embodying the ethos of giving back that was instilled in him from a young age.
Cultural Ambassador & Reggae Icon
As a cultural ambassador for reggae music, Ziggy Marley has played a pivotal role in introducing the genre to new generations and geographic locales. His efforts to preserve and celebrate his father’s legacy while also pushing the boundaries of reggae have earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. His numerous Grammy Awards are a testament to his talent and ability to stay relevant in an ever-changing music landscape.
Shaggy’s 2000 song “It Wasn’t Me” has stuck with fans for more than two decades since it was originally released. In fact, the singer still gets asked about the song quite often in interviews. Just last year he spoke on one of the major influences for the track. In a recent interview with People, the song came up again and Shaggy clarified some of the meaning behind it.
Fans of the song were surprised to hear that the track is actually against cheating, despite what the lyrics have led many to believe. “It was a big misconception with that song because that song is not a cheating song. It’s an anti-cheating song. It’s just that nobody listened to the record to the end,” Shaggy clarified. This isn’t the first time he’s had to supply this explanation either. “No one ever really buys into that, and I keep explaining it to people. Then, they go listen to it back and be like, ‘Oh dude, I totally missed that.’”
Shaggy Clears The Air Over His Biggest Hit
This wouldn’t be the first time that Shaggy has had to clarify things recently either. Last year he addressed long-circulated rumors that he had turned down a chance to feature on Rihanna’s long-awaited next album. He explained that the situation was more complicated than it originally seemed. It turns out that scheduling conflicts got in the way more than any artistic differences. That explanation came after the story had repeatedly been altered and revitalized by various outlets.
Shaggy has stayed busy musically even decades into his career. Just last month Shaggy dropped his first-ever EP “In The Mood” which followed his album “Come Fly Wid Me” from last year. Shaggy’s 2019 album “44/876” won a Grammy for Best Reggae Album, his second win and first since 1996. Let us know what you think of Shaggy clarifying the original meaning behind “It Wasn’t Me” in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news from around the music world.
Jamaican dancehall star Buju Banton is ramping up for the release of his next project. This morning, he teamed up with Snoop Dogg for their first collaboration together, “High Life.” Fittingly released around the official smoker’s holiday, 4/20, the two come through with an uplifting and breezy reggae jam. Their shared appreciation for cannabis takes center stage in this one as they detail the medicinal and holistic purposes of the plant. “High life, good weed all day and night,” Banton sings on the hook.
On Snoop Dogg’s part, he seemingly revisits the Snoop Lion era of his career. The Long Beach native provides his best attempt at Jamaican Patois during his verse as he similarly reflects on his love for smoking the finest herb, singing, “Real Ganja baby inside Buckingham Palace/ New York to West coast love that shit green.” Snoop Dogg and Buju Banton might come from different places, and occupy different musical spaces but “High Life” is a perfect combination of their respective styles.
Snoop Dogg Connects With Buju Banton
“High Life” ft. Snoop Dogg kicks off the campaign for Buju Banton’s next studio album. The dancehall star has been particularly busy over the past two years, providing fans with an influx of music. Following the success of Upside Down 2020, which boasted appearances from Pharrell, Stephen Marley, and more, he delivered the Be Humble EP. Hopefully, he won’t wait long to share the release date for his next opus.
Snoop Dogg has been particularly busy. With the re-launch of Death Row Records in 2022, he finally returned the label’s iconic discography to streaming services earlier this month. Outside of benign an executive, Snoop’s also coming off of a prolific run in 2022 that included the release of Mount Westmore’s Snoop Cube 40 $hort, as well as a string of solo releases, such as I Still Got It with DJ Drama, and several compilation projects, like Death Row Summer. Check out Snoop and Buju’s new collab above.
Quotable Lyrics Me say blunt or paper make we roll up a few What them gonna do fi stop the ganja man crew One puff from smoke and Babylon don’t see a who On the beach of Malibu sitting in the night drew
“Werk” is currently #3 on Apple Music’s Top Reggae chart with a bullet.
The Shade Room previewed an exclusive clip last week. Reality star-recording artist Karlie Redd, Capella Grey (“Gyalis”) and Spice (“First Time”) hit the desert for a magnificent carnival-themed party in the new music video for Redd’s charting new single “Werk,” out now, via Legacy Records. Redd’s new single is a spicy booty-shaking Reggae vibe perfect for the summertime wined down. Stream it now.
The chemistry between Redd, Grey and Spice on the Video God-directed visual is electrifying. The traditional reggae sound blended with the hypnotizing curves twerking throughout the visual amplifies the song’s hit factor and desire for more collaborations between all parties involved in the future. Spice’s voice creeps in setting the tone then Karlie knocks it out reminding us that she is in fact an artist first. Capella Grey, whose personality bleeds all over the beat, marries the track together in a way that shouldn’t work but does.
Honoring her Trinidadian heritage, Karlie Redd is determined to change the current landscape of sound and carve out her space within the industry to deliver undeniably hits continuously.
Before the release of the “Werk” music video, Redd took to Instagram to praise her friend and collaborator Spice with a heartfelt message. “As I reflect upon my present blessings,” Redd wrote with a video of Spice and her celebrating her birthday on an island destination. “I went into a deep depression and a sunken place while trying to keep a smile on my face then Realized How blessed I am to have you in my life @spiceofficial I Didn’t get to post my bestie for her Birthday. Spice, Grace, Gracey & Aunty who wears many hats. Bestie I have never had a friend who stand up for me, fight for me, and have my back like you. I appreciate you so much. You work so hard. Your Heart Goes a long way. You are so strong. I tried so hard to reciprocate the best birthday as you did for me. I want to celebrate your birthday everyday. please allow me to put together another birthday for you. And I Promise To Have Your Back The Same Way! Thank You Pamputae Fen & @wondawoman0 for helping me put this together.”
“Werk” marks Redd’s first release in three years, which is the follow-up to her 2019 single “Ferrari Karlie.” “Werk” is produced by Johnny Blaze and Stadic and available on all platforms via Legacy Records.
Outside the music, Karlie Redd stars in the new season of the hit VH1 reality show, Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta, with new episodes airing every Monday at 8/7 PM Central on VH1.
Capella Grey appears on the song and video courtesy of Allepac The Family. Spice appears on the song and video courtesy of VP Music Group, Inc.
Check out Karlie Redd’s new hit above and watch the official visual below.
As Black History Month comes to a close, the 2022 NAACP Image Awards cap off a month celebrating black contributions to society. After the ceremony on Saturday, February 26, the celebrating will continue in a big way with DJ Cassidy’s special Reggae edition of Pass The Mic following the 53rd NAACP Image Awards. The special, DJ Cassidy’s Pass The Mic: BET Afterparty 2022, brings together Reggae and dancehall icons, celebrating Reggae’s influence on hip-hop and global culture.
DJ Cassidy sat down with The Source to talk about the show, whose lineup includes artists such as Shaggy, Maxi Priest, Super Cat, Barrington Levy, Ini Kamoze, Sister Nancy, Junior Reid, Patra, and more.
The inspiration for the show came from his past experience DJing, the overwhelming success of Pass the Mic, and his passion for a wide variety of musical genres.
He describes how the overwhelming emotional response to the first Pass the Mic in July 2020 inspired him to continue and he immediately began envisioning future installments of the concept.
“Looking back, I see now that each vision was a derivative of my former record crates that I carried to each deejay gig around the world,” he explains. “Before technology changed the game, I loaded six to eight one hundred pound steel cases that each held about 100 pieces of vinyl into every New York City taxi and onto every airplane. I categorized each crate by some form genre or era of music. From the very beginning of my Pass The Mic journey, I dreamed about a Reggae edition, a manifestation of that coveted Reggae record crate. As a hip-hop kid growing up in New York City, incorporating Reggae into my deejay sets was second nature. Dancehall stars were also hip-hop stars.”
He explains how when he first began conceptualizing this edition, he “wanted to represent those iconic dancehall records that played a special role in that crate, in my repertoire, and in my life in general.”
He also emphasizes how he really wanted to represent the various diverse facets of Reggae music, unbound by era, year, or decade, stating that “each of the sixteen songs featured on this show not only holds a special place in my heart, but holds a special place in the history of Reggae music and its massive influence on hip-hop, R&B, and pop music. Some dominated the hip-hop airwaves of radio stations like Hot 97 in the 1990s, while others topped the Billboard Pop Charts in the 1980s. Some fused with R&B and achieved massive commercial success, while others remain the most sampled songs of all times. Simply put, each of these records changed the game.”
While the show will definitely have many of the Pass the Mic trademark staples, Cassidy is also quick to note that viewers are in for a special treat with some of the differences that this show promises.
“Sixteen iconic records are featured in this show, more records on one show than ever before,” he explains. “There were simply so many definitive songs I wanted to celebrate. This edition brings the rapid-fire pace of Pass the Mic to new heights.
Cassidy has also partnered with some major industry names to make the upcoming show a success. In addition to superstar television producer, Jesse Collins (who recently produced the iconic hip-hop Superbowl Halftime show) and legendary music impresario, Steve Rifkind (founder of Loud and SRC Records), Cassidy partnered with renowned Reggae renaissance woman Sharon Burke and her team of Judth Bodley and Debrina Smith. “As a producer, promoter, and manager, Sharon has been at the helm of countless iconic Reggae moments over a span of decades. I knew that with her by my side, we would create something truly special that would go down in music history”, says Cassidy.
As for the future, Cassidy has no plans to limit his Pass the Mic experience to the western hemisphere, especially since over the course of the first eight editions of Pass the Mic, one of his signature catchphrases has become, “passing the mic all over the world.”
“Through Pass The Mic, I’ve always sought to create global connections between artists and fans and build bridges between both genres and viewers. Never has that mission been more fulfilled than in this installment,” he says of the upcoming performance.
“Witnessing the massive global response that Pass The Mic: Volume One and Pass The Mic: Volume Two received, I was overwhelmed by the international influence of classic hip-hop and R&B,” he says. “I always sought for the series to connect people musically on an international level, and no edition represents that mission more effectively than this upcoming special. In the future, as Pass the Mic continues to grow both on television, the stage, and beyond, I hope to constantly expand on that mission. As Afrobeat and Reggaeton’s cultural influence continues to explode, I would love to pass the mic to the icons, past, present, and future, that shaped their global impact. During President Biden’s televised Inauguration, I passed the mic to Ozuna and Luis Fonsi in front of 40 million viewers with two records that dominated global music charts, “Taki Taki” and “Despacito.” The sky’s the limit. I’d also love to celebrate Brazilian music and pass the mic to one of my greatest musical heroes, Sergio Mendes.”
He concludes by saying that “at the end of the day, no matter the category, genre, or era of music, each installment of Pass The Mic celebrates the greatest artists and greatest songs of all time by connecting those artists to their fans in a more intimate way than ever before.”