Buju Banton is still locked up in Pinellas County Jail awaiting his Tampa trial. I can't believe thats roughly 5 miles from where I work. The support for Buju is said to be declining since the affidavit was released. Veteran Jamaican broadcaster Jamaican Winston Barnes, news director at the WAVS AM radio station in Fort Lauderdale, said based on the tone of callers to his daily 'Open Mic' show, this may be the case.


I'm still in your corner Buju.

Dedicated to the Haitian earthquake victims.

Mad Cobra  was the 1st artist I ever owned a LEGIT album from. It was the album with Flex on it. I got his album and an album from Naughty by Nature on my 11th or 12th birthday from my big bro.

Buju Banton has assembled a top–notch legal team to defend him against charges of intent to distribute cocaine, five kilos or more. A statement released by the artist’s record label, Gargamel Music Incorporated, indicates that the artist will be represented by David Oscar Markus, who has been involved in several high profile drug cases. In an interview with online magazine Caribworldnews.com, the president of Gargamel, Traci McGregor, was quoted as saying, “This is Buju and we’re going to get him the top legal representation there is. We are ready to fight”. She also urged people to remember that he is innocent until proven guilty.

Buju has waived his right to a bail hearing and therefore remains incarcerated  in Tampa and could receive up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Many comments circulating on the Internet indicate a common belief that the charges are trumped up in part due to his conflicts with gay rights activists, who accuse him of promoting violence against gays in his music. The controversy stems from a song written and performed by Buju over 15 years ago called “Boom Bye Bye”. The current negative publicity is overshadowing what had been a good year for the artist, with critical acclaim for Rasta Got Soul, a conscious reggae album that promotes his Rastafari beliefs, and a Grammy nomination for the project.

*Buju hope 2010 see you a free man - Kalik*

The long awaited album (well I've been waiting) from Nas and Damian Marley titled Distant Relatives is set to release in March 2010. Here's the cover artwork. You can find additional info I previously talked about HERE.

The affidavit has been released from the DEA agent who nabbed Buju Banton. It's a good read, and I feel bad for Buju. Realistically I have no clue why he was buying (or attempting to purchase) narcotics. I watched his career over my lifetime from I was 11 in 1991 till now. I've attended many of his concerts, before the gay boycotts from Cali to Florida of 2009. I am sure the loss of tour money dipped into your cash flow, but I hope you didn't turn to coke sales to keep your lifestyle afloat.

I am a true fan of Buju Banton... I am disappointed if everything written HERE in this document is correct. I had you as the #2 reggae ambassador behind Bob Marley, in my eyes. Every person has their favorite artist and you were one of mine... I have so many memories set to the tunes of your music.

Hope it is a fallacy and you beat the case. - Jah bless!

They keep mentioning Boom Bye Bye... they cancelled his Tampa and Miami show. Now they bringing him to Tampa for a case. Jah help him!

Not sure what a gwan. But something don't seem right about this...

Quote from AllHipHop.com - Celebrated reggae star Buju Banton is being detained in a federal Miami prison following his arrest last Thursday (December 10) on drug charges. Banton, real name Mark Anthony Myrie, was booked with another unidentified man after a surveillance camera caught them in the process of a drug transaction. Authorities claim to have found the singer with 5 kilos of cocaine, and charged him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute.


Banton was in the midst of completing a milestone 2009. The veteran deejay had received Grammy nomination for his ninth studio album Rasta Got Soul, and finished a successful North American tour. During the tour, Banton also attempted reconciliation with the gay community. The singer had been at odds with the group since his popular 1992 “Boom Bye Bye,” which endorsed violence against gay men. After receiving years of protest, Banton finally conducted a sit-down with the gay community this past October. According to reports, the meeting remained civil and productive despite Banton’s refusal to renounce his past views.


At press time, the Miami authorities are expected to release further case details on Monday (December 14).

Nas & Damian Marley recorded an album "Distant Relatives" that was supposed to be released September 2009. The album has been pushed back right now... but they have done a few concerts this year. Keep ya eyes open for this album, when it drops.


Tracklisting:
01 Intro (Something New) (prod. Damian Marley)
02 As We Enter (prod. Damian Marley)
03 Revolutionary (prod. Damian Marley)
04 Count Your Blessings (prod. Damian & Stephen Marley)
05 Belief is Key (prod. Damian Marley)
06 Africa Must Wake Up f. K’naan (prod. Nas, Damian & Stephen Marley)
07 Black Horizon f. K’naan (prod. Damian Marley)
08 Only the Strong (prod. Damian & Stephen Marley)
09 Our Generation f. Joss Stone & Stevie Wonder (prod. Damian Marley)
10 Empowerment (prod. Stephen Marley)
11 AID (prod. K’naan & Nas)
12 Let’s End It (Poverty) f. K’naan (prod. 9th Wonder & Damian Marley)
13 The Earth f. Bob Marley (prod. Salaam Remix, Damian & Stephen Marley)
14 Black Man’s Paper f. Erykah Badu (prod. Afry) [UK Bonus]
15 Weed On f. Snoop Dogg (prod. Damian Marley) [iTunes Bonus]

Big up my bro Tico! My first ever legal albums I ever owned was Mad Cobra (Girl Flex)and Naughty By Nature (OPP). I got them on my 12th birthday. Before that all I owned were maxwell bootlegs tape from The Hit Spot (local shop in Nassau, Bahamas).

When I heard this earlier I thought of my big bro.

Plus the diss track goes hard, can't wait to here the answer back!

Mad Cobra - Crimology