Anti-gay lyrics of Buju Banton’s youth remain an issue for activists Why dem try to make I unhappy, really and truly, I don’t know,” the gruff yet sinuous voice of Buju Banton chides. The words, from Banton’s 1997 hit “Hills and Valleys,” are warmly received by the capacity crowd, packed shoulder to shoulder on the [...]

Dancehall, reggae reach higher level The influence of dancehall and reggae music will probably soon surpass any other music. Bold statement, but Jamaican music is now turning up on just about any and everything to do with entertainment. In this instant, reggae and dancehall are now mainstays of video gamers.

Bring that beat back Yes says Ranking Roger of the Beat, they know they have to play Dream Home In New Zealand when they’re here. Yes, it might be a minor track from their second studio album – 1981′s Wha’ppen – which never made any of the many subsequent best-of collections. But it would be [...]

The world’s music: Reggae Sunspalsh There was never any question that UB40 was going to be a reggae band. “It was like a breath of fresh air for me,” Campbell recalls. “When everyone else loved the Beatles, I loved (ska pioneer) Prince Buster.” Then came the rocksteady sound of the late ’60s and Bob Marley’s [...]

Banton Presses On Despite Renewed Controversy Controversial reggae star Buju Banton has two words for the gay rights groups that have sporadically protested his concerts across the U.S.: “F*ck them.” “I have never bashed any gays before, and if I bashed gays, I bashed them 16 years ago,” Banton tells Billboard.com. “There’s no tolerance from [...]

Sly & Robbie: Rythm Method Ever since its incarnation it’s been an uphill battle for reggae to make serious inroads in the mainstream music pantheon, largely because it has faced below the belt criticism that has claimed all reggae sounds the same and suffered infantile stereotypes that propagate the notions that reggae is first and [...]

The return of Roger Moore “People want Roger Moore back, I’m not turning back” proclaims long-lost reggae crooner Oriel Johnson, aka Roger Moore. After being away from the reggae scene for 10 years, Moore is planning a huge comeback. Despite his absence, Moore still remains in the minds of many, with reggae hits with producer [...]

Is the U.S. really land of free? Reggae superstar Buju Banton doesn’t think so Buju Banton has freedom on his mind. Freedom in America. “I don’t see any freedom in America – it’s an illusion, the freedom you have,” Banton says by phone from North Carolina. The reggae superstar is crossing the country on tour [...]

Beenie Man is at it again In an interview published in the latest issue of Riddim Magazine, Beenie bashes Baby Cham, Elephant Man, Dave Kelly and of course Bounty Killer. He also addressed a number of controversial issues surrounding him, his music and relationship with other artistes.

Roots Tonic This is an album of original, instrumental dub reggae from Matisyahu’s backing band produced by the “legendary” Bill Laswell. If you like Matisyahu’s music, then you’ll like this. If you think you’d miss the lyrical element, you may want to avoid it. Most of the tracks here are built around a repeated bass [...]