A Buju Banton ‘Earthstrong’ Playlist Of His Best Songs

As Reggae and Dancehall Giant Buju Banton celebrates his earthstrong today — July 15 — what better way than to toast this Jamaican treasure than with a playlist of some of his most iconic hits over the years. There is no denying Banton, who turns 48 today is one of the most significant figures in the history of Jamaican music. From his inception on the music scene, Gargamel dominated both spheres of the genre. As a Dancehall pioneer, he embodied hardcore with his best selling albums Stamina Daddy and Mr. Mention, and for his body of work in Reggae music, Buju would prove to be a hard act to follow after releasing his Grammy-nominated albums Inna Heights, Friends For Life, Too Bad, Rasta Got Soul and his Grammy Award-winning Before the Dawn.

Upon his return from a 10-year hiatus in music, Buju’s status only gained more respect and prestige. His Long Walk To Freedom concert after his release from prison would demonstrate that not only was he unbreakable but also just getting his feet wet. Upside Down 2020, his thirteenth studio album arrived to achieve critical acclaim from the likes of Rolling Stone magazine and The Guardian that stated Buju is “as good as he’s ever been.” Take the commemorative journey with us as we toast Buju Banton on his earthstrong with some of his most popular songs of all time.

Champion (‘Til Shiloh 1995)

Released in 1995 on Banton’s fourth and Gold-certified album ‘Til Shiloh, the rhythmic sounding Champion reflected Gargamel’s signature rude-bwoy style before his transition to a more serious roots-oriented, Rastafarian artiste. The Champion Remix followed on a bouncy Hip Hop beat to bolster its mainstream appeal and to stage the deejay’s sonic diversity.

Bonafide Love feat. Wayne Wonder (2000)

Teaming up with the euphonious Wayne Wonder in 2000, Buju added yet another hit song to his prolific musical roster. The two lover boys took turns delivering verses about their “good loving” and loyalty. No matter how high-in-demand these bachelors were, they wanted their significant other to know, “You may not be a movie star, you may not drive a big fast car but I love you in every way, I don’t know why…” The single was featured on Live at Summer Jam album, a collection of Buju’s fan favorite tracks of all time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVlW3BI54JA

Murderer (‘Til Shiloh 1995)

This is one of Banton’s most lyrically potent singles ever. In his iconic thundering tones, the leading verses, “Murderer! Blood is on your shoulders, kill I today you cannot kill I tomorrow. Murder! Your insides must be hollow. How does it feel to take the life of another?…” sounded off like an admonishing siren, as if conjuring the guilt held by the ones hiding bloodstains on their hands. To date, the track is a well-known anthem of judgment on outlaws of society.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJVfPU87hws

Driver (Too Bad 2006)

Cool and deadly was Driver off Banton’s eighth studio album, Too Bad. Dishing his rude bwoy swag in this Roots-Reggae-styled track, the Dancehall deejay revived Sly and Robbie’s slow and pulsating Taxi Riddim to produce what became a major hit. Buju teamed up with director Troy Antonio to bring life to his Gargamel Music produced single in old New York where he starred as the ‘Boss’ sending his oblivious ‘Driver’ on a sketchy delivery in the music video. Watch –

Not An Easy Road (‘Til Shiloh 1995)

Basking in his new Rastafarian faith in the mid-’90s, Gargamel gave us this melodious psalm to tread the hardships of life with his people. As the name states, ‘it’s not an easy road’ Buju says, and who feels it knows. Pointing out the unending obstacles and fight to make ends meet, he stresses the strength it takes to not ‘accept defeat.’ Buju encourages listeners to keep pushing on and lean on God. “Lord help we sustain these blows … Oh my God cast away this curse,” he sings a cry for help for all.

Complaint feat. Garnet Silk (‘Til Shiloh 1995)

Another unforgettable release on the ‘Til Shiloh collection was this collaboration with the late Garnet Silk. Complaint, which arrived on the heavy-hitting baseline of the Tempo Riddim had a strong conscious Rastafarian flare and radiated Silk’s infectious tones with Buju’s gruff accent. The two gave their perspectives of the woes experienced by people from the “wicked man” and overbearing critics, though they managed to deliver a melodious sounding track.

Wanna Be Loved (‘Til Shiloh 1995)

Changing gears from his Batty Rider days, Buju had now set his sights on finding a virtuous woman to love him “not for who you think I am, nor what you want me to be” in his single Wanna Be Loved. No strings attached, Garamel yearns for real love, “I wanna give you my heart …been searching a long long time for that oh so true love to comfort this heart of mine, don’t pretend, stop wasting my time, a virtuous woman is really hard to find,” he sings, as though he had grown truly tired of numerous meaningless relationships.

Destiny (Inna Heights 1997)

Another poignant and notable release from Buju was Destiny, which was also featured on his Billboard Reggae Album Chart-topper Inna Heights. The single dominated the airwaves circa 1997 and many years beyond, prompting singalong impulses on the hook, “Destiny! Mama look from when you call me, Destiny! Mama look from when you calling, I wanna rule my destiny… Jah Jah mek mi rule my destiny.” To date, Destiny remains a timeless inspirational ballad from the great Gargamel and reflects one of his highly regarded pieces, even more than 20 years later after its release.

Untold Stories (‘Til Shiloh 1995)

Banton’s Untold Stories created quite the buzz upon its release as being “Reminiscent in mood and delivery to Redemption Song by Bob Marley.” Besides pulling many favorable comparisons to the late Reggae legend, Buju was commended for paving the way for a greater spirituality within Dancehall music and reminded audiences that Roots-Reggae expounded with the use of conscious lyrics, much like several other singles in his ‘Til Shiloh album.

Hills & Valleys (Inna Heights 1997)

Released in 1997 off his fifth album Inna Heights, Buja Banton at the time had emerged somewhat as a spiritual leader for the people. Honing his Rastafari disposition, he sought to liberate his people from negative influences in the single Hills & Valley. Banton lessoned his brothers and sisters to feel the ‘mystical communication’ within and come together, look out for one another and stop tearing down each other.