“We ah strive and ah reach fi we goal / Dem ah fight and spite through dem in control / Dem ah real asshole”
Is there a more universal genre of music than reggae and dancehall? There’s a reason Bob Marley is the first international superstar from a so-called “Third World” country. Dancehall, the lively offspring of Roots Reggae, was born in the late ‘70’s and has become more popular over the years. Artists like Drake, Major Lazer and Rihanna have tapped into the riddims that get your stanky leg moving involuntarily.
“Well imagine we ah try move out of di shack / Dem ah cry and ah spy and ah try stop we clock / Guess ah who have we back”
Enter Buju Banton, one of the global ambassadors for Dancehall. His first big hit was back in 1993, “Make My Day”, and he hasn’t slowed down for three decades. His latest offering, Upside Down 2020, features our Track of the Month, “Blessed”. Mr. Banton is known for delivering uplifting lyrics with a hoarse, forceful delivery, over classic dancehall riddims. “Blessed” follows that tried and true formula, with a pounding bassline that evokes humid dancefloors and lost inhibitions at late night functions.
“No sah we mek our own ah success / Nah hesitate fi protect we interest / Stay focus me ah try fi progress / Nah follow dem wit di road ah eat chest”
“Blessed” is a call to action for those who are systemically held down, urging them to keep pushing forward, success will come. It’s a timely message, in line with BLM and the fight against systemic racism in the US. Never forget, throughout it all, we are blessed.
Tell dem we bless!