Filmmaker Jeymes Samuel’s latest offering, The Book of Clarence, is now open in theaters. In celebration, the writer-director-producer is celebrating with the release of an epic collaboration matching the scale of the film, pairing Jay-Z and D’Angelo on the nine-minute song “I Want You Forever.”
Leading up to the stateside release of The Book of Clarence, Samuel appeared in conversation with Jay-Z — who also serves as a producer on the film — at a screening. There, the filmmaker described the record as “nine minutes and 32 seconds of absolute soulful, biblical bliss.
Leading up to the stateside release of The Book of Clarence, Samuel appeared in conversation with Jay-Z — who also serves as a producer on the film — at a screening. There, the filmmaker described the record as “nine minutes and 32 seconds of absolute soulful, biblical bliss.
- 1/12/2024
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
Jeymes Samuel unveiled the music video for “Hallelujah Heaven” on Wednesday, the first single from the soundtrack for his upcoming film, The Book of Clarence.
The director and musician appears alongside Lil Wayne, Buju Banton, and Shabba Ranks, plus cameos from the movie’s stars, Lakeith Stanfield & Rj Cyler. Directed by Child, and filmed in Jamaica and Los Angeles, the video follows the trailer release for The Book of Clarence, which is scheduled to hit theaters on Jan. 12, 2024.
“The Book of Clarence is a film that I wanted to make for many years.
The director and musician appears alongside Lil Wayne, Buju Banton, and Shabba Ranks, plus cameos from the movie’s stars, Lakeith Stanfield & Rj Cyler. Directed by Child, and filmed in Jamaica and Los Angeles, the video follows the trailer release for The Book of Clarence, which is scheduled to hit theaters on Jan. 12, 2024.
“The Book of Clarence is a film that I wanted to make for many years.
- 12/21/2023
- by Charisma Madarang
- Rollingstone.com
Welcome To Our weekly rundown of the best new music — featuring big singles, key tracks from our favorite albums, and more. This week, Taylor Swift surprise drops a gorgeous pre-breakup ballad, Beyoncé returns to detonate the dance floor, and Jung Kook gets a hand from Usher on a slick disco tune. Plus, new tracks from Mgmt, Milo J and Peso Pluma, and a highlight from the first Peter Gabriel album in 20 years.
Taylor Swift, “You’re Losing Me” (YouTube)
Beyoncé , “My House” (YouTube)
Jungkook feat. Usher, “Standing Next to You” (YouTube)
Mgmt,...
Taylor Swift, “You’re Losing Me” (YouTube)
Beyoncé , “My House” (YouTube)
Jungkook feat. Usher, “Standing Next to You” (YouTube)
Mgmt,...
- 12/1/2023
- by Rolling Stone
- Rollingstone.com
Is there anything more sacrilegious than pretending to be Jesus Christ? Lakeith Stanfield is about to find out in "The Book of Clarence," the new movie from "The Harder They Fall" director Jeymes Samuel. Set back during the time of Jesus Christ, the story follows a down on his luck man named Clarence who is trying to help his mother, impress a woman he loves, and generally prove that he's not a nobody. Since everyone seems to be smitten with the miracles of a certain prophet, Clarence comes up with a plan to make a name for himself by pretending he has the same abilities as Jesus.
As you can see in the new trailer for "The Book of Clarence" above, even though this is a Biblical tale, it has a modern filmmaking style, complete with a hip hop fueled soundtrack provided by the likes of Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Kid Cudi,...
As you can see in the new trailer for "The Book of Clarence" above, even though this is a Biblical tale, it has a modern filmmaking style, complete with a hip hop fueled soundtrack provided by the likes of Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Kid Cudi,...
- 11/28/2023
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
Filmmaker and musician Jeymes Samuel has linked up with Lil Wayne, Buju Banton, and Shabba Ranks for “Hallelujah Heaven,” the first offering from the soundtrack for Samuel’s upcoming movie, The Book of Clarence.
Samuel served as director, writer, producer, and composer on The Book of Clarence, and in a statement, he noted “the story and music” for the film was “always there percolating in my mind” as he worked on other projects (like his 2021 feature The Harder They Fall).
“There was never a question as to whether I would...
Samuel served as director, writer, producer, and composer on The Book of Clarence, and in a statement, he noted “the story and music” for the film was “always there percolating in my mind” as he worked on other projects (like his 2021 feature The Harder They Fall).
“There was never a question as to whether I would...
- 11/28/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Jeymes Samuel has released the first single from the soundtrack of his upcoming feature film, The Book of Clarence. The track, “Hallelujah Heaven,” was written and produced by Samuel and features verses from three of several prominent artists who appear on the album: Lil Wayne, Buju Banton and Shabba Ranks.
“I didn’t know Wayne,” Samuel tells The Hollywood Reporter of working with the rapper. “I just sent Weezy the track and he said, ‘I’m doing it.’”
The Book of Clarence, set in 29 A.D. Jerusalem, stars Lakeith Stanfield in the lead role of Clarence, a trickster who, out of desperation to prove that he’s not a nobody to everyone around him, claims to be a new messiah. The biblical epic, which also counts Omar Sy, Caleb McLaughlin, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Anna Diop among its cast, explores themes of race and religion through both the storyline and musical...
“I didn’t know Wayne,” Samuel tells The Hollywood Reporter of working with the rapper. “I just sent Weezy the track and he said, ‘I’m doing it.’”
The Book of Clarence, set in 29 A.D. Jerusalem, stars Lakeith Stanfield in the lead role of Clarence, a trickster who, out of desperation to prove that he’s not a nobody to everyone around him, claims to be a new messiah. The biblical epic, which also counts Omar Sy, Caleb McLaughlin, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Anna Diop among its cast, explores themes of race and religion through both the storyline and musical...
- 11/28/2023
- by Brande Victorian
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
We’ve compiled the eclectic mix of hip-hop, Latin pop, R&b, Afrobeats, and K-pop music of the artists featured in the fifth installment of our Musicians on Musicians series into a mega playlist on iHeart. From the song that changed Omar Apollo’s life to Latto’s own track that Snoop Dogg requested at his photoshoot with the Atlanta rapper, tune into the hits that made these musicians’ careers.
Snoop Dogg
“Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang” feat. Dr. Dre
“Drop It Like It’s Hot” feat. Pharell
“Sensual Seduction...
Snoop Dogg
“Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang” feat. Dr. Dre
“Drop It Like It’s Hot” feat. Pharell
“Sensual Seduction...
- 11/1/2023
- by Maya Georgi
- Rollingstone.com
While much of the charm of Victoria Monét’s stunning new album Jaguar II comes from how skillfully she channels 1970s soul while establishing her own unique sound, Buju Banton has remained a fixture in reggae and dancehall since the 1980s by adapting the genres to the times. He broke out in 1987, broke Bob Marley’s record for the most Number One singles in Jamaica in a year in 1992, and earned six Grammy nominations for Best Reggae album between 1998 and 2020, and winning in 2010.
Monét, 34, was just a girl when her...
Monét, 34, was just a girl when her...
- 9/12/2023
- by Mankaprr Conteh
- Rollingstone.com
Across the roll out of her debut studio album, Jaguar II, Victoria Monét has been a jokester and a party girl, all while proving that her skill is nothing to play with. The 34 year-old is a real triple threat who writes, sings, and dances with social media appeal that can draw both pop and R&b lovers into her world.
Take the music video for her latest standout single “On My Mama,” where she sings smoothly of bad bitchery and uses luscious, syrupy horns to elevate an interpolation of Texas...
Take the music video for her latest standout single “On My Mama,” where she sings smoothly of bad bitchery and uses luscious, syrupy horns to elevate an interpolation of Texas...
- 8/23/2023
- by Mankaprr Conteh
- Rollingstone.com
Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter and producer, Victoria Monét winds up summer playlists even more with the official follow up music video to her latest smash single, “On My Mama”, just released!
The 2000s-nostalgic video overflows with southern flare while being accented with ground-scraping lowriders, signature Y2K street style, cameos from Black fraternities and sororities and Hbcu culture, various dance numbers from renowned choreographer, Sean Bankhead and special cameos from Monét’s own mama and intuitively talented 2-year-old daughter, Hazel Monét. The “On My Mama” visual reminds of a significant era in the early 2000s when underground southern music began to take over national airwaves and catch the eye of people across the globe.
“‘On My Mama’ is the soundtrack to positive affirmations. I wrote it postpartum when I wasn’t feeling my best, but spoke to how I wanted to feel. Singing the lyrics about yourself will change your frequency,...
The 2000s-nostalgic video overflows with southern flare while being accented with ground-scraping lowriders, signature Y2K street style, cameos from Black fraternities and sororities and Hbcu culture, various dance numbers from renowned choreographer, Sean Bankhead and special cameos from Monét’s own mama and intuitively talented 2-year-old daughter, Hazel Monét. The “On My Mama” visual reminds of a significant era in the early 2000s when underground southern music began to take over national airwaves and catch the eye of people across the globe.
“‘On My Mama’ is the soundtrack to positive affirmations. I wrote it postpartum when I wasn’t feeling my best, but spoke to how I wanted to feel. Singing the lyrics about yourself will change your frequency,...
- 8/16/2023
- by Music Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid Music
Victoria Monét is getting some top-notch features on her debut album. On Monday, the prolific songwriter and R&b extraordinaire announced the track list for Jaguar II, featuring some heavy hitters and her own daughter Hazel.
“I’m so happy to finally share this with you!! Look at these Features ,” she wrote on Twitter. “Screaming..what is life?! “
The album will include 11 songs, and features production from Kaytranada on “Alright,” Buju Banton on previously-released “Party Girls,” Lucky Daye on “Smoke,” and legends Earth, Wind & Fire along with her daughter Hazel on “Hollywood.
“I’m so happy to finally share this with you!! Look at these Features ,” she wrote on Twitter. “Screaming..what is life?! “
The album will include 11 songs, and features production from Kaytranada on “Alright,” Buju Banton on previously-released “Party Girls,” Lucky Daye on “Smoke,” and legends Earth, Wind & Fire along with her daughter Hazel on “Hollywood.
- 7/17/2023
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
It’s her mothaf—in’ moment! On Monday, Victoria Monét announced the tour dates for her fall headlining Jaguar Tour, which will support the release of her album Jaguar II, out August 25.
“Where the Jaguar goes,” she wrote. “Can’t wait to see you there!!”
Monét will kick off her tour in Detroit on Sept. 6 before making her way to cities such as New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, Seattle, and Los Angeles. She’ll also head to the UK in mid-November for a show in London.
View this post on...
“Where the Jaguar goes,” she wrote. “Can’t wait to see you there!!”
Monét will kick off her tour in Detroit on Sept. 6 before making her way to cities such as New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, Seattle, and Los Angeles. She’ll also head to the UK in mid-November for a show in London.
View this post on...
- 7/10/2023
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
Welcome to our weekly rundown of the best new music — featuring big singles, key tracks from our favorite albums, and more. This week, Janelle Monáe gets sensual, BTS deliver for a sleek salute to our planet, Phoebe Bridgers lends vocals to new songs by Arlo Parks and Rob Moose, and Lil Durk celebrates his long-odds success with the help of J. Cole.
Janelle Monáe, “Lipstick Lover” (YouTube)
BTS, “The Planet” (YouTube)
Lil Durk feat. J. Cole, “All My Life” (YouTube)
Arlo Parks feat. Phoebe Bridgers, “Pegasus” (YouTube)
Gale, “La Mitad” (YouTube)
G Flip,...
Janelle Monáe, “Lipstick Lover” (YouTube)
BTS, “The Planet” (YouTube)
Lil Durk feat. J. Cole, “All My Life” (YouTube)
Arlo Parks feat. Phoebe Bridgers, “Pegasus” (YouTube)
Gale, “La Mitad” (YouTube)
G Flip,...
- 5/12/2023
- by Rolling Stone
- Rollingstone.com
Welcome to our weekly rundown of the best new music — featuring big singles, key tracks from our favorite albums, and more. This week, Grupo Frontera enlist Bad Bunny for a masterclass in apologies, Latto pops off on a hot single, a glistening track off Suga’s debut, and the first new music from the Foo Fighters since the death of drummer Taylor Hawkins.
Bad Bunny and Grupo Frontera “un x100to” (YouTube)
The Weeknd feat. Future, “Double Fantasy” (YouTube)
Latto, “Put It On Da Floor” (YouTube)
Suga, “Sdl” (YouTube)
Foo Fighters,...
Bad Bunny and Grupo Frontera “un x100to” (YouTube)
The Weeknd feat. Future, “Double Fantasy” (YouTube)
Latto, “Put It On Da Floor” (YouTube)
Suga, “Sdl” (YouTube)
Foo Fighters,...
- 4/21/2023
- by Rolling Stone
- Rollingstone.com
It’s 4/20, which means there’s no better time for a new collaboration from dancehall legend Buju Banton and Snoop Dogg about the magical mysteries of marijuana, aptly titled, “High Life.”
The breezy, bumping, horn-laced tune is “about how innate consciousness and connection is to the blessed herbs,” Banton tells Rolling Stone via email. “Not just from a feel good perspective but also a spiritual level as well. It was our intent to pay homage to that sacrament.” The two artists do exactly that, while still having some fun with it,...
The breezy, bumping, horn-laced tune is “about how innate consciousness and connection is to the blessed herbs,” Banton tells Rolling Stone via email. “Not just from a feel good perspective but also a spiritual level as well. It was our intent to pay homage to that sacrament.” The two artists do exactly that, while still having some fun with it,...
- 4/20/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
There were great reggae bassists before him, and after, but more than any other instrumentalist, Robbie Shakespeare, in tandem with his drum partner and co-producer Sly Dunbar, defined the bass-centric approach of the genre’s modern era, from the roots-rocker sound of the Seventies to the digi-dub dancehall of the Eighties, Nineties, and beyond. His playing was so deeply grounded, its pulse felt biological, and so irresistible he became not just the go-to man for reggae musicians, but for anyone interested in seismic grooves, from Dylan and Mick Jagger to No Doubt and Simply Red.
- 12/9/2021
- by Will Hermes and Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Max Romeo, the reggae singer who worked with Lee “Scratch” Perry on their classic 1976 album War Ina Babylon, spoke to Rolling Stone to pay tribute to his friend and collaborator following Perry’s death Sunday at the age of 85.
“The first thing is, he was truly a producer; he didn’t just a sit in a chair in the studio and listen to what you got and record it. He joined in in the building of the thing,” Romeo tells Rolling Stone from his farm in Jamaica.
“He’s a...
“The first thing is, he was truly a producer; he didn’t just a sit in a chair in the studio and listen to what you got and record it. He joined in in the building of the thing,” Romeo tells Rolling Stone from his farm in Jamaica.
“He’s a...
- 8/29/2021
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Dvsn and Ty Dolla $ign have dropped the video for their new single “Memories.” The track will appear on their collaborative album, Cheers to the Best Memories, which arrives on Friday via Ovo Sound.
The video’s aesthetic mirrors the retro vibes of the song, which reworks a sample of Silk’s song “Freak Me.” In the visual the guys are in a night club hanging out and performing the vocoder-laden song. The grainy retro-style footage features women moving to the grooves in the flirty clip. “I want to make some memories tonight,...
The video’s aesthetic mirrors the retro vibes of the song, which reworks a sample of Silk’s song “Freak Me.” In the visual the guys are in a night club hanging out and performing the vocoder-laden song. The grainy retro-style footage features women moving to the grooves in the flirty clip. “I want to make some memories tonight,...
- 8/19/2021
- by Althea Legaspi
- Rollingstone.com
North Carolina rapper Rapsody has shared a scathing new song, “12 Problems,” which will appear on the upcoming Roc Nation social justice charity compilation, Reprise, out October 9th.
“12 Problems” boasts production from Don Cannon and Cubeatz, who pair concrete drums and rumbling bass with a loop of disconcertingly heavenly choral vocals. On the track, Rapsody spits a pair of visceral verses that tackle police brutality, the prison industrial complex, the War on Drugs and more, pulling it all together with a chorus that puts a new spin on a classic Jay-Z...
“12 Problems” boasts production from Don Cannon and Cubeatz, who pair concrete drums and rumbling bass with a loop of disconcertingly heavenly choral vocals. On the track, Rapsody spits a pair of visceral verses that tackle police brutality, the prison industrial complex, the War on Drugs and more, pulling it all together with a chorus that puts a new spin on a classic Jay-Z...
- 9/18/2020
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
In today’s TV news roundup, Quibi revealed a new trailer for “Reno 911!,” and Amazon Prime Video announced the premiere date for “Utopia.”
Dates
Amazon Prime Video has announced a Sept. 25 premiere date for the new conspiracy thriller series, “Utopia.” The show follows the fans of a comic book series called “Utopia” that seems to have clues hidden inside that hint at and predict real-world dangers that threaten the fabric of humanity. Based on the British series of the same name, the Amazon version is written and executive produced by Gillian Flynn. Other executive producers for the show include Jessica Rhoades, Sharon Levy, Sharon Hall, Toby Haynes, Karen Wilson and Dennis Kelly. Watch a trailer below.
First Looks
Quibi has unveiled a new trailer for the next batch of episodes of “Reno 911!,” set to premiere Aug. 24. The 13 new episodes center around members of the Reno Sheriff’s Department...
Dates
Amazon Prime Video has announced a Sept. 25 premiere date for the new conspiracy thriller series, “Utopia.” The show follows the fans of a comic book series called “Utopia” that seems to have clues hidden inside that hint at and predict real-world dangers that threaten the fabric of humanity. Based on the British series of the same name, the Amazon version is written and executive produced by Gillian Flynn. Other executive producers for the show include Jessica Rhoades, Sharon Levy, Sharon Hall, Toby Haynes, Karen Wilson and Dennis Kelly. Watch a trailer below.
First Looks
Quibi has unveiled a new trailer for the next batch of episodes of “Reno 911!,” set to premiere Aug. 24. The 13 new episodes center around members of the Reno Sheriff’s Department...
- 8/18/2020
- by Eli Countryman
- Variety Film + TV
Grammy Award-winning reggae musician Buju Banton appeared on The Daily Show to perform an anthem of strength and resilience, “Buried Alive,” from his album Upside Down 2020. The passionate performance from Banton and his band took place in an isolated studio.
“I was buried alive but I’m still breathing,” Banton sings. “I don’t know what tomorrow may bring but I got a feeling.”
It’s an appropriate sentiment during the Covid-19 crisis, and during his interview with Trevor Noah, Banton stressed the importance and integrity of socially conscious lyrics in reggae.
“I was buried alive but I’m still breathing,” Banton sings. “I don’t know what tomorrow may bring but I got a feeling.”
It’s an appropriate sentiment during the Covid-19 crisis, and during his interview with Trevor Noah, Banton stressed the importance and integrity of socially conscious lyrics in reggae.
- 7/22/2020
- by Jon Blistein and Claire Shaffer
- Rollingstone.com
In February 2011, one day after dancehall and reggae icon Buju Banton won his first Grammy, he went to trial to face charges of conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute. Despite a thin case and evidence that Buju had been entrapped, he wound up serving seven years in in an American federal prison. His release and return to Jamaica, in December 2018, was akin to a holiday for his fans. Buju was back.
With Upside Down 2020, Buju’s first album in a decade, he sounds as vital as ever. At 46, his iconic,...
With Upside Down 2020, Buju’s first album in a decade, he sounds as vital as ever. At 46, his iconic,...
- 7/9/2020
- by Danny Schwartz
- Rollingstone.com
A month after Buju Banton announced the impending arrival of his new album Upside Down 2020, the reggae superstar revealed Friday that his first LP in 10 years will be released June 26th.
Banton also shared his new single “Blessed” from Upside Down 2020, which marks Banton’s first full-length album since his prison release in December 2018 following a seven-year stint on U.S. federal drug charges. John Legend, Pharrell, Stephen Marley and Stefflon Don are among the album’s guests.
The dancehall star last released Before the Dawn in 2010. A decade later,...
Banton also shared his new single “Blessed” from Upside Down 2020, which marks Banton’s first full-length album since his prison release in December 2018 following a seven-year stint on U.S. federal drug charges. John Legend, Pharrell, Stephen Marley and Stefflon Don are among the album’s guests.
The dancehall star last released Before the Dawn in 2010. A decade later,...
- 6/12/2020
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Legacy, a 12-part documentary series, explores Jamaican culture in part three: Bob Marley: Righteousness.
Clocking in at nearly 20 minutes, the mini-documentary features several Rastafarians discussing the root of their religion and spirituality. “Locks don’t make me be a Rasta,” Ricky Chaplin says, showing the camera his dreadlocks. “This is my identity.”
“A pureness of the heart will supersede anything,” Buju Banton says before Marley’s “Natural Mystic” plays in the background.
We also get a peek at the lush, sprawling hills of Kingston, as well as locations like...
Clocking in at nearly 20 minutes, the mini-documentary features several Rastafarians discussing the root of their religion and spirituality. “Locks don’t make me be a Rasta,” Ricky Chaplin says, showing the camera his dreadlocks. “This is my identity.”
“A pureness of the heart will supersede anything,” Buju Banton says before Marley’s “Natural Mystic” plays in the background.
We also get a peek at the lush, sprawling hills of Kingston, as well as locations like...
- 5/1/2020
- by Angie Martoccio
- Rollingstone.com
Other than the actual fundraising, one of the enjoyable things about “at home” music events in this time of coronavirus is watching artists perform unvarnished.
This was largely true of Bet’s “Saving Ourselves” event (dubbed S.O.S.) on Wednesday (April 22). Although most of the videos were pre-recorded using backing tracks, the home-spun feel of the broadcast and warm-hearted sentiments made for an entertaining and poignant couple of hours that raised funds for communities of color — disproportionately affected by Covid-19.
Emceed by four different hosts — Anthony Anderson, Kelly Rowland, Terrence J and Regina Hall — all presenting from their homes, the absence of any stage direction or time restrictions that typically accompany formal televised events added a loose informality to the occasion.
The benefit kicked off with an uplifting gospel-infused song, “I Smile,” performed by the ageless Kirk Franklin and featuring Kelly Price, Fantasia, Tyrese and others.
The TikTok feel...
This was largely true of Bet’s “Saving Ourselves” event (dubbed S.O.S.) on Wednesday (April 22). Although most of the videos were pre-recorded using backing tracks, the home-spun feel of the broadcast and warm-hearted sentiments made for an entertaining and poignant couple of hours that raised funds for communities of color — disproportionately affected by Covid-19.
Emceed by four different hosts — Anthony Anderson, Kelly Rowland, Terrence J and Regina Hall — all presenting from their homes, the absence of any stage direction or time restrictions that typically accompany formal televised events added a loose informality to the occasion.
The benefit kicked off with an uplifting gospel-infused song, “I Smile,” performed by the ageless Kirk Franklin and featuring Kelly Price, Fantasia, Tyrese and others.
The TikTok feel...
- 4/23/2020
- by Jeff Vasishta
- Variety Film + TV
The Jamaican singer Protoje, who is intent on bringing the fervor of classic reggae to contemporary streamers, announced a new deal with RCA on Monday. The company will throw its weight behind Protoje’s label In.Digg.Nation, supporting the singer’s own music along with that of two other artists he has signed, Sevana and Lila Iké.
While these deals are common in the American market, they are a rarity for Jamaican acts. “I still get to run my own label, have a certain level of creative control, but have support from a major,...
While these deals are common in the American market, they are a rarity for Jamaican acts. “I still get to run my own label, have a certain level of creative control, but have support from a major,...
- 4/13/2020
- by Elias Leight
- Rollingstone.com
Bob Marley’s family and friends discuss the late reggae legend in Bob Marley: Legacy. The clip is the first episode of a 12-part documentary series that will premiere on YouTube in the months to come.
Nearly 20 minutes long, the episode shows Marley’s home of Jamaica and the influence he had on the island. His family — Ziggy, Julian, Skip, Rohan and others — appear in conversation with friends and musicians, including Buju Banton and Lloyd “Bread” McDonald. Topics include Marley’s artistry and the influence marijuana had on him; vintage...
Nearly 20 minutes long, the episode shows Marley’s home of Jamaica and the influence he had on the island. His family — Ziggy, Julian, Skip, Rohan and others — appear in conversation with friends and musicians, including Buju Banton and Lloyd “Bread” McDonald. Topics include Marley’s artistry and the influence marijuana had on him; vintage...
- 2/28/2020
- by Angie Martoccio
- Rollingstone.com
In 1994, the Jamaican singer Buju Banton released a track titled “Murderer,” unleashing a torrent of fury and shame at killers — “Why did you disobey the first commandment?” — and any government that uses them: “Some are murdering people to collect medals/Stop committing dirty acts for the high officials/You could wash your hands until you can’t wash them any more/It is like an epidemic and you won’t find a cure.”
Roughly 25 years later, Banton is still exploring similar themes: In his new video for “Steppa,” a roaring reggae cut,...
Roughly 25 years later, Banton is still exploring similar themes: In his new video for “Steppa,” a roaring reggae cut,...
- 11/22/2019
- by Elias Leight
- Rollingstone.com
While sitting down for our “Musicians on Musicians” package, Diddy and DJ Khaled reminisced about pivotal moments in their careers and personal lives for Rolling Stone‘s “The First Time” video series.
The pair start the interview by recalling the first time they met. For Khaled, he met Diddy long before they were friends when he did street team for Jack the Rapper. Diddy, however, is a bit cagier about the time when the pair met as peers. “We don’t have to live that way anymore,” he adds.
Both...
The pair start the interview by recalling the first time they met. For Khaled, he met Diddy long before they were friends when he did street team for Jack the Rapper. Diddy, however, is a bit cagier about the time when the pair met as peers. “We don’t have to live that way anymore,” he adds.
Both...
- 10/28/2019
- by Brittany Spanos
- Rollingstone.com
DJ Khaled and Sza teamed up as royal warriors in the video for their collaboration “Just Us.” The visual, directed by Joseph Kahn, features Sza and Khaled battling gladiator-style and emerging victorious, eventually garnering them praise from the kingdom they reign over.
“Just Us” appears on Khaled’s latest album Father of Asahd, the follow-up to his 2017 LP Grateful, which also boasts appearances by Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Travis Scott, Cardi B, Nas and Buju Banton.
Along with the visual for “Just Us,” Khaled also released an inspiring video for “Higher” featuring Nipsey Hussle,...
“Just Us” appears on Khaled’s latest album Father of Asahd, the follow-up to his 2017 LP Grateful, which also boasts appearances by Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Travis Scott, Cardi B, Nas and Buju Banton.
Along with the visual for “Just Us,” Khaled also released an inspiring video for “Higher” featuring Nipsey Hussle,...
- 5/18/2019
- by Ilana Kaplan
- Rollingstone.com
Jamaican dancehall singer Buju Banton, one of reggae’s most popular artists before his career was curtailed by a 10-year prison sentence, was released from a federal prison Friday after serving seven years behind bars.
The federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed that Banton had been released from Georgia’s McRae Correctional Facility, CNN reports.
In February 2011, Banton was found guilty of illegal possession of a firearm and conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute; a Drug Enforcement Administration informant provided evidence of Banton brokering a cocaine deal in Florida.
The federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed that Banton had been released from Georgia’s McRae Correctional Facility, CNN reports.
In February 2011, Banton was found guilty of illegal possession of a firearm and conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute; a Drug Enforcement Administration informant provided evidence of Banton brokering a cocaine deal in Florida.
- 12/9/2018
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Buju Banton just lucked out. The reggae singer had been charged with a gun conviction from a 2011 trial, but U.S. District Judge James S. Moody recently opted to overturn the charge.
The reason? It turns out Terri Wright, a jury foreman, allegedly did independent research while serving on the case and shared it with the other jurors. Wright has now been charged with criminal contempt.
The drug conviction against Banton, for which he is serving 10 years in prison, still stands. Banton's attorney reportedly says they are considering filing an appeal to overturn that as well, though a decision has not been made. Banton may face a retrial.
Banton has currently served 40 months of his sentence, which was over a cocaine conspiracy and trafficking. Wright is now looking at a fine and a maximum of six years in prison.
The reason? It turns out Terri Wright, a jury foreman, allegedly did independent research while serving on the case and shared it with the other jurors. Wright has now been charged with criminal contempt.
The drug conviction against Banton, for which he is serving 10 years in prison, still stands. Banton's attorney reportedly says they are considering filing an appeal to overturn that as well, though a decision has not been made. Banton may face a retrial.
Banton has currently served 40 months of his sentence, which was over a cocaine conspiracy and trafficking. Wright is now looking at a fine and a maximum of six years in prison.
- 7/1/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Tampa, Fla. — A Florida juror who voted to convict Jamaican reggae singer Buju Banton on drug charges has denied improperly researching the case during trial, despite a weekly newspaper's report that quoted her as saying that she did.
Banton is serving a 10-year prison sentence for his convictions on cocaine conspiracy and trafficking charges stemming from a 2009 arrest. The Grammy winner faces an additional five years for his conviction on a related gun possession charge, but his resentencing hearing was postponed to investigate the report of juror misconduct.
Banton's attorneys have filed a motion in Tampa federal court seeking a new trial. If granted, it would be the second mistrial for Banton, whose first trial in 2010 ended with jurors deadlocked. He was convicted in 2011 in his second trial.
U.S. District Judge James Moody reserved judgment Thursday on the defense motion.
Jurors were told during the trial not to do...
Banton is serving a 10-year prison sentence for his convictions on cocaine conspiracy and trafficking charges stemming from a 2009 arrest. The Grammy winner faces an additional five years for his conviction on a related gun possession charge, but his resentencing hearing was postponed to investigate the report of juror misconduct.
Banton's attorneys have filed a motion in Tampa federal court seeking a new trial. If granted, it would be the second mistrial for Banton, whose first trial in 2010 ended with jurors deadlocked. He was convicted in 2011 in his second trial.
U.S. District Judge James Moody reserved judgment Thursday on the defense motion.
Jurors were told during the trial not to do...
- 12/22/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Tampa, Fla. — Buju Banton's new attorney has asked a federal judge in Tampa to reconsider the 10-year prison sentence the Jamaican reggae singer is serving on two drug charges.
Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, is set to appear Tuesday in Tampa federal court for a re-sentencing on a gun possession charge. That charge carries an additional five-year prison sentence.
The motion filed last week includes a letter to U.S. District Judge James Moody from Banton's former attorney, David O. Markus.
Markus represented Banton in the singer's two trials in Tampa in 2010 and 2011. He says Banton is eligible for a reduced sentence of five years and a day because he's a first-time, non-violent offender with "the support of his entire country" and a history of charitable works.
Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, is set to appear Tuesday in Tampa federal court for a re-sentencing on a gun possession charge. That charge carries an additional five-year prison sentence.
The motion filed last week includes a letter to U.S. District Judge James Moody from Banton's former attorney, David O. Markus.
Markus represented Banton in the singer's two trials in Tampa in 2010 and 2011. He says Banton is eligible for a reduced sentence of five years and a day because he's a first-time, non-violent offender with "the support of his entire country" and a history of charitable works.
- 10/28/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
On Warning Shots 3: One Foot in the Grave, Sai focuses on street-bred raps.
By Rob Markman
Saigon
Photo: Saigon
Don't Sleep: Necessary Notables
Mixtape: Warning Shots 3: One Foot in the Grave
Headliner: Saigon
Real Spit: Now that Saigon has finally told his greatest story, the hard-nosed rap spitter has returned to bust more shots. After almost five years of delays, Giddy dropped his debut The Greatest Story Never Told in February 2011, and he's not letting up with Warning Shots 3: One Foot in the Grave, his newest mixtape released on January 24.
Hosted by multiplatinum producer Just Blaze, WS3 opens with a bang. "Bbb (Real N---as Never Die)" samples Buju Banton's 1992 reggae classic "Boom Bye Bye" and launches a full-scale attack on fashion-forward MCs, focusing his energy on street-bred raps instead. "I rather hear a n---a lying on firing glocks/ Than to have to hear a n---a rhyme about designer socks.
By Rob Markman
Saigon
Photo: Saigon
Don't Sleep: Necessary Notables
Mixtape: Warning Shots 3: One Foot in the Grave
Headliner: Saigon
Real Spit: Now that Saigon has finally told his greatest story, the hard-nosed rap spitter has returned to bust more shots. After almost five years of delays, Giddy dropped his debut The Greatest Story Never Told in February 2011, and he's not letting up with Warning Shots 3: One Foot in the Grave, his newest mixtape released on January 24.
Hosted by multiplatinum producer Just Blaze, WS3 opens with a bang. "Bbb (Real N---as Never Die)" samples Buju Banton's 1992 reggae classic "Boom Bye Bye" and launches a full-scale attack on fashion-forward MCs, focusing his energy on street-bred raps instead. "I rather hear a n---a lying on firing glocks/ Than to have to hear a n---a rhyme about designer socks.
- 1/31/2012
- MTV Music News
While I'm writing this, London is burning. I'm without words, as landmark buildings, double-decker buses, and theaters go up in flames. I just don't know what to say.
Of course, we had already seen pictures from the set, but it's still very cool to see a list of guest stars for the new season of Sesame Street. I see out ginger Jesse Tyler Ferguson listed, and I'm so glad his relationship with Justin Mikita didn't suffer any lasting harm once Elmo got handsy.
Esurance, the direct-to-consumer car insurance company has just donated $50,000 to The Trevor Project based on new "Likes" on their Facebook page.
Rod 2.0 brings us the happy news that murder music king Buju Banton has been transferred from jail to federal prison following his conviction on drug charges.
Masterpiece Theater has announced plans for a prequel to Inspector Morse.
Jon Huntsman, who is the single most reasonable sounding Republican candidate in the race,...
Of course, we had already seen pictures from the set, but it's still very cool to see a list of guest stars for the new season of Sesame Street. I see out ginger Jesse Tyler Ferguson listed, and I'm so glad his relationship with Justin Mikita didn't suffer any lasting harm once Elmo got handsy.
Esurance, the direct-to-consumer car insurance company has just donated $50,000 to The Trevor Project based on new "Likes" on their Facebook page.
Rod 2.0 brings us the happy news that murder music king Buju Banton has been transferred from jail to federal prison following his conviction on drug charges.
Masterpiece Theater has announced plans for a prequel to Inspector Morse.
Jon Huntsman, who is the single most reasonable sounding Republican candidate in the race,...
- 8/9/2011
- by Ed Kennedy
- The Backlot
Reggae singer Buju Banton was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Thursday (June 23) for his role in a 2009 cocaine trafficking deal.
Ten years was the minimum sentence allowable, according to the Associated Press. A judge threw out a gun conviction which could have added five years to Banton's prison stint. Banton's attorney, David Markus, told the AP that with time served and good behavior, Banton could be out in six years.
"The days that lie ahead are filled with despair, but I have courage and grace and I'm hopeful, and that is sufficient to carry me through," Banton said in a statement. "The man is not dead. Don't call him a ghost."
Prosecutors acknowledged that Banton didn't put any money into, or get any out of, the drug deal and that his involvement was mainly talk. Banton's lawyer says he plans to appeal the ruling.
Ten years was the minimum sentence allowable, according to the Associated Press. A judge threw out a gun conviction which could have added five years to Banton's prison stint. Banton's attorney, David Markus, told the AP that with time served and good behavior, Banton could be out in six years.
"The days that lie ahead are filled with despair, but I have courage and grace and I'm hopeful, and that is sufficient to carry me through," Banton said in a statement. "The man is not dead. Don't call him a ghost."
Prosecutors acknowledged that Banton didn't put any money into, or get any out of, the drug deal and that his involvement was mainly talk. Banton's lawyer says he plans to appeal the ruling.
- 6/24/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Happy 34th Birthday to Jason Mraz
Ae's music expert Davis Mallory is auctioning off items from his Real World and Road Rules shows, with proceeds going to The Trevor Project and GetEQUAL. The semi-finals on The Voice were held last night, and below you can see which of unfortunate tweeter Cee-Lo's picks advanced. Was it out singer Nakia or the other one?
Project Runway will return on Lifetime on July 28th at 9 Pm Est. No word on the contestants yet, but this year the show will start with 20 designers, and pare it down to 16 before the first episode is over. Harsh! NPR asks the question, Could we be heading toward the end of gender? Psychologists Find Link Between Ovulation and Women's Ability to Identify Heterosexual Men. A couple of sad and ignorant HIV items. 25 Percent Of Americans Still Believe HIV Can Be Transmitted By Sharing A Drinking Glass. And...
Ae's music expert Davis Mallory is auctioning off items from his Real World and Road Rules shows, with proceeds going to The Trevor Project and GetEQUAL. The semi-finals on The Voice were held last night, and below you can see which of unfortunate tweeter Cee-Lo's picks advanced. Was it out singer Nakia or the other one?
Project Runway will return on Lifetime on July 28th at 9 Pm Est. No word on the contestants yet, but this year the show will start with 20 designers, and pare it down to 16 before the first episode is over. Harsh! NPR asks the question, Could we be heading toward the end of gender? Psychologists Find Link Between Ovulation and Women's Ability to Identify Heterosexual Men. A couple of sad and ignorant HIV items. 25 Percent Of Americans Still Believe HIV Can Be Transmitted By Sharing A Drinking Glass. And...
- 6/23/2011
- by snicks
- The Backlot
Buju Banton has been sentenced to ten years behind bars in his recent drug case. The reggae star had originally pleaded not guilty to three drug charges following his December 2009 arrest when he was found trying to purchase cocaine from an undercover police officer. Banton was later found guilty on all counts, including "conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense (more)...
- 6/23/2011
- by By Jennifer Still
- Digital Spy
ReelzChannel Celebrity Rundown
All the rooftop partying has taken a toll. Lindsay Lohan failed her court-ordered alcohol test last week and is headed back to court for a probation violation hearing this morning. Ironically, Lohan's "Alcohol is not in my house, so it's just not a part of my life" interview with Life & Style Magazine was given 5 days after she failed the June 13 test.
***
Jealous of that impressive ring on Kim Kardashian's finger? Turns out it's cheap costume jewelry, according to her sisters, Khloe and Kourtney. In a backstage interview at the Today show, Kloe said "Oh, it's fake. You can suck on it, like a lollipop. Kim's ring is from Nordstrom's. $7.99."
***
Buju Banton, whose Before the Dawn won best reggae album at this year's Grammy Awards, has been sentenced to 10 years in jail for helping to set up a cocaine deal in 2009. The case against him in Tampa...
All the rooftop partying has taken a toll. Lindsay Lohan failed her court-ordered alcohol test last week and is headed back to court for a probation violation hearing this morning. Ironically, Lohan's "Alcohol is not in my house, so it's just not a part of my life" interview with Life & Style Magazine was given 5 days after she failed the June 13 test.
***
Jealous of that impressive ring on Kim Kardashian's finger? Turns out it's cheap costume jewelry, according to her sisters, Khloe and Kourtney. In a backstage interview at the Today show, Kloe said "Oh, it's fake. You can suck on it, like a lollipop. Kim's ring is from Nordstrom's. $7.99."
***
Buju Banton, whose Before the Dawn won best reggae album at this year's Grammy Awards, has been sentenced to 10 years in jail for helping to set up a cocaine deal in 2009. The case against him in Tampa...
- 6/23/2011
- by reelz reelz
- Reelzchannel.com
In a sentence hearing held on Thursday, June 23, it was determined that Buju Banton gets 10 years of prison and 5 years probation. U.S. District Judge James S. Moody at Tampa federal court found him guilty of setting up a cocaine deal in 2009, possessing a firearm and using telephone to facilitate drug trafficking offense.
Banton, real name Mark Myrie, had defended his case previously by saying that he was only boasting about the deal. His friends and family have also stood behind his back to convince the judge via letters that he was not a drug dealer. "Your honor, Mark Myrie is not a drug dealer," actor Danny Glover wrote. "Society would not benefit from his incarceration."
The letters, including from his 15 children, were included in Banton's court file. The artist's lawyer David Markus said that the federal sentencing guidelines stated at least 15 years of jail but in Banton's case, it...
Banton, real name Mark Myrie, had defended his case previously by saying that he was only boasting about the deal. His friends and family have also stood behind his back to convince the judge via letters that he was not a drug dealer. "Your honor, Mark Myrie is not a drug dealer," actor Danny Glover wrote. "Society would not benefit from his incarceration."
The letters, including from his 15 children, were included in Banton's court file. The artist's lawyer David Markus said that the federal sentencing guidelines stated at least 15 years of jail but in Banton's case, it...
- 6/23/2011
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
I’ve decided to push all the Tracy Morgan news into a special edition section of Weekend Meme on page two. Feel free to catch up there.
As I write this, we’re less than 24 hours from the start of the Tony Awards, and our man Neil Patrick Harris has been making the interview circuit. He’s promising the “edgiest Tony’s yet” but much of that seems to depend on whether the 14-time nominated The Book of Mormon can get a song past the censors. As for Nph, he’s not going to make himself the center of the show, and you won’t see him in Spider-Man spandex. Spoilsport. Obviously, I’ll be tweet-snarking the whole thing live.
The Seattle Mariners have become the 4,785,987th baseball team to announce an It Gets Better video. Actually, I’m really happy to see them jump into the project, but I...
As I write this, we’re less than 24 hours from the start of the Tony Awards, and our man Neil Patrick Harris has been making the interview circuit. He’s promising the “edgiest Tony’s yet” but much of that seems to depend on whether the 14-time nominated The Book of Mormon can get a song past the censors. As for Nph, he’s not going to make himself the center of the show, and you won’t see him in Spider-Man spandex. Spoilsport. Obviously, I’ll be tweet-snarking the whole thing live.
The Seattle Mariners have become the 4,785,987th baseball team to announce an It Gets Better video. Actually, I’m really happy to see them jump into the project, but I...
- 6/12/2011
- by Ed Kennedy
- The Backlot
Producer talks to Mixtape Daily about first single from Hell: The Sequel.
By Rob Markman
Eminem and Royce Da 5'9"
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ Johnny Nunez/ WireImage
Behind the Beats: Supa Dups
Supa Dups already has quite an extensive résumé, and now he can add "Producing for Eminem" to it. The Miami-based reggae producer has already racked up tracks for Sean Paul, Buju Banton, Estelle, Akon and Bruno Mars. More recently, Dups and his Black Chiney production partner Jason "Jg" Gilbert stepped into rap's arena, crafting the beat for Eminem and Royce Da 5'9"'s "Fast Lane," the first leak off of the duo's upcoming Bad Meets Evil album.
"Me and my partner Jg: He and I made the beat together. We just wanted to make a beat with just our mouths," Dups said, humming the melody to "Fast Lane."
Sampling their own vocals proved to be genius when Em chose...
By Rob Markman
Eminem and Royce Da 5'9"
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ Johnny Nunez/ WireImage
Behind the Beats: Supa Dups
Supa Dups already has quite an extensive résumé, and now he can add "Producing for Eminem" to it. The Miami-based reggae producer has already racked up tracks for Sean Paul, Buju Banton, Estelle, Akon and Bruno Mars. More recently, Dups and his Black Chiney production partner Jason "Jg" Gilbert stepped into rap's arena, crafting the beat for Eminem and Royce Da 5'9"'s "Fast Lane," the first leak off of the duo's upcoming Bad Meets Evil album.
"Me and my partner Jg: He and I made the beat together. We just wanted to make a beat with just our mouths," Dups said, humming the melody to "Fast Lane."
Sampling their own vocals proved to be genius when Em chose...
- 5/6/2011
- MTV Music News
In casting news, Desperate Housewives/Hawaii Five-0’s Mark Deklin has been cast as Blake Caruth, husband of Crickett on Good Christian Bitches. The casting notice describes him as “metrosexual” but we know that he’s actually more than that.
George Michael has announced a new single, “Every Other Lover In the World” as well as a new tour, via his Twitter. And he’d like to remind you, he never said he wasn’t touring any more, just not doing arena tours any more.
It’s a new round of voting in E!’s Alpha Male Madness. Neil Patrick Harris is still in the running, as is Darren Criss. It’s the Sweet Sixteen round, so go vote until it hurts.
The nasty bill in Montana seeking to overturn any municipal Glbt protections in the state has died a quiet death in committee.
I may be alone here, but...
George Michael has announced a new single, “Every Other Lover In the World” as well as a new tour, via his Twitter. And he’d like to remind you, he never said he wasn’t touring any more, just not doing arena tours any more.
It’s a new round of voting in E!’s Alpha Male Madness. Neil Patrick Harris is still in the running, as is Darren Criss. It’s the Sweet Sixteen round, so go vote until it hurts.
The nasty bill in Montana seeking to overturn any municipal Glbt protections in the state has died a quiet death in committee.
I may be alone here, but...
- 3/25/2011
- by Ed Kennedy
- The Backlot
Bradley Manning has been hit with 22 new charges by the Army, including “aiding the enemy” which could carry the death penalty. The military justice system is different from what civilians are used to, and we’re still a long way from trying him on anything.
We’ve been documenting the horrid things that Andy Cohen said about Ps 22 at the Oscars, and Cohen’s mea culpa. But now the choir director of Ps 22 has spoken, and he’s taken the high road. Well, as high a road as is available. “Anyone who would diss 10-year-old public school kids probably has some issues."
One of the unfilmed Two and a Half Men scripts had a casting call for Jonathan, a gay client of Lyndsey’s who befriends Charlie and they get blind drunk together and wake up in bed together with no memory of what happened. It’s either brilliant or horrible.
We’ve been documenting the horrid things that Andy Cohen said about Ps 22 at the Oscars, and Cohen’s mea culpa. But now the choir director of Ps 22 has spoken, and he’s taken the high road. Well, as high a road as is available. “Anyone who would diss 10-year-old public school kids probably has some issues."
One of the unfilmed Two and a Half Men scripts had a casting call for Jonathan, a gay client of Lyndsey’s who befriends Charlie and they get blind drunk together and wake up in bed together with no memory of what happened. It’s either brilliant or horrible.
- 3/3/2011
- by Ed Kennedy
- The Backlot
Grammy-winning Jamaican artist Buju Banton was found guilty of conspiring to set up a cocaine deal. A court in Florida found out that the reggae musician, whose real name is Mark Myrie, told an undercover police that he could broker a drug deal in 2009.
In December 2009, Banton, 37, was arrested in Miami for allegedly attempting to buy cocaine from an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration agent. He had been jailed since then, but he was temporarily put on house arrest late last year.
Prosecutors told the court that he even told the informant that he could broker a deal. Banton claimed he was just boasting as he never put money into a deal.
After 11 hours of deliberation, the federal court jury found Banton guilty of drug conspiracy with intent to distribute cocaine, firearm possession in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and using a telephone to commit a drug offense.
In December 2009, Banton, 37, was arrested in Miami for allegedly attempting to buy cocaine from an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration agent. He had been jailed since then, but he was temporarily put on house arrest late last year.
Prosecutors told the court that he even told the informant that he could broker a deal. Banton claimed he was just boasting as he never put money into a deal.
After 11 hours of deliberation, the federal court jury found Banton guilty of drug conspiracy with intent to distribute cocaine, firearm possession in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and using a telephone to commit a drug offense.
- 2/23/2011
- icelebz.com
Reggae star Buju Banton is facing up to 20 years in prison after he was convicted on drug charges on Tuesday, February 22.
The Jamaican star, real name Mark Myrie, was hit with four cocaine-related counts stemming from an arrest in 2009, which related to a drug deal he was planning with two other men. Banton boasted about his drug connections to a federal informer on a flight from Spain to America. The case ended in a mistrial last year when a Florida jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict.
A second trial got underway in a Tampa court last week, and during his testimony, Banton insisted he was simply trying to impress the undercover informant with details of a fictional drug deal. The jury returned the guilty verdict after two days of deliberations, convicting the reggae star on three of the four charges, including conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.
The Jamaican star, real name Mark Myrie, was hit with four cocaine-related counts stemming from an arrest in 2009, which related to a drug deal he was planning with two other men. Banton boasted about his drug connections to a federal informer on a flight from Spain to America. The case ended in a mistrial last year when a Florida jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict.
A second trial got underway in a Tampa court last week, and during his testimony, Banton insisted he was simply trying to impress the undercover informant with details of a fictional drug deal. The jury returned the guilty verdict after two days of deliberations, convicting the reggae star on three of the four charges, including conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.
- 2/23/2011
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton was found guilty of drug charges by a Florida jury on Tuesday, Feb. 22. In 2009, Banton was accused of setting up a drug deal with two other men. He was charged with several counts, including conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.
At the trial, which began on Feb. 14, Banton, 37, was found not guilty for knowingly and intentionally possessing a firearm in furtherance of and during the course of a drug-trafficking crime. With his conviction, Banton is facing up to 15 years in prison.
Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, had been tried on the drug-related charges before: Last year, his first trial was declared a mistrial after the jurors failed to arrive at a unanimous decision.
Earlier this month, Banton's album "Before the Dawn" won best reggae album at the Grammys. All part of the peaks and valleys on this crazy ride we call life,...
At the trial, which began on Feb. 14, Banton, 37, was found not guilty for knowingly and intentionally possessing a firearm in furtherance of and during the course of a drug-trafficking crime. With his conviction, Banton is facing up to 15 years in prison.
Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, had been tried on the drug-related charges before: Last year, his first trial was declared a mistrial after the jurors failed to arrive at a unanimous decision.
Earlier this month, Banton's album "Before the Dawn" won best reggae album at the Grammys. All part of the peaks and valleys on this crazy ride we call life,...
- 2/23/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Buju Banton has been found guilty of three separate drug charges in a Florida federal court. The reggae singer - born Mark Myrie - previously pleaded not guilty in the case after being arrested while attempting to purchase cocaine from an undercover police officer in December 2009. The AP reports that a jury has convicted Banton of "conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in (more)...
- 2/23/2011
- by By Jennifer Still
- Digital Spy
Lady Gaga doing stuff last night at Madison Square Garden
Speaking of Gaga, below you can see internet sensation Maria Aragon performing "Born This Way" on today's Ellen. Counting her, Will Phillips, Zach Wahls, and the other young people who've spoken up for equality, I have renewed hope for the future of society.
George Washington University has suspended transgender basketball player Kye Allums for the rest of the season because of "concussion fear," but some are crying foul. USA Weekend has a nice interview with Chris Colfer about his love life, winning the Golden Globe, and his determination to get Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway on Glee for a Princess Diaries reunion. As I said, it is a sweet interview, but I almost didn't get past the article's first sentence, "It has been almost 20 years since we've seen a gay teenage character on TV." Wha-wha-wha-what? I think Marco, Riley, Zane,...
Speaking of Gaga, below you can see internet sensation Maria Aragon performing "Born This Way" on today's Ellen. Counting her, Will Phillips, Zach Wahls, and the other young people who've spoken up for equality, I have renewed hope for the future of society.
George Washington University has suspended transgender basketball player Kye Allums for the rest of the season because of "concussion fear," but some are crying foul. USA Weekend has a nice interview with Chris Colfer about his love life, winning the Golden Globe, and his determination to get Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway on Glee for a Princess Diaries reunion. As I said, it is a sweet interview, but I almost didn't get past the article's first sentence, "It has been almost 20 years since we've seen a gay teenage character on TV." Wha-wha-wha-what? I think Marco, Riley, Zane,...
- 2/22/2011
- by snicks
- The Backlot
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