Culture
JAM | Apr 23, 2023

Buju Banton taps Snoop Dogg for new single ‘High Life’

/ Our Today

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Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton. (Photo: Pitchfork.com)

International reggae icon, Buju Banton has lit up a new single, ‘High Life’ featuring Snoop Dogg which is out now via Roc Nation Records/Gargamel Music/Def Jam Recordings.

The smokers-anthem, which arrived right on time for 4/20, track showcases a hypnotic dancehall beat with horns and hazy synths. Banton gleefully carries an intoxicating and irresistible refrain while Snoop counters with reggae-inflected bars with the line, “Oh Mary Jane, will you please take me home?”.

With its message of being above the clouds yet firmly grounded, ‘High Life’ marks the first official collaboration between the two legendary trailblazers, tracing a direct line between Jamaica and the LBC for the first time.

‘High Life’ sets the stage for Banton’s anxiously awaited fourteenth full-length album, his first since 2020’s universally acclaimed ‘Upside Down 2020’, which garnered a GRAMMY® Award nomination in the category of Best Reggae Album and earned rave 4-out-of-5 star reviews on both sides of the pond from The Guardian and Rolling Stone, respectively.

Banton signed to record label, Roc Nation in 2020 and dropped ‘Steppa’ as well as ‘Trust’ which paved the way for ‘Upside Down 2020’. The latter featured collaborations with Stephen Marley, John Legend, Pharrell, and Stefflon Don. Making waves worldwide, he notably notched his fourth career GRAMMY® nomination for the album.

He is set to perform his new hits ‘High Life’ and ‘Si Mi Clean’, along with favorites from his legendary catalogue, at his upcoming shows in Trinidad on May 6, St. Lucia on May 12, and the Bahamas on May 19.

Buju Banton and Beres Hammond delivered a heartfelt set

Igniting 2023 with a bang, he joined reggae legend, Beres Hammond in concert on New Year’s Day at Grizzly’s Plantation Cove in Priory, St. Ann, Jamaica. It stood as the first time these two reggae stars headlined a concert together on the island. Plus, it followed his return to the worldwide stage with a much-lauded performance at Kingston’s Famed National Stadium.

Banton’s GRAMMY® winning album ‘Before the Dawn’ was released in 2010. Prior, he unveiled records at a prolific pace, beginning with his debut in 1992. Among many highlights, the 1995 hit, ‘Til Shiloh’ was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). He has been described by the Associated Press as “one of the most respected acts in reggae.” Moreover, New York-based magazine, The FADER, hailed him as “a national hero,” in sharing that, “[He] is more Jamaican than jerk chicken, Red Stripe beer, and a croaking lizard combined. He’s as much a singer as he is a hallmark of Jamaican culture.”

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