If there was ever a poster boy for the model example of someone who has been rehabilitated by the penitentiary system. Mark Myrie has to be a contender. Incarcerated for 8 years Mark (popularly known as Buju Banton) has come back with an award-worthy album in Upside Down 2020.
Buju recently tagged the Recording Academy on his social media profile, in an effort to showcase the making of the album and subsequent performances. With the 2021 Grammy Award first-round voting set to close. Buju is pulling all the stops to ensure that his album is considered for the Best Reggae Album award. After a 10 year hiatus, Buju is firing on all cylinders and is poised for the prestigious award. He is no stranger to the award as he scooped up the accolade in 2011 for Before The Dawn. As always there is stiff competition from the likes of Popcaan with Vanquish, Vybz Kartel with Of Dons and Divas and Tarrus Riley for Healing. However, Buju seems to be the front runner after the success of Trust, Blessed and Steppa.
With quality collaborations with the likes of Stefflon Don, Pharrel, John Legend and Stephen Marley. The album received rave reviews from The Guardian and Rolling Stones. With a bit of everything. Buju was able to convey his message loud and clear touching on social and political issues. While also displaying a deft touch with emotional love songs.
Released under Jay-Z’s Rocnation label in June 2020, the 20 track album speaks for itself in true Gargamel fashion. If you’re a punting character this album should bring home the bacon come Grammy time in 2021. Buju Banton came out of prison in 2018 and has not put a foot wrong. He has featured on The Daily Show and collaborated well with other big hitters like DJ Khaled and Sean Paul.
Be sure to look out for Upside Down 2020 come Grammy time as he is riddimsworld’s front runner.