Description
Buju Banton – Upside Down 2020 – Double Orange Black Red Splatter Vinyl Records
Buju Banton’s Upside Down 2020, released on June 26, 2020, was more than just an album—it was a resounding return. This project marked Buju’s first studio release after his release from prison in 2018, where he had served nearly a decade on drug-related charges. Expectations were high, and Upside Down 2020 didn’t merely meet them—it reasserted Buju as a reggae visionary and cultural torchbearer at a time when the world was experiencing significant turmoil. The album’s title speaks volumes, referencing not only Buju’s personal upheaval but also the chaotic state of global affairs in a year defined by a pandemic, protests, and political unrest.
Spanning 20 tracks, the album is a robust fusion of reggae, dancehall, roots, Afrobeats, and pop, wrapped around Buju’s unmistakable voice and unshakable sense of purpose. The first thing that stands out is the emotional breadth of the album. There’s hope, defiance, gratitude, joy, and deep spiritual reflection, each emotion woven through arrangements that range from high-energy dancehall riddims to soulful acoustic ballads.
Opening with “Lamb of God,” Buju makes it clear he’s back with purpose. It’s a meditative, spiritually infused track that sets the tone for the record’s depth and vision. Buju isn’t chasing trends—he’s returning to a deeply rooted, conscious form of reggae that made him a legend. This spiritual grounding runs through other standout songs like “Blessed” and “Unity,” which became anthems of resilience and togetherness in a world divided by crisis.
“Blessed,” in particular, was a breakout single and a fan favorite, brimming with buoyant optimism and celebratory groove, reminding listeners of the strength found in gratitude and endurance. With its catchy hook—“We a come inna the game, unno blessed”—the song doubles as a personal mantra and a message to the masses: we’re still here, and we’re still strong.
Collaborations on Upside Down 2020 helped expand its reach and genre-blending impact. Tracks like “Memories” featuring John Legend mix soul and reggae in a tender reflection on love and loss. “Trust,” a sharp and street-savvy dancehall track, revisits Buju’s roots in gritty storytelling and social commentary. Meanwhile, “Beat Dem Bad” (with Pharrell Williams and Stefflon Don) injects a global pop flavor without diluting Buju’s intensity—bridging generations and genres with ease.
Other powerful moments include “Buried Alive,” a stirring ballad of redemption and rebirth that touches on Buju’s incarceration with emotional vulnerability and grace. It’s perhaps the most autobiographical moment on the album, delivered with a stripped-down honesty that reminds the listener of the human journey beneath the fame.
Despite its variety, the album remains cohesive, unified by Buju’s vocal authority and lyrical themes of freedom, consciousness, and love. Production is tight but not overly polished, allowing the raw emotion and natural power of Buju’s delivery to shine. With contributions from international producers and longtime collaborators, the sonic landscape is modern but anchored in authentic reggae rhythms, keeping the tradition alive while also moving it forward.
Upside Down 2020 received strong reviews from critics and fans alike. It debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart and was celebrated for its emotional depth, musical diversity, and political relevance. More than just a comeback, the album was viewed as a reaffirmation of Buju Banton’s role as one of reggae’s most essential voices—an artist capable of carrying the genre’s legacy forward with courage and wisdom in a world that needs both.
In the end, Upside Down 2020 is not just a post-prison statement. It’s a full-bodied, spiritually charged offering from a man who’s endured, evolved, and come out the other side with his vision sharpened and his message intact. It’s an album that invites listeners not just to dance, but to reflect, connect, and rise—exactly what reggae music, at its best, has always done.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Lamb Of God
Yes Mi Friend Featuring – Stephen Marley
Buried Alive
Blessed
Memories Featuring – John Legend
Lovely State Of Mind
Appreciated
Trust
Cherry Pie Featuring – Pharrell
Beat Dem Bad
Good Time Girl
Call Me Featuring – Stefflon Don
Moonlight Love
Cheated
Steppa
The World Is Changing
400 Years
Rising Up
Helping Hand
Unity
