Buju Banton Says He Made The Most Money As An Independent Artist- “Me A Me Own Boss”

Drink Champs host N.O.R.E. asked Buju Banton, “Which do you prefer: being independent or signed to a major label?” Buju replied, “Independent, man. Now, the most money I ever make in the music business is when I was was independent with Gargamel Music. Me a me own boss, in those days you have mechanical, those day you sell real records, but independent is always good you have more creative control, you can see where your budget is always going, financial control. Independent Boss.”

Throughout his three-decade career, Buju has released 12 studio albums. Two of these were released independently on his own label, Gargamel Music, between 2006 and 2009. His first independent release was Too Bad, featuring his last major street anthem, “Driva A.” This hardcore dancehall album came after 2003’s Friends For Life, which was released through VP Music Group, a label he also mentioned did great things for reggae music during the interview.

Too Bad released September 12, 2005 on partnership with Tommy Boy Records, debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart, even though Buju faced several stage show cancellations in 2005 due to his controversial song “Boom Bye Bye.” Critics hailed him as “The Enlightened Rude Boy,” with standout tracks like “Me & Ounu” and “Don and Dupes,” the latter featuring Pinchers.

His second independent project, Rasta Got Soul, was released on April 21, 2009, via Gargamel Music. This album marked a shift in tone, opening with “Them Can’t Hurt Us No More.” Other notable tracks include “Magic City,” the Nyabinghi drum-led “Rastafari,” and a rework of “Sense Of Purpose” featuring Third World. Wyclef Jean also appeared on “Bedtime Story.” The album was nominated for Best Reggae Album at the 52nd annual Grammy Awards but lost to Stephen Marley’s Mind Control.

Buju’s third independent album, Before The Dawn, was released on September 28, 2010. This album won him his only Grammy award and was the last one he released before his arrest in December 2010 for handling cocaine in a Florida warehouse. It peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Reggae Albums Chart and No. 26 on the Heatseekers Albums Chart.

Upon his return from prions in 2018, Buju Banton signed a multi-album deal with Island Records/ Roc Notation as has since released Upside Down 2020 and Born For Greatness, the latter failing to make the US Billboard Reggae Albums Chart after selling 2600 units during its first week.

However, Banton staged the two biggest reggae concerts in New York history on July 13 and 14. Watch below: