Buju Banton Taps John Legend for New Single "Memories"

Buju Banton has recruited John Legend for his new song “Memories,” the first single from Banton’s forthcoming album Upside Down.

Buju’s highly anticipated release will be his first full-length studio offering in a decade. The last project we saw from the reggae artist was 2010’s Before the Dawn.

Earlier this week, Buju, Drewbyrd, Sean G, and Shacia Payne released the debut episode of their Apple Music show Shabbaaaaa Sound Radio, where they discussed why dancehall and reggae haven’t become part of popular culture, noting that its authenticity doesn’t necessarily grab mainstream attention.

“We don't want to tell the people a lie. We have to tell the people the truth, and that is reggae music,” Buju said. “That's why we don't get the mainstream appeal and the mainstream behind us, because our music is a music aimed at uplifting something inside of you, not outside of you.”

It appears Buju is claiming 2020 as his year. In March, we saw him connect with Tory Lanez for the remix of Buju’s song “Trust,” and in April, he linked with Dvsn and Ty Dolla Sign for Dvsn’s new track “Dangerous City.”

We also might see Legend take part in the hugely popular Verzuz battle, going back-to-back with his fellow The Voice coach Alicia Keys. “I think that'd probably be the best thing. And, honestly I think we would do it—if we did it, like a dueling piano thing ... I think we will," he said.

Listen to “Memories” above.