As a youngster, Buju would often watch his favourite artists perform at outdoor shows and local dancehalls. At the tender age of 13 he picked up the microphone for himself and began toasting under the monicker of "Gargamel". His first single, "The Ruler" was released not long afterwards in 1987 under the production of Robert French at Penthouse Studios.
In 1991, Buju joined Donovan Germain's Penthouse Label and began a fruitful partnership with producer Dave Kelly. Buju is one of the most popular musicians in Jamaican history, having burst onto the charts there suddenly in 1992, with "Bogle" and "Love Me Browning/Love Black Woman", both massive hits in Jamaica. Controversy erupted over Love Me Browning which spoke of Banton's preference for light-skinned women: "Mi love mi car mi love mi house mi love mi money and ting, but most of all mi love mi browning." Some accused Banton of promoting a colonialist attitude and denigrating the beauty of black women. In response, he released "Black Woman" which spoke of his love for dark-skinned beauties: "Stop cry, fi all black woman, respect all the gyals with dark complexion." 1992 was an explosive year for Buju as he broke the great Bob Marley's record for the greatest number of number one singles in a year. Beginning with "Man fi Dead", Buju's gruff voice dominated the Jamaican airwaves for the duration of the year. Banton's debut album, Mr. Mention, includes his greatest hits from that year.
1992 was also the year in which the controversy over Buju's homophobic "Boom Bye Bye" exploded. The media in Great Britain picked up on Buju's less than admirable promotion of violence against homosexuals. Myrie, who had recently signed with Mercury records, refused to back down from his stance against homosexuals, claiming his religious beliefs prevented him from accepting homosexuality. Banton downplayed the violent content of his song, claiming that it was metaphorical. Gay Rights groups campaigned against Buju as well as Shabba Ranks who, when asked about the controversy on the British show The Word, stated, "God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve." Shabba later apologized, but Buju refused to back down which drew the ire of various homosexual advocacy groups who continue to campaign against him.
Banton released the hard-hitting Voice of Jamaica in 1993. The album included a number of conscious tracks. These tracks included "Deportees" a song which criticized those Jamaicans who went abroad but never sent money home, a remix of Little Roy's "Tribal War", a sharp condemnation of political violence, and "Willy, Don't Be Silly" which promoted condom use. The conscious spin of this disc did little to stop the attacks of gay rights groups who felt that his continued performance of "Boom Bye Bye" was a slap in their faces. Some dancehall fans felt that Banton could have exploded onto the American scene if his homophobic song hadn't held him back. Nevertheless, Buju was adopted by many new fans who appreciated his gravelly vocals and cared little about his homophobia.
Til Shiloh (1995) was a very influential album, using a studio band instead of synthesized music, and marking a slight shift away from dancehall towards roots reggae for Banton. Buju turned Rasta and his new album reflected his new beliefs. Til Shiloh is one of the greatest dancehall albums of all time and successfully blended conscious lyrics with a hard-hitting dancehall vibe. The album included a single called "Murderer" which condemned the violence in Jamaican dancehall music, inspired by the murders of dancehall musicians Panhead and Dirtsman. The song inspired several clubs to stop playing songs with excessively violent subject matter. This conscious album had a large impact on dancehall music and showed the hunger the dancehall massive had for conscious lyrics. Dancehall music did not move away from slack and violent lyrics, but the album did pave the way for a greater spirituality within the music.
Inna Heights (1997) substantially increased Banton's international audience as Buju explored his singing ability and recorded a number of roots-tinged tracks. Banton covered The Silvertones' "Destiny" and recorded songs with such artists as Beres Hammond and the legendary Toots Hibbert. The album was well-received but had distribution problems. Also, some fans were disappointed, having hoped for another ground-breaking album like "Til Shiloh." Still, Buju's experimentation and soaring vocals impressed many fans and this album remains a highly regarded work.
In 1998, Buju met the punk band Rancid and recorded two tracks with them: "Misty Days" and "Life Won't Wait." The latter became the title track of Rancid's 1999 album, Life Won't Wait. Subsequently, Buju signed with Rancid's eclectic Anti, a subsidiary of Epitaph and released Unchained Spirit in 2000.
In March 2003 he released Friends for Life, which featured more sharply political songs, including "Mr. Nine", an anti-gun song that further verified his status as one of reggae's most anti-confrontational artists.
Banton's 2006 album Too Bad got him nominated for a second Grammy but despite the album's brilliance and artistic excellence "Too Bad" did not garner the award. "Too Bad" brings us back to the Buju of the nineties with his rough phenomenal voice backed by hypnotic beats and conscious lyrics that seem to stay on repeat in your head. "Too Bad" is a complete listen from start to finish and is an extra success because the Gargamel executive produced the album on his own label.
On April 21, 2009, Buju released the often delayed album Rasta Got Soul. This is Banton's ninth album and features the hit single Magic City. This release sees Buju returning to roots and culture reggae. The album received a Grammy nomination in the Best Reggae Album category.
As of December 2009, Buju allegedly attempted to buy cocaine from an undercover officer in Miami and faces up to life in prison if convicted. The trial of Banton began on September 20, 2010 in Tampa, Florida.
Love Me Brownin
Buju Banton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Big up and test cuz ya no stop canceling
Respect to the maximum from shoes down to the ground
Buju Banton love the article caan dun
Hear me now!
Lawd have mercy
Chorus:
Me love me car Me love me bike
Me love me money and ting
But most of all, Me love me browning
Love-a me car Me love me bike
Me love me money and ting
But most of all, Me love me browning
Verse 1:
Pamela and Dawn, Suzette and Karen
I wonder what the old viper dem thinking
Dem a plan and dem a con and dem a scheme
'Cause dem waan mash up we and mi browning
But all the rumors dem a spread, anna pack up her head
My Lorna I'm not listening
'Cause you know when she alone, ah mi must come back home
To her inna de evening
'Cause me ah knowledge very close, how me love her the most
And me not hurt her feelings
So all de talk dem a talk, all the chat dem a chat
My Lorna not leaving (that's why)
Chorus
Verse 2:
Woman don't worry yourself
'Cause everything crisp and clean
Yah no say
Next month ah come
And you must get de ring
Go in front of the pastor and get him blessing
No make it ((burn?)) for all a dem
And get the bad feeling cuz
Dem a said dem are your friend, But run de whole a dem
Cuz dem is too deceiving
Dem a talk behind you back, an waan borrrow yu frock
To wear about this evening
But dem a lay down your clothes, sure we are gon propose
Cuz dem is too conniving
And if dem come back again, Then dem you know are no friend
Cuz you nuh like a news carrying
Chorus
All de girls up in de place
Uh di no big up yuh chest
De news carry ting a full time
It-a no get no rest
New year now unu fi deal wit di progress
Buju pon de mic and all the girls-a tek set
Chorus
Verse 3:
Pamela and Dawn, Suzette and Karen
I wonder what the whole tribe uh dem thinking
Dem a plan and dem a plan and dem a scheme
'Cause dem waan mash up me and mi browning
But all the rumors dem a spread anna pack up her head
My Lorna not listening
'Cause you know when she alone, ah mi must come back home
Anytime me touch evening
'Cause me ah knowledge very close, how me love her the most
And me not hurt her feelings
But no matter what dem say, but no matter what dem do
My Lorna not leaving
Chorus
Verse 4:
Woman don't worry yourself
'Cause everything crisp and clean
Yah no say
Next month ah come
And you must get de ring
Go in front of the pastor and get him blessing
No make it (burn?) for all a dem
And get the bad feeling caw
Dem a said dem are your friend, But run de whole a dem
Cuz dem is too deceiving
Dem a talk behind you back, an waan borrow yu frock
To wear about this evening
But dem a lay down your clothes, sure we are gon propose
Cuz dem is too conniving
And if dem come back again, Then dem you know are no friend
Cuz you nuh like a news carrying
The song "Love Me Brownin" by Buju Banton celebrates and praises his love for his "browning" or light-skinned girlfriend. Throughout the song, Buju Banton addresses the jealousy and rumors that may come with his relationship, but he assures his girlfriend that she has nothing to worry about because he loves her the most. The lyrics explain that Buju Banton loves many things like his car, bike, and money, but his true love is for his browning.
The artist expresses his annoyance with people spreading rumors about his relationship with his girlfriend, but he remains loyal to her. He warns his girlfriend to be cautious of her friends who may be jealous of their relationship and tells her to ignore the negativity around them. The song’s upbeat melody contrasts with the seriousness of the lyrics, which makes the song more interesting.
Overall, “Love Me Brownin” is a song that encourages true love and loyalty, and that one should not be deceived by the rumors and negativity around them.
Some interesting facts about the song are:
Line by Line Meaning
I say this one dedicated to my browning
I'm singling out this song to honor my brown-skinned lover
Big up and test cuz ya no stop canceling
Giving props to my girl and testing anyone who tries to bring us down
Respect to the maximum from shoes down to the ground
Expressing the utmost respect for her in all aspects of life
Buju Banton love the article caan dun
I've got mad love for my lady and we're unstoppable
Hear me now!
Listen up!
Lawd have mercy
Expressing shock or wonder at something
Me love me car Me love me bike
I like my car and my bike
Me love me money and ting
I like my money and other things
But most of all, Me love me browning
But above all else, I love my brown-skinned lover
Pamela and Dawn, Suzette and Karen
Listing different women's names in reference to their skin color
I wonder what the old viper dem thinking
Wondering what others are plotting and scheming
Dem a plan and dem a con and dem a scheme
They're planning and trying to fool us
'Cause dem waan mash up we and mi browning
Because they want to ruin our relationship with my brown-skinned lover
But all the rumors dem a spread, anna pack up her head
But all the rumors they've been spreading have no effect on her
My Lorna I'm not listening
I'm not paying attention to their lies about my lady Lorna
'Cause you know when she alone, ah mi must come back home
I always come home to her when she's alone
To her inna de evening
To her in the evening
'Cause me ah knowledge very close, how me love her the most
I know very well how much I love her
And me not hurt her feelings
And I won't hurt her feelings
So all de talk dem a talk, all de chat dem a chat
So all the talk and chat they do is meaningless
My Lorna not leaving (that's why)
That's why Lorna's not leaving me
Woman don't worry yourself
Women don't worry
'Cause everything crisp and clean
Because everything is fine and perfect
Yah no say
You know
Next month ah come
Next month is coming
And you must get de ring
And you'll get the ring
Go in front of the pastor and get him blessing
Go to the pastor and receive his blessing
No make it burn for all a dem
Don't let any of them get you down
And get the bad feeling cuz
And don't let them make you feel bad
Dem a said dem are your friend, But run de whole a dem
They say they're your friends but don't trust any of them
Cuz dem is too deceiving
Because they're too deceitful
Dem a talk behind you back, an waan borrow yu frock
They talk behind your back and want to borrow your clothes
To wear about this evening
To wear out this evening
But dem a lay down your clothes, sure we are gon propose
But they're helping me propose to you
Cuz dem is too conniving
Because they're too cunning
And if dem come back again, Then dem you know are no friend
If they come back again, you know they're not your friend
Cuz you nuh like a news carrying
Because you don't like gossip
All de girls up in de place
All the girls in the place
Uh di no big up yuh chest
Don't be too proud
De news carry ting a full time
Gossip is always spreading around
It-a no get no rest
It doesn't stop
New year now unu fi deal wit di progress
It's a new year and we need to focus on progress
Buju pon de mic and all the girls-a tek set
Buju's on the mic and all the girls are getting excited
Chorus
Repeating the chorus
Contributed by Alyssa J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@queenshannii9832
I say this one dedicated to my browning
Big up and test cuz ya no stop canceling
Respect to the maximum from shoes down to the ground
Buju Banton love the article caan dun
Hear me now!
Lawd have mercy
Me love me car Me love me bike
Me love me money and ting
But most of all, Me love me browning
Love-a me car Me love me bike
Me love me money and ting
But most of all, Me love me browning
Pamela and Dawn, Suzette and Karen
I wonder what the old viper dem thinking
Dem a plan and dem a con and dem a scheme
'Cause dem waan mash up we and mi browning
But all the rumors dem a spread, anna pack up her head
My Lorna I'm not listening
'Cause you know when she alone, ah mi must come back home
To her inna de evening
'Cause me ah knowledge very close, how me love her the most
And me not hurt her feelings
So all de talk dem a talk, all the chat dem a chat
My Lorna not leaving (that's why)
Me love me car Me love me bike
Me love me money and ting
But most of all, Me love me browning
Love-a me car Me love me bike
Me love me money and ting
But most of all, Me love me browning
Woman don't worry yourself
'Cause everything crisp and clean
Yah no say
Next month ah come
And you must get de ring
Go in front of the pastor and get him blessing
No make it ((burn?)) for all a dem
And get the bad feeling cuz
Dem a said dem are your friend, But run de whole a dem
Cuz dem is too deceiving
Dem a talk behind you back, an waan borrrow yu frock
To wear about this evening
But dem a lay down your clothes, sure we are gon propose
Cuz dem is too conniving
And if dem come back again, Then dem you know are no friend
Cuz you nuh like a news carrying
Me love me car Me love me bike
Me love me money and ting
But most of all, Me love me browning
Love-a me car Me love me bike
Me love me money and ting
But most of all, Me love me browning
All de girls up in de place
Uh di no big up yuh chest
De news carry ting a full time
It-a no get no rest
New year now unu fi deal wit di progress
Buju pon de mic and all the girls-a tek set
Me love me car Me love me bike
Me love me money and ting
But most of all, Me love me browning
Love-a me car Me love me bike
Me love me money and ting
But most of all, Me love me browning
Pamela and Dawn, Suzette and Karen
I wonder what the whole tribe uh dem thinking
Dem a plan and dem a plan and dem a scheme
'Cause dem waan mash up me and mi browning
But all the rumors dem a spread anna pack up her head
My Lorna not listening
'Cause you know when she alone, ah mi must come back home
Anytime me touch evening
'Cause me ah knowledge very close, how me love her the most
And me not hurt her feelings
But no matter what dem say, but no matter what dem do
My Lorna not leaving
Me love me car Me love me bike
Me love me money and ting
But most of all, Me love me browning
Love-a me car Me love me bike
Me love me money and ting
But most of all, Me love me browning
Woman don't worry yourself
'Cause everything crisp and clean
Yah no say
Next month ah come
And you must get de ring
Go in front of the pastor and get him blessing
No make it (burn?) for all a dem
And get the bad feeling caw
Dem a said dem are your friend, But run de whole a dem
Cuz dem is too deceiving
Dem a talk behind you back, an waan borrow yu frock
To wear about this evening
But dem a lay down your clothes, sure we are gon propose
Cuz dem is too conniving
And if dem come back again, Then dem you know are no friend
Cuz you nuh like a news carrying
@murphybrowne12
@Taku Chituku This song has absolutely nothing to do with a gun. The lyrics are so very clear that this song is about a woman. It begins with Buju Banton advising his "browning" Lorna, to ignore the gossiping of Pamela and Dawn, Suzette and Karen who are trying to tell his "browning" Lorna that he cheating on her: "Pamela and Dawn, Suzette and Karen
I wonder what the whole tribe uh dem thinking
Dem a plan and dem a plan and dem a scheme
'Cause dem waan mash up me and mi browning
But all the rumors dem a spread anna pack up her head
My Lorna not listening
'Cause you know when she alone, ah mi must come back home
Anytime me touch evening
'Cause me ah knowledge very close, how me love her the most
And me not hurt her feelings
But no matter what dem say, but no matter what dem do
My Lorna not leaving" Buju Banton continues by telling his "browning" Lorna, that he has plans to marry her very soon (Next month ah come
And you must get de ring Go in front of the pastor and get him blessing) and silence the gossip. He also advises his "browning" Lorna not to lend any of the gossiping women any of her clothes, (Cuz dem is too deceiving. Dem a talk behind you back, an waan borrow yu frock
To wear about this evening) because they are really jealous of her: "Woman don't worry yourself
'Cause everything crisp and clean
Yah no say
Next month ah come
And you must get de ring
Go in front of the pastor and get him blessing
No make it (burn?) for all a dem
And get the bad feeling caw
Dem a said dem are your friend, But run de whole a dem
Cuz dem is too deceiving
Dem a talk behind you back, an waan borrow yu frock
To wear about this evening
But dem a lay down your clothes, sure we are gon propose
Cuz dem is too conniving
And if dem come back again, Then dem you know are no friend
Cuz you nuh like a news carrying"
There is absolutely nothing in this song about a gun. It is about a "browning" whose name is Lorna!! A "browning" in this song is a light skin African Jamaican woman.
@shadiesmith4185
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I say this one dedicated to my browning
Big up and test cuz ya no stop canceling
Respect to the maximum from shoes down to the ground
Buju Banton love the article caan dun
Hear me now!
Lawd have mercy
Me love me car Me love me bike
Me love me money and ting
But most of all, Me love me browning
Love-a me car Me love me bike
Me love me money and ting
But most of all, Me love me browning
Pamela and Dawn, Suzette and Karen
I wonder what the old viper dem thinking
Dem a plan and dem a con and dem a scheme
'Cause dem waan mash up we and mi browning
But all the rumors dem a spread, anna pack up her head
My Lorna I'm not listening
'Cause you know when she alone, ah mi must come back home
To her inna de evening
'Cause me ah knowledge very close, how me love her the most
And me not hurt her feelings
So all de talk dem a talk, all the chat dem a chat
My Lorna not leaving (that's why)
Me love me car Me love me bike
Me love me money and ting
But most of all, Me love me browning
Love-a me car Me love me bike
Me love me money and ting
But most of all, Me love me browning
Woman don't worry yourself
'Cause everything crisp and clean
Yah no say
Next month ah come
And you must get de ring
Go in front of the pastor and get him blessing
No make it ((burn?)) for all a dem
And get the bad feeling cuz
Dem a said dem are your friend, But run de whole a dem
Cuz dem is too deceiving
Dem a talk behind you back, an waan borrrow yu frock
To wear about this evening
But dem a lay down your clothes, sure we are gon propose
Cuz dem is too conniving
And if dem come back again, Then dem you know are no friend
Cuz you nuh like a news carrying
Me love me car Me love me bike
Me love me money and ting
But most of all, Me love me browning
Love-a me car Me love me bike
Me love me money and ting
But most of all, Me love me browning
All de girls up in de place
Uh di no big up yuh chest
De news carry ting a full time
It-a no get no rest
New year now unu fi deal wit di progress
Buju pon de mic and all the girls-a tek set
Me love me car Me love me bike
Me love me money and ting
But most of all, Me love me browning
Love-a me car Me love me bike
Me love me money and ting
But most of all, Me love me browning
Pamela and Dawn, Suzette and Karen
I wonder what the whole tribe uh dem thinking
Dem a plan and dem a plan and dem a scheme
'Cause dem waan mash up me and mi browning
But all the rumors dem a spread anna pack up her head
My Lorna not listening
'Cause you know when she alone, ah mi must come back home
Anytime me touch evening
'Cause me ah knowledge very close, how me love her the most
And me not hurt her feelings
But no matter what dem say, but no matter what dem do
My Lorna not leaving
Me love me car Me love me bike
Me love me money and ting
But most of all, Me love me browning
Love-a me car Me love me bike
Me love me money and ting
But most of all, Me love me browning
Woman don't worry yourself
'Cause everything crisp and clean
Yah no say
Next month ah come
And you must get de ring
Go in front of the pastor and get him blessing
No make it (burn?) for all a dem
And get the bad feeling caw
Dem a said dem are your friend, But run de whole a dem
Cuz dem is too deceiving
Dem a talk behind you back, an waan borrow yu frock
To wear about this evening
But dem a lay down your clothes, sure we are gon propose
Cuz dem is too conniving
And if dem come back again, Then dem you know are no friend
Cuz you nuh like a news carrying
@beareroflife
Buju is free! Long live Buju
@odeisharolle4282
QuietMuscle Tranquilo concert in Bahamas 30 th March 🇧🇸
@gato0082
❣️💯💋💋💋💋💋
@blessingzhuwausarari9929
In 2020 it sounds even better.. #Legend
@LoveLy-oq7sw
Buju is the Fucking Man! Still 1 of the Hottest today...His style of music is Unique. It catches your attention. He goes hard🔥
@fourfortymusic9618
My God......this is music so sweet!!! I was born in London, England but I spent my high school days in Trinidad - my ride from school was about 40 minutes long! I heard all these songs everyday in the taxi's and maxi taxi's on my way to and from school. Best days of my life!!!
@marlenemclendon865
Facts
@s.watson5180
For real that was the days when songs were of a meaning and spoke about message to the masses on concerning change and being different from the rest of the world, but it really hits harder now when you think back on the music and the messages. Makes it feel alot deeper and more heartfelt now cause you can relate to it once you have gone through it.
@jeffersonlewis6288
Guide times
@joesmith7348
heard this song first time in 1989 and loved it immediately. and it's still great now.