Buju Banton – Inna Heights – Vinyl, LP, Reissue, Greensleeves
“Inna Heights” is a seminal album by Buju Banton, originally released in 1997, showcasing his deep roots in reggae and dancehall. The record marks a shift from his earlier hardcore dancehall style to a more conscious, roots-oriented sound, heavily influenced by roots reggae and rastafarian spirituality. Banton embraces themes of social justice, upliftment, and spirituality, with songs reflecting the struggles of the oppressed and a call for unity.
Tracks like “Hills and Valleys” and “Destiny” highlight the album’s powerful messages, with heavy use of traditional Nyabinghi drumming, dub rhythms, and one-drop beats. His vocal delivery shifts between melodic chanting and rugged toasting, showcasing his versatility as an artist. The album incorporates strong influences from Jamaican reggae legends such as Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, and Burning Spear, blending contemporary dancehall energy with the spiritual depth of classic reggae.
The production features live instruments, including bass-heavy grooves, guitar riffs, and horn sections, emphasizing the organic sound typical of roots reggae. The inclusion of collaborations with artists like Tonton David and Beres Hammond further broadens its appeal, blending reggae with hints of ragga and world music.
“Inna Heights” solidified Buju Banton’s place as one of the leading voices in reggae, bridging the gap between dancehall’s harder edges and the more soulful, conscious messages of roots reggae, making it a timeless contribution to conscious dancehall and reggae music.