Free Up Black People: Busy Signal’s Reggae Anthem
Reggae music is a popular music genre that originated in Jamaica in the 1960s. It is based on ska, an earlier form of Jamaican music, and has influences from New Orleans rhythm’n’blues, American R&B, mento, and contemporary and traditional Jamaican music. It has a strong rhythmic beat driven by drums, bass, guitar, and sometimes a scraper, a corrugated stick that is rubbed by a plain stick. The term reggae is derived from regga or rege-rege, which means rags or ragged clothing. Reggae music emerged as a voice of the oppressed in Jamaica and abroad, especially in Britain, the United States, and Africa.
One of the most prominent reggae artists in the 21st century is Busy Signal, also known by his birth name Reanno Devon Gordon. He was born in 1979 in Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica, and started singing hymns at his mother’s church. He later moved to Kingston and became influenced by dancehall music, a faster and more aggressive form of reggae. He began his music career in 2003 with the hit song “Step Out”, which established him as one of the leading dancehall artists. He has since released several albums and collaborated with other artists such as No Doubt, Major Lazer, Tiwa Savage, and Wyclef Jean .
The Message of Free Up
In 2016, Busy Signal released an EP called Fresh from Yaad, which featured a song called “Free Up”. The song is a call for freedom and justice for black people around the world who face oppression, discrimination, and violence. The song references historical figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey, Nelson Mandela, Bob Marley, and Haile Selassie, who fought for civil rights and liberation for black people. The song also mentions contemporary issues such as police brutality, mass incarceration, poverty, racism, and corruption. The chorus of the song repeats the phrase “free up black people”, which is both a demand and a prayer for change.
The Style of Free Up
The song “Free Up” has a typical reggae beat with a slow tempo and a heavy bass line. The song also incorporates elements of dancehall music, such as electronic sounds, fast rapping, and slang words. The song has a catchy melody and a simple structure that makes it easy to sing along. The song also uses samples from speeches by Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X to emphasize its message. The song has a positive vibe and a hopeful tone that inspires listeners to stand up for their rights and dignity.
The Importance of Free Up
The song “Free Up” by Busy Signal is an important contribution to reggae music and culture because it continues the tradition of using music as a tool for social commentary and activism. The song reflects the realities and challenges that black people face in different parts of the world and calls for solidarity and action. The song also celebrates the achievements and legacy of black leaders who have paved the way for freedom and equality. The song also shows that Busy Signal is not only a talented musician but also a conscious artist who uses his platform to raise awareness and inspire change.
FAQs
Where can I download or stream the song “Free Up” by Busy Signal?
You can download or stream the song “Free Up” by Busy Signal from various platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, iTunes, Tidal, Google Play, or Amazon. You can also buy the EP Fresh from Yaad from these platforms or from Busy Signal’s official website [21](https://busysignalja.com/).
What are some other songs by Busy Signal that I should listen to?
Some other songs by Busy Signal that you should listen to are “Stay So”, “Watch Out for This (Bum
Some other songs by Busy Signal that you should listen to are “Stay So”, “Watch Out for This (Bumaye)”, “One More Night”, “Come Over (Missing You)”, “Nightshift”, “Reggae Music Again”, “Dreams of Brighter Days”, and “Dolla Van”. You can find these songs on his albums Reggae Music Again, D.O.B., Parts of the Puzzle, and Turf Music Entertainment Presents: Reggae Rock Riddim .
What are some other reggae artists that I should listen to?
Some other reggae artists that you should listen to are Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Burning Spear, Jimmy Cliff, Toots and the Maytals, Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown, Steel Pulse, Black Uhuru, Culture, Third World, UB40, Alpha Blondy, Lucky Dube, Damian Marley, Stephen Marley, Ziggy Marley, Chronixx, Protoje, Koffee, and Lila Iké. You can find their music on various platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, iTunes, Tidal, Google Play, or Amazon.
What is the difference between reggae and dancehall music?
Reggae and dancehall music are both genres of Jamaican music that share some common elements such as rhythm, bass, and lyrics. However, they also have some differences such as tempo, style, and audience. Reggae music is generally slower and more laid-back than dancehall music. Reggae music also tends to have more political and social messages than dancehall music. Dancehall music is generally faster and more upbeat than reggae music. Dancehall music also tends to have more sexual and violent themes than reggae music. Reggae music is more popular among older and international listeners than dancehall music. Dancehall music is more popular among younger and local listeners than reggae music .
What is the meaning of the term “free up” in Jamaican slang?
The term “free up” in Jamaican slang has several meanings depending on the context. It can mean to relax, to release, to liberate, to express oneself, to enjoy oneself, to celebrate, or to support. For example, one can say “free up yourself” to mean “have fun” or “be yourself”. One can also say “free up the prisoners” to mean “let them go” or “give them justice”. One can also say “free up the vibes” to mean “create a good atmosphere” or “share positive energy”. The term “free up” is often used in reggae and dancehall music to convey these meanings .
What are some benefits of listening to reggae music?
Some benefits of listening to reggae music are that it can improve your mood, reduce your stress, boost your creativity, increase your awareness, inspire your action, and connect you with others. Reggae music can improve your mood because it has a positive and uplifting vibe that can make you feel happy and hopeful. Reggae music can reduce your stress because it has a soothing and calming effect that can help you relax and cope with challenges. Reggae music can boost your creativity because it has a diverse and innovative sound that can stimulate your imagination and expression. Reggae music can increase your awareness because it has a conscious and insightful message that can educate you and enlighten you. Reggae music can inspire your action because it has a powerful and motivational voice that can encourage you and empower you. Reggae music can connect you with others because it has a universal and inclusive appeal that can unite you and bond you .
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