Before The Dawn ... Buju Banton's Prophetic Album available now

Gargamel Music, Inc. is pleased to announce that Reggae superstar Buju Banton's prophetic new album, Before The Dawn is in stores and online in North America today. While the release date for the UK and France is set for next Monday, October 4, the album will be available in the rest of Europe this Friday, October 1.

The ninth studio album by the international music icon, Before The Dawn boasts 10 powerful tracks that comprise some of the most powerful songs written by Banton since his professional entry into the music business over twenty years ago. In an exclusive interview featured in the new issue of Hip-Hop Weekly magazine, Buju says, "All the songs on this album were written before I and I found I self in this current situation, yet they all speak profoundly to what I and I am going through right now... You might can lock the flesh but you can never lock the spirit of Rasta." The album has already catapulted to the #2 position on iTunes' Top Reggae Albums Chart.

Recorded at Banton's own Gargamel Music studio in Kingston, Jamaica, Before The Dawn literally pierces the soul with traditional roots on the track "Do Good," classic rock on the tune "No Smoking At All," and heartfelt Reggae on the especially potent "Battered & Bruised." The album's unofficial anthem, "Innocent" strikes a highly personal chord that will resonate deeply with longtime fans.

Despite his current incarceration, Buju was heavily involved in putting together this latest offering - from choosing the final track listing and laboring over the phone with the producers and engineers to get the mixes just right, to conceptualizing the project's distinguished packaging. Physical copies of the album contain a special note written from inside the Pinellas County Jail in Clearwater, Florida, where he has been housed since January.

Buju Banton finally had his day in court when the trial, which had been riddled with delays, kicked off on Monday, September 20, in Tampa, Florida. An esteemed team of federal criminal defense attorneys, led by David Oscar Markus of Markus & Markus Law, represented the four time Grammy-nominated artist. After four days of testimony and 15 hours of deliberation by a 12 person jury, the Honorable Judge James Moody declared a mistrial. The case will be retried this December. In the meantime, Mr. Markus has filed a motion for bond in an attempt to spring Banton out of jail while he awaits his new trial. A hearing on the motion has already been set for Wednesday, October 6.

Before The Dawn ... Buju Banton's Prophetic Album available now

Duane Stephenson Releases 'Black Gold'

Contemporary roots reggae artist Duane Stephenson returns with his sophomore album, Black Gold, courtesy of VP Records. The 15-track album features his signature sounds, from ballads to roots reggae, and his musical skills and heartfelt sentiments on this album will resonate with fans and be sure to gain him new ones.

"In the face of great hardship, great men and great music will rise," reveals Stephenson. "Black Gold is great work in my eyes and I'm bringing my fans back to the root and essence of reggae music."

Stephenson has been spreading his new tunes to fans far and wide, as the opening act for The Wailers on their current U.S. tour. (See tour dates below). He is also the featured performer for the weekly Rock With Squeeze artist showcase, at SOB's in New York City on Monday, October 4.

Stephenson's debut album, August Town (VP Records, 2007), was lauded as one of the best reggae albums that year. This new studio effort sees Stephenson teaming up again with legendary reggae producer, Dean Fraser, for the majority of its production. His first single, "Rescue Me," features Gramps Morgan and the video, which was shot in New York City, is set to hit airwaves shortly.

Duane Stephenson Releases 'Black Gold'