Other than reggae, there is no where else in the music world that you would hear of a record label producing an album without an artist’s consent or knowledge. In April of 2006, Big Cat Records released Toppa Di Top – Dirty Rhythms by Buju Banton. The funny thing is that there was no contract with Buju. Big Cat and Buju were in talks about 5 years before the release of Toppa Di Top but nothing was ever set in stone. They had a collection of tunes that Buju had recorded at least 5 years ago but had never officially released. In an attempt to exploit Buju’s name they compiled the song and released as a new album by Buju.
Labels could get away with thing like this back in the day when they exploited Bob Marley’s work but it can’t be done today. With access to the internet, cell phones and all that... word spread fast. What gets me though is how they had the nerve to list Buju as one of their artists on the Big Cat website. If that isn’t BOLD…then what is?
When word got to Buju’s label, Gargamel Music about the release they began to negotiate with Big Cat but nonetheless they released the album without coming to an agreement. After hearing this Buju Banton fans and supports began to make noise. Until the lawsuit is settled, real reggae fans should NOT purchase this album because Buju and the other artists on the album will not receive any money whatsoever for their work. All the money will go directly to Big Cat.
Its funny because when I went to buy, Buju’s album “Too Bad”, I saw Toppa Di Top on the shelf and was shocked that I never heard of it and it was released recently. Then, after picking it up I realized how unofficial it seemed. Many CDs for sale on the street have better quality prints.
