Currently in prison serving a ten-year sentence, Buju sent out the brief message below via Twitter. Check it out below…

To those who stood with me through these trying times, who prayed with me, who wrote letters and called on my behalf, my family and I thank you so much. It has certainly not been an easy road but I will never give up the fight until I am once again reunited with my people and my family.”

“Even then, that’s when the struggle begins, because I must continue fighting for those who I have met and seen their plight and how they are being ‘felonized’ by the government and disenfranchised and violated by the very laws that should be protecting their properties and persons…If you only knew, I pray that this great nation would regain consciousness and defend truth and rights like they should and stand united against a common enemy – injustice. Thanks again for your support.

…Info via Boomshots.

We let you know about this before the big throw down on the parkway, so it’s only right we give you the full mix.

Download it below.

The folks at 10.Deep and Federation Sound collab to drop some tunes to get folks ready for the Bashment that is Labor Day Week in BKNYC. The full mix will drop this Saturday, but check out the preview featuring Kardi, Sean Paul and more below…

Labor Day Weekend is nearly upon us… And those that know Brooklyn know this weekend the streets of Flatbush and Crown Heights will explode for the Carribean Day parade. In the spirit of the many Caribbean nations pouring into our streets to tear it up, we decided to contribute to the mayhem by throwing a new mixtape project into the mix – one that would end the summer with a bang… or a murder.

We teamed up with the mighty Federation Sound to bring you SUMMER MURDA, a unique, 48-track soundclash mix full of exclusive dubplates from a wide range of dancehall’s greatest new and old artists – including the likes of Buju Banton, Vybz Kartel, Sean Paul, Chino, Mr. Lexx, Kardinal Offishall and Flippa Mafia to true OGs Johnny Osbourne, Shinehead and Freddie McGregor. Our collective focus was not to bring you the latest, newest dancehall, but to create something timeless.  Here’s a quick taste of what you can expect to hear…

Federation Sound was originally founded in 1999 by Max Glazer, Kenny Meez and Cipha Sounds and has since grown to become a worldwide force in reggae music (and include Alric & Bodyd from Fame FM, Jamaica) and the late Disco D (RIP). Representing Brooklyn, Jamaica and Philly, they have collaborated with Sean Paul, Vybz Kartel, Baby Cham and Aidonia, as well has have produced dancehall remixes for Rihanna, when not keeping up with a busy travel schedule. Federation also host weekly shows on eastvillageradio.com, iTunes Radio/ and Scion’s streaming mixshow, as well as their own Federation Invasion podcast.

We’ll be dropping SUMMER MURDA online on Saturday, September 3rd at 5pm (Brooklyn time) and will be celebrating with catered food, drink and soundclash at an outdoor launch affair from 7-11pm (see details below) with Max Glazer and guests (Federation Sound), DJ Ayres (The Rub) and Nick Catchdubs (Fool’s Gold). We’ll see you there…

After the jump, check out the flier for the tape’s launch party on Saturday night…

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Never a bad time for this one. Check out the video below…

…FREE BUJU.

Various tunes that I’ve been stacking to share with the people. Check out the goodness below…

Check out a few videos and links to download after the jump…

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Via The Heatwave, comes this hour-long starter kit on Dancehall Reggae for all those who may need it. This follows up their celebration of Sleng Teng’s anniversary a few weeks back. Great way to start the week, I say.

Check out the mix and details below…

I couldn’t quite keep it to one tune per year as I was also trying to make sure that all the key artists from this period were represented. I think I did pretty well in the end but I’m sure I left out some notable vocalists. I KNOW that there are hundreds of BIG TUNES that didn’t get featured.

I suppose there’s always someone who gets left out at a birthday party. Big up Lady Saw, Kiprich, Cecile, TOK, Terry Ganzie, Serani, Spice and all the other artists whose invites got lost in the post.

So here’s The Heatwave’s history lesson aka bashment birthday party. 25 years of dancehall. As Benjamin points out at some point, this is one for the iPod.

Download it here: Via The Heatwave: 25 Years of Dancehall.

Tracklisting after the jump…

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Federation brings you their latest podcast and last of the decade. Check out the music and details below…

Well kids, this is the last podcast of 2009. It’s been a lot of fun. Listen to Juke Boxx‘s remake of the classic “Boops” riddim, “Shoulder Move” (another remake courtesy of Lenky), “Bomb Drop” (Russian), “Style And Swagga” (Ballaz), a brand new Mavado tune “Starlight”, produced by Di Genius, Buju tunes and lots more . CLICK HERE to listen through iTunes – FREE.

Download it here: Federation Podcast #136..

Just some music to get you through the start of the week. Check the details below…

Download the music after the jump.

image via Pryere on Flickr.

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The Heatwave released the “Early Warming Mixtape”. The mix builds up with a good summer vibe to it.

This is a mix I originally started work on back in April or May when we had our first burst of summery weather in London, hence the Early Warming name.

It was meant to be a spring thing but then the weather got shit again and I thought there needed to be some more sunshine before I put it out…

Anyway it’s 45 minutes of summertime, good vibes dancehall and laidback one drop reggae, perfect for winding along to in your car, in the park or wherever really.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Track list and Download inside

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As much as we’ve posted about this album, it’s only right that I remind folks that it’s in stores now.

From the review:

An instant classic released out of order, Rasta Got Soul could have been Buju Banton’s 2004 album if an arrest for ganja possession hadn’t sent the singer into exile…Beyond recommended, this one is vital.

Preview the album here: Rasta Got Soul @ Amazon.com.

Check out a few tracks from the album after the jump…

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