GLAAD Fights Grammy Nod For Anti-Gay Reggae Artist

Yesterday GLAAD launched an online petition protesting the recent Grammy nomination of Jamaican reggae artist Buju Banton's album "Rasta Got Soul."  

The problem with a Grammy nod for Banton is his long history of anti-gay lyrics and association with anti-gay violence. For example, back in 1988 he had a big hit with "Boom Bye Bye" with lyrics that included “f-----s have to die” and he [Banton] will “shoot them in the head” or “burn them.”  

To be fair, it should be noted that Banton was only 15 when he wrote and released that track — although he re-recorded it in 1992 when he was 18.

Banton's hostility towards the gay community doesn't appear to be limited to posturing in his lyrics. In 2004, Banton was allegedly a part of a posse  that forced entry into a home near Banton's recording studio and beat six men believed to be gay. One of the victims lost an eye in the attack. (Charges against Banton were later dismissed.)

Very ugly stuff certainly, and it's dismaying that the Grammys would give this man a nod. However, to my mind this is a bit different than the protests which erupted over Banton's U.S. tour earlier this year.

There, gay rights groups successfully convinced promoters AEG Live and Live Nation to pull out of the tour because of Banton's lyrics promoting violence against gays. (Presumably, in live shows he would be performing "Boom Bye Bye" and other past anti-gay hits)

But a complicating issue in GLAAD's Grammy petition is that the particular Buju Banton album up for consideration this year isn't, in itself, objectionable. Here's what one reviewer had to say:

"An anti-violence tone reverberates throughout the 15 tracks on Rasta Got Soul, a solid new collection from Grammy-nominated reggae star Buju Banton.... Rasta Got Soul showcases the mature side of Buju Banton (born Mark Myrie), an artiste who has been embroiled in controversy over ‘homophobic lyrics’ for more than a decade. There are no traces of that sad phase of his journey here. Instead, we get an atmosphere indicative of a new outlook on life and society that is both refreshing and appealing."

I'm on the fence with GLAAD's petition. My personal opinion is that perhaps the album should be judged on its merits alone, and by attempting to torpedo Banton's Grammy nod GLAAD simply makes him look like a persecuted victim in the eyes of his many fans.

But then again, hopefully drawing further attention to Banton's anti-gay antics might sway some members of the Recording Academy against voting "Rasta Got Soul" for best reggae album.

If you would like to participate in GLAAD's online petition protesting Banton's Grammy nomination you can find it here.

I'm very curious what AfterElton.com readers think about this petition effort and whether you plan to participate. Please comment.

Note: AfterElton.com contacted the Grammy Foundation for comment on the GLAAD petition. So far we've received no response.