Boomshots

Author: Boomshots

  • Kick Out Yuh Foot: Assassin x Sam Spiegel x Ape Drums x Kenzo World “Mutant Brain” Ad Goes Viral

    Kick Out Yuh Foot: Assassin x Sam Spiegel x Ape Drums x Kenzo World “Mutant Brain” Ad Goes Viral

    Margaret Qualley Wilds Out To Agent Sasco Inna Parfum Commercial

    O.G. video director Spike Jonze has a long history with The Beastie Boys, whose appreciation for Jamaican music is well known. No surprise then that Jonze’s ad spot for “KENZO World,” a new fragrance (ahem, make that “Parfum”) created by Carol Lim & Humberto Leon, is powered by the maad vibes of dancehall star Agent Sasco aka Assassin. In the commercial, Margaret Qualley, who plays Jill Garvey on the HBO television series, The Leftovers, excuses herself from a fancy award ceremony and starts bugging out to the sounds of a wicked dancehall-dubstep fusion track called “Mutant Brain.” Don’t worry dancehall queens. The HBO star is not exactly ready for Weddy Weddy. When she isn’t kicking out her foot to Sasco’s flow, she’s uncontrollably licking statues and generally acting crazy, not unlike Darryl Hannah’s malfunctioning android sexbot in Blade Runner. The track was produced by Jonze’s brother, Sam Spiegel, in collaboration with Major Lazer affiliate Ape Drums. Spiegel and Jonze have collaborated on TV ads before, including the Adidas TV commercial “Hello Tomorrow.” Spiegel also wrote the popular score for Jonze’s 2010 short film  I’m Here. WWD has now declared the KenzoWorld ad a “viral hit” so basically we’re saying Sasco has racked up another major look. Brap! Brap! Video After The Jump…

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  • HEAR THIS: Equiknoxx Music “Us In 2007” PREMIERE

    HEAR THIS: Equiknoxx Music “Us In 2007” PREMIERE

     Once Upon a Time In Jamaica

    Like the mighty bird of prey who serves as the label’s logo/mascot, Equiknoxx Music has soared to higher heights in recent years. But today the dancehall production team of Nicholas “Bobby The Blackbird” Deane & Gavin “Gavsborg” Blair rewind back to the days when they flew mostly under the radar. Consider Us In 2007  a sonic snapshot, a moment in time—five tracks culled from the Equiknoxx archives and presented for the first time today on Boomshots. “We had no studio at the time,” recalls Blackbird. “Most of these songs were recorded at different studios…mainly Anchor Studios, Cutting Edge Records which is now Chimney Records, B-Rich Entertainment, and Versatile C&M Entertainment now Ancient Records/4th Generation Music. The time was simple; the fees were zero, gratitude is everything. As for us? What to say? “Brash” is the word that comes to mind. Well, depending on your definition. Loud, confident, spirited and maybe a little rude.” These songs are not about “Big Names”—Craigy T and Bay C of TOK fame pop up on two solo cuts; Tifa sings the hook for an artist known as C4 whose eccentric slang (“Man a real Gangle-arka”) steals the show; the only Ranks here is Shawnie. Never mind if you never heard of Rsenal or Lil J.O.E or Jahfrica or Tremma—just listen. The songs possess a raw urgency that is undeniable, and irresistible to fans of real dancehall music. And the production? It knoxx. These beats are ready to take on the world, but they were released at a moment when the world was not ready. “There are no rules, there are no gatekeepers, there are no expectations, there are no limits,” Blackbird summarizes. “We have the secrets of the sky, and laughter comes easy. Actions before words and the birds speak loudly and boldly because they are sure. We are sure about everything.”  Audio After The Jump…
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  • HEAR THIS: Popcaan “Nah Idle”

    HEAR THIS: Popcaan “Nah Idle”

    “If you never listen Popcaan song, mek sure you listen to dah one yah”

    What a year Andrae Hugh Sutherland has had! Hits pon toppa hits in the dancehall. High-profile collabs. Shelling stages and killing sounds around the world. Smoking the highest and relishing close encounters with “some real star gyal.” In his latest tune, produced by Mini for E5 Records and distributed by the mighty 21st Hapilos, Poppy shares the secret of his success, and it’s pretty simple—but easier said than done. It all comes down to work. Hard work. That’s how you live the dream. That’s how you take care of your family. That’s how you climb up the ladder from asking your bredrens to give away promo CDs, to getting your songs played for free (while other artists have to shell out payola.) Mind you, it won’t help cure other peoples’ badmind or grudgefulness. “Artist ah cuss true the world prefer me,” Popcaan observes on the tune. But by avoiding idleness, you can climb the ladder too—thus avoiding the ill effects of badmind. “Wash out unno heart, unno heart too nasty,” Popcaan sings. “We nuh beg people, so no bwoy can style me.”  When Popcaan speaks of “Idle,” he’s not talking about American Idol, or worshipping false idols. He’s speaking of laziness, slothfulness, lack of initiative, purpose, or forward motion. Think of a car in neutral, revving the engine and getting nowhere fast.  Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: K’Coneil “Feel So Right” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: K’Coneil “Feel So Right” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    No Inna No Long Talking

    In this summer of dancehall/pop fusion, everybody seems to be jumping on the reggae bandwagon—with mixed results. Born in Jamaica and raised in New York City, K’Coneil makes music that reflects this blend of cultures organically without feeling forced or contrived. The latest single off his debut EP, LOVE/LUST, is an R&B/dancehall cut called “Feels So Right” produced by New Yorker DJ Calli B. “I wanted to make a feel-good song that spoke about a relationship that just felt great and didn’t require any effort it was just easy and natural,” says the artist. “All the stars aligned and it’s just a perfect match ‘made in heaven.’” Today Boomshots proudly premieres the music video for the track, directed by Zurisaddair, which was shot in Coney Island and Times Square with choreography by the International Danca Family. Like K’Coneil, it’s a perfect blend. Video After The Jump…

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  • Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley Speaks on the “Nail Pon Cross” Music Video Controversy

    Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley Speaks on the “Nail Pon Cross” Music Video Controversy

    Judge Not, Lest Ye Shall Be Judged

    After premiering as a Tidal exclusive, Damian Marley’s powerful new video, “Nail Pon Cross” appeared on his Vevo channel earlier this week, bringing the disturbing visuals to the whole wide world. Although it’s not the first music video to feature a crucifixion scene—Damian told Billboard that he was inspired by his friend Nas’s “Hate Me Now” video—there’s still something shocking about watching Bob Marley’s son have nails pounded through his wrists and left on a telephone pole to die. A still from the video posted online generated a flurry of negative comments, especially from Christians who were offended by what they considered a sacriligeous image. “It’s ironic, because I’m being crucified for being crucified,” he recently told the Huffington Post in response to the controversy. Boomshots caught up with Jr. Gong to get his views on the visuals. Video & Interview After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Rebelution “De-Stress” 360° Video Live at Red Rocks

    WATCH THIS: Rebelution “De-Stress” 360° Video Live at Red Rocks

    California Reggae Posse Rocks Colorado

    Sure they have a bassist named Marley, and that can’t be a bad thing for a reggae band—right? But way back when they were students at the University of California Santa Barbara, the members of  Rebelution probably never imagined that twenty years later they would be touring the world and topping the Billboard reggae charts—becoming basically the most popular reggae band in America. How did it happen? Well, things just kinda fell into place. In fact, the band’s latest album just happens to be called Falling Into Place. In case you’re not up on Rebelution, peep this virtual reality experience from a 2015 concert at Red Rocks in June 2015. (You can navigate around the video using the arrow keys.) And if you like what you hear, hit up their official site for tour info—they tour a lot. During Rebelution’s latest tour stop in NYC, Boomshots caught up with the guys. This band is so big, we could only fit three of them in our camera lens. Fortunately we also got a nice shot of Marley’s bobble-head doll, because it’s only right for him to be represented too. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Gyptian “Summer Is Back” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Gyptian “Summer Is Back” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    Beaches, Bikinis, Waterfalls—It’s All In a Day’s Work

    We may be close to the end of August, but trust and believe summer is still in full effect. Summer 2016 has been a big season for reggae and dancehall in the international pop charts, although much of it got labeled as “tropical house” in the mainstream media. That’s why you’ve got to love Konzequence Muzik Group for naming their summer juggling the “Tropical House Riddim”—a strategic move to rebrand this true Jamaican dancehall track in the midst of everything that’s going. “It’s all about a party vibes,” says reggae star Gyptian of his song on the riddim, a thing called “Summer Is Back.” Today Boomshots proudly premieres the official music video which is fully loaded with plenty of girls in bikinis, cool drinks, a secluded tropical waterfall—why can’t every day be like this? Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Out and Bad: Elephant Man Teaches His Top 10 Dance Moves

    Out and Bad: Elephant Man Teaches His Top 10 Dance Moves

    Getting Jiggy With Di Energy God

    With Notting Hill Carnival coming up next weekend—and Brooklyn’s Labor Day parade the weekend after that—it’s time to brush up on your dance steps. You love the vibes and you want to bust some moves like Usain Bolt celebrating a gold medal, but you don’t know your “Willie Bounce” from your “Gangsta Rock.” Well fret not thyself. Reshma B linked up with Elephant Man in Kingston, Jamaica. Elly is known for spreading Kingston street dance choreography around the world with hit songs like “Pon Di River Pon The Bank” and “Signal Di Plane.” Di Energy God himself  taught The Reggae Girl About Town how to do each and every one of his Top 10 Dance Moves. He also took time out to reason about his early King Jammy’$ days, and big up the elders in the business from Shabba Ranks to Bounty Killer and Buju Banton. Videos After The Jump… (more…)

  • Chronixx & Friends Shell Down BBC 1Xtra

    Chronixx & Friends Shell Down BBC 1Xtra

    “Not Even Special Guests—Cause You Nuh Haffi Guess…”

    MistaJam & Seani B do a thing over at BBC 1Xtra called #SixtyMinutesLive during which time special guest artists freestyle over various selections, and generally rough up the airwaves. Last night was a good one as Di Steam Ministah rolled through the studio accompanied by from Maverick Sabre, Randy Valentine, Little Simz, Luciano and Jah Bouks. The vibes did nice, as you will soon witness via YouTube. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Popcaan “Usain Bolt / World Cup Dubplate”

    HEAR THIS: Popcaan “Usain Bolt / World Cup Dubplate”

    Weh Dem Ah Go Do Now?

    Usain Bolt has never hidden the fact that he’s a major dancehall fan. Back in Beijing, he celebrated his first Olympic win by busting a Gully Creeper dance. (His 2009 welcome home dance in Trelawney was legendary.) This year in Rio Bolt celebrated his first win by posting an Instagram video of himself singing along to Popcaan’s big tune “World Cup (We Still A Win).” The Unruly Boss wasted no time reposting the video and hit the studio sometime soon after. No sooner did Bolt cross the finish line in Rio, collecting his second gold medal, than Poppy’s Bolt dubplate start shell the worldwide web up. Audio & Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Usain Bolt Fans’ “Gun Salutes” Shut Down JFK Airport

    Usain Bolt Fans’ “Gun Salutes” Shut Down JFK Airport

    Trouble in Terminal 8

    Last night, while the fastest man alive, Usain Bolt, was winning another medal in Rio, chaos broke out inside Terminal 8 at New York’s JFK Airport and one of the city’s busiest transit hubs had to be evacuated. Coincidence? We think not. Shortly before midnight last night, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey posted the “all clear” on their official Twitter account. “Preliminary inevstigation does not indicate shots were fired at JFK. There are no injuries. At this time, no gun shells or other evidence of shots fired has been found. The terminal was evacuated out of an abundance of caution… Investigation continues.” So what happened?   Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Gary Nesta Pine “Thanks and Praise” PREMIERE

    HEAR THIS: Gary Nesta Pine “Thanks and Praise” PREMIERE

    New Music from the Revelations Album

    “I’m a messenger from Jah,” says Gary Nesta Pine. “My dad was a postman; I feel like I am the postman of music.” The long-time leader of NYC’s notorious City Heat band, Pine was blessed to serve as lead vocalist for the legendary reggae band The Wailers for many years, and he’s also collabed with French hitmaker Bob Sinclair. The singer is now preparing to release a new album titled Revelations on August 26th. Today Boomshots proudly premieres one of the album’s 13 tracks, a musical thing called “Thanks and Praise.” On maybe the most personal cut on the album, Gary says he’s “just giving thanks and praise to the almighty Rastafari, for the mountains, the birds, the world, the people who influenced my life, the love of my family, his guidance. It’s a prayer from me to God.” Audio After The Jump… (more…)