Boomshots

Author: Boomshots

  • Reasoning with Sizzla: “I’m a Different Sort; I Man a Rasta”

    Reasoning with Sizzla: “I’m a Different Sort;
    I Man a Rasta”

    Kalonji Speaks on U.S. Tour and Black Lives Matter

    It’s been 8 years since Sizzla Kalonji has touched down in NYC, so history was made yesterday he officially announced his big return to New York for Irie Jamboree this Labor Day weekend Sept 4, 2016. Passing through town on the way home from what he calls an “awesome” performance at Reggae on the River, Sizzla Kalonji stopped by Irie Jam Media HQ to connect with his Tristate fans and let them know that he really is back in U.S. once again after years of visa issues. Before going on the air with Jabba and Dubbmaster Chris, Sizzla sat down with Robert Cooper, doing his first interview for Boomshots TV. They spoke about Sizzla’s plans for touring and recording while in the U.S., and took time out to discuss Kalonji’s thoughts on the Black Lives Matter movement. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Devin Di Dakta “Bubble” PREMIERE

    HEAR THIS: Devin Di Dakta “Bubble” PREMIERE

    EquiKnoxx & Swing Ting Got Whole Place Bubbling
    We all remember when Equiknoxx joined forces with PR Reggaeton legend DJ Blass for the ‘Link Up’ mixtape earlier this year. It seems a hint of that same Latin sabor still lingers in the air, mixed with the usual Jamaican aroma. With Devin Di Dakta on the mic, Spacebird Jamrock and the crew have cooked up a musical thing called “Bubble,” which Boomshots proudly premieres today. When the “Bubble” officially bursts on the UK-based Swing Ting label, in short, the world will be in trouble. “The link with Equiknoxx was formed by mutual friend Joseph ‘Joey Lyric’ Dyke who introduced me to Gavin,” says Devin, who’s had the ladies in a frenzy with tunes like “RrriBomBiDenDeng” and assorted other unmentionables. “Working with Equiknoxx was a fun experience,” the DJ adds.” As the riddim started playing everyone in the studio began dancing so it was having fun while creating.” That feeling is, shall we say, contagious. Audio After the Jump…

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  • HEAR THIS: Tarrus Riley, Ding Dong, Beenie Man, Tifa & Charly Black “Bring Di Beat” (Jamaica Remix)

    HEAR THIS: Tarrus Riley, Ding Dong, Beenie Man, Tifa & Charly Black “Bring Di Beat” (Jamaica Remix)

    Now A Straight Winnings

    With Olympic fever in full swing, you already know “Bring The Beat,” the big tune by Machel Montano and Tessane Chin, is in heavy rotation. Now, just in time for the Rio Olympiad Chimney Records is bringing the beat with a “Jamaica Remix” of the winnings anthem with musical Gold Medalists Tarrus Riley, Ding Dong, Beenie Man, Tifa & Charly Black blazing the lyrical torch. So what if you deh pon one big lazy par and skip the torch ceremony? As long as you know when to press gas!  Audio After the Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Kranium x Tory Lanez “We Can”

    HEAR THIS: Kranium x Tory Lanez “We Can”

    From Toronto To Queens Pum Pum Reigns Supreme

    A half-Bajan R&B/hip hop artist from Toronto who’s been doing his thing for a few years now, Tory Lanez has recently begun exploring Caribbean sounds. When Tory’s “LUV,” a reworking of Tanto Metro & Devonte’s worldwide dancehall hit “Everyone Falls In Love,” was described as “Terrible” by OVO stalwart Boi 1da, Tory proceeded to remix Drake’s “Controlla” in a fairly murderous fashion and tweeted that he was “bout to have Jamaica on fire.” Today he drops “We Can,” a sexed-up combination with Kranium which sounds more like Kranium jumping on a Tory Lanez #Swavey R&B track than vice versa. Still their icy machismo nicely complements this gauzy beat from Sak Pase and DJ Marley Waters as two young players pledge allegiance to the pum pum. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Jah9 “Fire Slaughter”

    HEAR THIS: Jah9 “Fire Slaughter”

    This Is Not A Mixtape; It’s A Numerological Revolution

    Listen closely and try to keep up: 9 is the sum of the digits 2 + 0 + 1 + 6. Ergo, 2016 is the year of 9. 9 also represents the ninth letter, I, which is not so much a letter as it is a fully-fledged concept bearing profound significance within Rastafarian philosophy, philology, and epistemology. There must be something about the number 9. Not to get all Deep Space Nine, but there are exactly 9 planets. 9 members of Wu Tang. 9 millimeters go bang. According to Jamaican custom, 9 days after someone passes away, his or her friends and family should kill the fatted calf—so to speak, more likely a curried goat—and celebrate the life of the dear departed in order to send him or her off good and proper. It’s called a “nine night.” Well today, Friday August 5, marks the 9th day since Janine Cunningham, better known to enlightened reggae lovers as Jah9, released 9MM Vol. 2, an 18-track project (definitely not a mixtape) which she describes as “Groundings in preparation for the arrival” of her forthcoming album 9, which is due to be released on… 9/9 of course!  Audio After The Jump…
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  • HEAR THIS: Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley “Nail Pon Cross”

    HEAR THIS: Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley “Nail Pon Cross”

    Powerful Images and Powerful Music from Junior Gong’s Stony Hill Album

    “Be careful who you nail pon cross,” sings Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley on the new single premiered today from Stony Hill, the long-awaited follow-up to Welcome to Jamrock, which is now scheduled for an October 28 release. The thought-provoking new song is built upon the the musical foundation of Black Uhuru’s “Solidarity.” Sly & Robbie’s thunderous rhythm track provides a backdrop for Damian to speak of respect and tolerance rather than vengefulness and vindictiveness. In the video for the song, set to debut Aug 9th on Tidal, Damian actually gets nailed to a cross alongside a young African-American male, a Mexican immigrant, a Muslim man—and a Los Angeles cop. “The imagery in Nas’s ‘Hate Me Now’ video was made to look like a modern depiction of Christ’s crucifixion. That’s where I got the idea for the ‘Nail Pon Cross’ video,” Damian told Billboard when asked about his inspiration. “I haven’t seen Kanye’s Rolling Stone cover and Madonna’s energy and message is a whole lot different than mine. They thrive on controversy and I am not doing this to be controversial. This is to represent the judgments that people make. So if someone has a problem with the video, that is exactly what the song is talking about.” Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Chris Stylez “Relapse” PREMIERE

    HEAR THIS: Chris Stylez “Relapse” PREMIERE

     Vine Star Taps Into His Jamaican Roots

    Chris Stylez set Vine on fire last year as his X-rated Kryptogram remix of “Who Is” racked up over 50 million plays. A relative of Jimmy Cliff on his father’s side, Chris’s musical journey includes being mentored by Wailers guitarist Ronnie ‘Bop’ Williams while living in Toronto. Today Boomshots proudly premieres “Relapse,” a dancehall-infused soul cut produced by ANY|RIOT—consider it a musical tip of the cap to Stylez’ Jamaican roots and heritage. “This song is about letting a good thing go,” says the NYC-based singer, “yet being constantly reminded of why you both fall so hard in the first place.” Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • Popcaan Joins Rihanna and Kanye on Final Night of OVO Fest

    Popcaan Joins Rihanna and Kanye on Final Night of OVO Fest

    Drizzy Invites The Unruly Boss & Few More Friends To Toronto

    Future was there as expected. Ditto for Drizzy and Roy Wood$. But this year’s OVO Fest was all about the unexpected guests. People like Rihanna, who was technically still a “surprise” during her second consecutive guest set at OVO Fest, performing “Work” and “Too Good” and “BBHMM” (aka “Brap Brap Brap”). And let’s not forget people like Kanye West, who teased the possibility of a Drake/Yeezy album. But nobody savored his guest spot more than Popcaan. The Unruly Boss  came onstage performing “Only Man She Wants” and then followed it up with “Everything Nice” and Jamie xx’s “I Know There’s Gonna Be.” And judging by the caption on Poppy’s IG, there were, in fact, good times. Wickedness increase. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Leadpipe & Saddis Kick Off Evolution Sound Soca Mixtape

    HEAR THIS: Leadpipe & Saddis Kick Off Evolution Sound Soca Mixtape

    Porgie & Murda Bring Dreams To Life

    Crop Over 2016 may be winding down, but Barbados is still bubbling. This year the island revellers had to do without Rihanna (she spent the weekend in Toronto rocking OVO Fest) but the party continues on this exclusive Evolution Sound soca mix featuring Bajan soca duo Leadpipe & Saddis (aka Porgie & Murda). Their tunes—and a mix of fresh reggae/soca collabs like Jus D & I-Octane’s “Perform”—are a perfect way to set the mood for the Philadelphia Jerk Fest on Sunday August 28, 2016. Leadpipe & Saddis will be performing live and direct alongside reggae legend Luciano Jah Messenger and dancehall star Assassin aka Agent Sasco. No more long talking, DJ Jamol Jenius let off! Audio & Tracklist After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Hirie “You Won’t Be Alone” PREMIERE

    HEAR THIS: Hirie “You Won’t Be Alone” PREMIERE

    Brand New Music To Keep A Wandering Soul Company

    Back in 2013, Hirie sang a song about falling for a “Sensi Boy” and made a lasting impression with her intoxicating strain of lover’s rock. Today Boomshots proudly premieres the first single from her forthcoming album Wandering Soul. “‘You Won’t Be Alone’ is about our lives on the road and how it feels to leave everything behind, in order to pursue a dream,” the Oahu-raised, San Diego-based singer explains. “The song serves as a constant reminder to ourselves and our loved ones, of our imminent return. And when they hear us on the radio, they can be happy knowing we made it thanks to their love and support.” Keep up with Hirie on Facebook and just remember where you heard it first. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • Sean Paul Comes Through To “Dutty Up” OVO Fest Night 1

    Sean Paul Comes Through To “Dutty Up” OVO Fest Night 1

    The Dancehall Superstar Even Dropped His Tory Lanez Remix

    Although Beenie Man was unable to attend OVO Fest Night One as planned due to health issues (The Doctor was undergoing treatment for the Zika virus), surprise guest Sean Paul came through just in the nick of time to dutty up the place.  Running through all his hits, from “Gimme The Light” to “Get Busy” and “Temperature” even “Like Glue,” SP even kicked a few bars from his remix to “Luv” by Toronto rude bwoy Tory Lanez. Did anybody tell him that Drake and Mr. Lanez are not exactly on the best of terms at the moment? The guest appearance from Rihanna wasn’t a bad look either. How Drizzy convinced her to skip her beloved Crop Over in Barbados we’ll never know. Maybe those two really are serious. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Busy Signal “Colder”

    HEAR THIS: Busy Signal “Colder”

    The Turf Prez Touches Up A Classic King Jammy’s Riddim

    Some things just can’t be improved upon, but that doesn’t mean they should be left alone. King Jammy’s 1987 “Score” Riddim is a perfect example, a track that defines digital lovers rock. There was something about Steely’s warm and easy computer bassline and those crstyal-clear twinkling high notes combined with Clevie’s tastefully understated drum programming. The riddim became an instant classic when it first appeared on Frankie Paul’s “I Know The Score” from FP’s crucial Original Sara album, with additional  versions by Sanchez and Thriller U available on 12-inch discomix. A quarter century later Busy Signal has brought the riddim forward with a brand new song entitled “Colder.” Utilizing Edi Fitzroy’s distinctive stammer-phrase on the hook, the Turf Prez sings for the girls,  evokes bygone dancehall days, and pays homage to the elders who paved the way. The only thing worth changing is the title, cause this tune is definitely #Hotted. “Fe real, fe real, fe real pull up that one from top.” Audio After The Jump… (more…)