Boomshots

Author: Boomshots

  • HEAR THIS: Jahkoy “Wine”

    HEAR THIS: Jahkoy “Wine”

    Audio After The Jump…

    Jahkoy Pamer was born in Toronto, so even though his music gets filed uner “R&B/Hip Hop” he’s got a touch of the Caribbean vibes in there too. (Maybe that’s what he means by the name Bipolar Sound?) His sunny “Still in Love” video had us feeling some type of way, but it wasn’t till he dropped “Wine” that the Def Jam signee crossed into the Boomshots zone. The rock steady drum pattern sets things up so lovely that when the skanking reggae break comes, it comes as no surprise. By that point his invitation to wine is mere formality. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Prince “Blue Light”

    HEAR THIS: Prince “Blue Light”

    Yep, Prince Did Reggae Too

    A master of diverse musical styles from rock to funk, soul to jazz to dance, rap, and rhythm & blues, Prince’s genius was so profound that his work has left an indelible mark on the next generation of musicians. We’re still getting used to the idea that “The Kid” is dead now, but whether you believe he died of the flu, a drug overdose, or an Illuminati plot, the fact is that his music will live on forever. Our peoples at Caribbean Fever highlighted his little-known foray into reggae music, a musical thing called “Blue Light” off his 1992 Love Symbol album. And you know what? This world-weary tune about making love under an azure glow ain’t bad at all. Shout out to Ultimate Selector for this freshly mastered Youtube stream. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • Kingston Nights: A Jamaican Street Dance Photo Essay

    Kingston Nights: A Jamaican Street Dance Photo Essay

    Robert Cooper Photographs What Real Dancehall Looks Like Right Now

    “I started listening to dancehall during the late ’80s,” recalls photographer and videographer Robert Cooper, who’s covered the Hartford, CT dancehall scene for some time. “I began photographing dancehall parties and concerts 8 years ago, and began writing about dancehall also, so being able to finally go to Jamaica was a blessing. It took me only about two days photographing at the dances before people started recognizing me and I was a part of the scene.” With plans for an exhibit and a book in the works, Cooper shared some visuals from his first trip exclusively with Boomshots. This selection focuses on Jamaica’s thriving street dance culture, highlighting all the stars on the scene—not just the recording artists. Dancers, selectors, and other colorful personalities all help create the vibe that continues to entertain and inspire the world. Dancehall 2016: This is what it looks like. Photos After The Jump… (more…)

  • That Time Drake Almost Got Arrested With “Mava-Dado” & Other Exciting Tales

    That Time Drake Almost Got Arrested With “Mava-Dado” & Other Exciting Tales

    40 And The 6 God Regale Nardwuar With Dancehall War Stories

    Earlier this week Drizzy linked with fellow Canadian phenom Nardwuar aka the Human Serviette for a typically epic interview/gift-giving-b/show-and-tell session. Amongst many highlights gleaned by the good folks at Billboard were several dancehall-related anecdotes—including a massive big up for the World Boss Vybz Kartel. But not until we watched the video did we come to fully appreciate certain gems like Nardwuar’s question about “Mava-Dado.” (Must be seen to be believed.)  To be fair Nardwuar seems to be more of an old-school cat, as he presents Drizzy with a King Tubby’s Dance Hall Style Dub album on vinyl. Nuff respect. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Tiny Pink Piglet Channels Shaggy’s “Boombastic” in Chase Banking Ad

    Tiny Pink Piglet Channels Shaggy’s “Boombastic” in Chase Banking Ad

    This Likkle Piggy Cried “Smooooooth” All The Way Home

    When you think of reggae music, the first animal that comes to mind is, of course, the Conquering Lion. Perhaps a Jamaican hummingbird or even Rasta Mouse. Papa San’s dancehall classic “Animal Style” shouts out lions (naturally), mad monkeys, bad bwoy skunks, jaguars, black panthers, talking parrots, iguanas, big mouth alligators, long maaga giraffes, big slabba elephants, and woodpeckers, but never gets around to the tiny pink piglet. Apart from Nitty Gritty’s foundation selection “Hog Inna Minty”, the primary use for pigs  in Jamaica has been jerking. That is, until the new ad for Chase Bank, which features an adorable pink piglet hot-stepping all the way to the bank accompanied by the sounds of “Boombastic,” the title track  from Shaggy’s certified-platinum Grammy-winning 1995 album. (Hard to believe the tune is now over 2o years old—perhaps that is why it’s being used in a Retirement Planning advert!) Although Shagsman O.D. was unavailable for comment, the hilarious and heartwarming new ad is clearly a good look for the artist, for reggae music, and for proud little pink piggies everywhere. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Sizzla & Popcaan “Wish Bad”

    HEAR THIS: Sizzla & Popcaan “Wish Bad”

    Unruly x Kalonji = Wickedness Increase

    Ever since that epic Ghetto Splash a few Christmases back when Sizzla Kalonji and the whole Judgment Yard joined the Unruly Boss and Aidonia on stage, the Kalonji x Unruly link has only gotten stronger. We loved that Not Nice production they did with Teflon, and now comes a banger from Yard Vybz Ent and Young Pow Production focusing on those badmind people who let their negative feeligns flow on the down-low. Between the disappointment of Views and that likkle situation in Antigua, Popcaan’s had a tough time the last few weeks. But if you know Hotskull you know he’s not letting anything drag down his vibes. Here at Boomshots we don’t run down bad news in reggae music because when it comes to our favorite artists we never wish them bad. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Mighty Crown x Chronixx “Japan Tour Special Mix”

    HEAR THIS: Mighty Crown x Chronixx “Japan Tour Special Mix”

    “We play big tune and we nah have no fear” Leggo…

    This May 26 through 28 Chronixx and the Zincfence Redemption will touch down in Japan for the first time alongside the internationally acclaimed Mighty Crown sound, aka the Far East Rulaz, who are celebrating their 25th anniversary in the business. Founded in 1991 by friends from Yokohama, Japan, Mighty Crown made their name by playing clubs and selling self-produced mix tapes throughout Japan. In that spirit Masta Simon, Sami T and Cojie put together a special mix with Di Steam Minista as a way to “welcome the Rasta youth inna khaki suit” on his first visit to Japan. 2016 will be a big touring year for Chronixx who will also perform in Africa, UK, and Europe.  You already know this one features some wicked duplate specials. Audio & Tour Date After The Jump… (more…)

  • Vybz Kartel or Buju Banton: Which Show Would You Attend?

    Vybz Kartel or Buju Banton: Which Show Would You Attend?

    Imagine: Two Big DJs, One Night Only—The Choice Is Yours

    If you’re a reggae and dancehall fan then you know some of the music’s biggest stars are stuck behind bars. While Busy Signal and Jah Cure have happily come home, Vybz Kartel and Buju Banton are still in captivity. And even though The World Boss finds a way to keep the streets supplied with new tunes on a fairly regular basis, we haven’t seen either artist live in YEARS. Just imagine if both artists were released for just one day, to perform a show for their fans. Now—hypothetically speaking—imagine that both shows were happening on the same night (not in the same place, mind you). In other words, if you had to choose between seeing Kartel or Buju live—right now—which show would you attend? That was the question Chiney K posed to a sampling of her fellow Jamaicans. The results were pretty interesting to say the least. Let’s just say which artist you choose reveals a lot about your personality. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Sizzla “Greatest Mother” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Sizzla “Greatest Mother” Official Music Video

    Kalonji Represents For Mama Once Again

    Reggae artists have created many touching musical salutes appropriate for Mother’s Day rotation, but few have represented maternal love as consistently as Sizzla Kalonji. From “Black Woman and Child” to “Thank U Mama” the fiery singjay from August Town has contributed more than his fair share of Mother’s Day classics. Today he premieres a new song for mother. Is his latest also his greatest? Check it and let us know in the comments.
    Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: M.I.A. “Ola (Foreign Friend)”

    HEAR THIS: M.I.A. “Ola (Foreign Friend)”

    New Music From A Bad Gyal “Bandit” Who Does It Well

    Maya “Mathangi” Arulpragasam dropped this frenetic banger a few weeks back with the following caption: TO ALL MY FLYPIRATES and DJS – THIS IS AN ANNOUNCEMENT !!!! LIVE FROM THE MEXICAN BORDER OLA !!!! MIA ON THE WAVES. Judging from the artist’s recent tweets, the whole issue of crossing the American border might have resonated with her. “Can’t tour the US without a visa,” she tweeted the other day. “Might have to start writing songs 4 Dj Khaled and Selena Gomez to get heard”!!! Audio After the Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Sizzla “Don’t Make Dem Fool You Again” Teaser

    WATCH THIS: Sizzla “Don’t Make Dem Fool You Again” Teaser

    Kalonji’s Election Advice Applies All Year Round
    Sizzla Kalonji delivers a cautionary message on Triple B Productions’ “Sing Some Song” Riddim. The tune was inspired by Jamaica’s recent election season, but one that holds true 24/7/365: wise up, rise up, and don’t make “dem” fool you AGAIN. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Perfect Giddimani ft. Stephen Dajure “Dollnald Trummp” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Perfect Giddimani ft. Stephen Dajure “Dollnald Trummp” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    Because There’s Never A Bad Time To Diss The Donald

    Not since Cocoa Tea sang Barack Obama’s praises has reggae music paid much attention to electoral politics in the U.S. Of course Bob Marley‘s song “Revolution” warned “Never make a politician grant you a favor.” Why? Because “they will always want to control you forever.” (Bob lived and learned this lesson well.) Back in the day Blue Riddim Band had that “Nancy Reagan” joint but her husband was already in office by then. (Nice tune but too little, too late to make a difference.) Years later Buju Banton sang the opt-out anthem “Politics Time Again (Are You Gonna Vote?)” and Anthony B followed suit with “Nah Vote Again.” Just this year Sizzla Kalonji dropped “Don’t Make Dem Fool You Again” which raised some important issues relating to the Jamaican elections. But reggae music has not had much to say about the insane political race going on up here in the U.S.A.—and that’s too bad. With billionaire real estate mogul, toupee model, beauty pageant pimp, and short-fingered vulgarian Donald Trump looking less like a joke and more like a serious threat to secure the Republican candidate for President—despite the fact that he has repeatedly encouraged his followers to commit acts of violence against the opposition, and the fact that he has called for Mexicans and Muslims (among others) to be denied entry to the U.S., and the fact that he recently received the endorsement of a Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan—it’s time for all clear-thinking defenders of life and liberty and human rights to speak out against everything he represents. In comes the man called Perfect Giddimani (and his bredren Stephen Dajure) with the perfect song at the perfect time. Loud. Video After The Jump… (more…)