Irie Jam x Boomshots Make History at SXSW 2016
With tens of thousands of performers, panels, and premieres packed into nine short days, SXSW is all about FOMO. Whether you’re in Austin or not, Fear Of Missing Out is simply inevitable. So fret not thyself if you didn’t get a chance to witness Irie Jam and Boomshots making history with the greatest reggae and dancehall showcase in SXSW history. We’ve got you covered. Video & Photos After The Jump… (more…)
Diplo, Walshy & Jillionaire Drop Bombs in Bombay
“India is special and its beauty absolutely humbled me,” said Diplo in the comments for Major Lazer’s “Lean On” video—one of the most popular music videos in history, with over 1.25 BILLION views. That video was shot in Mumbai aka Bombay, the booming metropolis on India’s west coast. Earlier this year Major Lazer brought the Mad Decent Block party to Mumbai and Boomshots was there to witness the magic (shout out to Jillionaire—good lookin’ out fam). “Major Lazer has always been a culture mashup,” Diplo says. “To us, India feels like some kind of special creature with one foot in history and one firmly in the future. The experience is something we’ll never forget.” Watch yah now. Video After The Jump… (more…)
Irie Jam Productions Confirms Super Cat For Oracabessa Festival 2016
Although it took root in the ghettos of Kingston, Jamaica, Reggae has always been a majestic music. From the days of Bob Marley and Dennis Brown there have been certain artists who always bring that royal vibes to forefront. And while many great artists have played their part within the music fraternity, many shall be called and few chosen. These are the artists whose every public appearance, every performance, indeed every utterance is a major event for lovers of reggae music. In the dancehall era living legends live Shabba Ranks have carried the music forward to the highest heights. Another such name is that of the Wild Apache, the Don Dada, Super Cat. Today Irie Jam Productions confirmed that Super Cat will take the stage at the Oracabessa Music Festival in Jamaica Queens this Memorial Day—Monday, May 30th. Mr. Cat joins an all-star lineup that includes Mavado, Ken Boothe, The Mighty Sparrow, Nesbeth, and rising star Vershon making this all-day festival a must-see event. Video After The Jump… (more…)
Chicago Ad Agency Energy BBDO Explains Why They Chose The Turf Prez For Their Cool New Spot
Turn on any radio station in the world for thirty minutes right now and you’re guaranteed to hear tropical house dancehall tracks by Rihanna/Drake and Justin “Natty Dread” Bieber/Skrillex. But thankfully the current boom in Jamaican music is not completely bypassing Jamaican artists. “Everybody Move,” a track produced by DJ Karim and featuring vocals by dancehall star Busy Signal, provides the soundtrack of a new ad campaign for South Korean multinational conglomerate LG. The super-fly ad, which has over 2 million views on Youtube, also features the British actor Jason Statham in a mind-bending array of characters. But judging by the comments, most of the excitement centers around the futuristic music. “The feedback has been incredible,” says Daniel Kuypers, Director of Music for Energy BBDO, the Chicago-based ad agency responsible for the trend-setting spot. “From the moment we heard it we were like, ‘This song is really cool!’” Video & Interview After The Jump… (more…)
Nothing Beats A Fly Chick In A Fast Whip
We first noticed K’Coneil when he dropped “Me One,” a humorous counteraction to Dexta Daps’ “7Eleven.” Since then the MoBay-born singer who attended college in the U.S.—and once sang at Madison Square Garden as part of a contemporary gospel group—has carved out his own lane within the music space, with a “genre fluid” style that’s sure to catch the ear of the wide world as he prepares his debut EP for release this year. While Seanizzle’s popular “90s Don Dada” riddim (distributed by the might 21st Hapilos Digital) is technically a “throwback” within modern dancehall, KC’s excursion on the version is 100% fast forward. “As a blend of Sean Paul and Usher, I see K’Coneil as the promissory voice of the future,” says the producer. “His dancehall flavor mixed with the pop yet edgy appeal is one that makes you want to dig a little deep and hear more.” Always on the lookout to champion the best and brightest new stars on the horizon, Boomshots proudly premieres the whiptastic video for “Hot Like You.” From the moment those Lambo doors lift up you know you’re in for something special. Leggo! Video After The Jump… (more…)
“Crouching Tiger Meets Kill Bill Meets Jamaica Booty Pageant”
Tifa’s visuals are always next level, and this medley video featuring two songs—”The Champ” produced by Zj Chrome on the The Champ Riddim & “Big Bumper” on Birch’s Moskato Riddim (both distributed by the might 21st Hapilos Digital)—is no exception. Shot on location in Kingston Jamaica at the Chinese Garden in Hope Gardens the video was directed by RD Studios Jamaica with styling & makeup by Dexter 3D Pottinger. “In terms of the concept, it’s ‘Crouching Tiger’ meets ‘Kill Bill’ meets Jamaican booty/bumper pageant,” the DJ explained to Boomshots. (Things get pretty hilarious in that over-the-top pageant scene—with DJ Chi-Ching-Ching, producer Birch and comedian/radio host Dufton “Duffy” Shepherd as judges.) Later, in a heartfelt IG post, she elaborated on her creative spirit: “I was born different! I guess that’s why no matter what I always take a different approach to things🙏🏾🌟 & I wouldn’t change it for anything. I wouldn’t change me for anything💙” Neither would be. Boomshots is proud to premiere this very special video. Video After The Jump… (more…)
The Palace Pikney’s Lyrics Run Deep
Opening with a sample of Horsemouth’s speech from the classic Jamaican midnight movie Rockers, Jesse Royal’s latest single, “Silent River” runs as deep as its title suggests. “We step through the valley of death without fear,” he rhymes in his trademark melodic flow, “Lion nuh join squabble with eagle and bear.” Although it reworks a chorus from the version found on Royal’s critically acclaimed Royally Speaking mixtape, this is a totally new version, produced by Kareem “Remus” Burrell for XTM Nation‘s Living Heart Vol. 2, a tribute to the producer’s late father, Philip “Fatis” Burrell. With Kirk ‘Kirkledove’ Bennett on drums, Llamar ‘Riff Raff’ Brown on keyboards, Mitchum ‘Khan’ Chin on guitar, and a legendary horn section featuring Nambo Robinson on trombone and Dean Frasier on sax, the track is an all-star affair, providing a fitting soundscape for the lyrical Beretta to buss. Audio After The Jump… (more…)
ATL Bad Gyals Mash Up King Tubby x BDP—Buk! Buk! Buk!
DJ Speakerfoxxx is known for dominating the wheels of steel with addictive Southern rap blends, but in her downtime she likes to chill out with some Junior Reid. “I love reggae music,” says the certified A-Town mixmaster. She and her homegirl Bosco, who made waves with last year’s Boy EP on Fool’s Gold Records, recently linked up at Atlanta’s legendary Stankonia studio to bust out a nine-shot mixtape that targets the sweet spot between Santigold, Missy Elliott, and Black Box. Don’t get it twisted: Girls In The Yard is not a reggae mixtape but the first single, “Beemer” (produced by Mr. 2-17) reworks the hook from Beenie Man’s “Sim Simma.” A few tracks later Speakerfoxxx flips an ill King Tubby loop as Bosco gets her Blastmaster on, resulting in a musical thing called “9mm”—which we proudly premiere today pon Boomshots. Can she sing her song? Audio After The Jump… (more…)
The Grammy Family Brings Laza Morgan & Jemere Morgan Along For Support
After twenty-plus years making real roots rock reggae music, Morgan Heritage took home a richly deserved Grammy Award this year. Their self-produced set Strictly Roots won the award for Best Reggae Album, outpacing strong competition from the likes of Jah Cure, Luciano, Barrington Levy, and Rocky Dawuni. To celebrate with their fans, the Grammy family has announced a U.S. tour. You can call it a victory lap if you like. They’re calling it “So Amazing,” so you get the idea. They’ll be supported by family members Laza Morgan (whose tune “One by One” is a certified Boomshot) and Jemere Morgan (Gramps’ big son who’s growing into a lover’s rock force in his own right.) Plus, on select dates, UK band The Skints and/or Orange County ukelele-strummers The Wheeland Brothers. Keep up with the band on their official website, or go ahead and download their app. (Ratid!) Tour Dates After The Jump… (more…)
From the U.S. to Canada, Europe to Africa
Get those steamers ready. Jah9 is taking her powerful stage show on the road this Summer in support of a new album, set to drop when the weather gets hotter. If you haven’t caught the empress live & direct she is definitely a must-see. The new dates include stops in America, Canada, Europe, and Africa—with more dates to be announced. Keep up with Jah9 Online for updates and in the meantime, check out her latest video release, a live performance of “Humble Me” recorded by BBC 1Xtra at Anchor Studios in Jamaica. Videos & Tour Dates After The Jump… (more…)
T Λ J x G L C = Dubwise Animation
Zeke Stern, who’s produced tracks with Green Lion Crew for reggae stars like Kabaka Pyramid, Chronixx, Collie Buddz, and Beenie Man, has collaborated with visual artist Taj Francis for a psychedelic audiovisual mashup. This will be the first episode in a series called Tenfold: Opus, in which Francis interprets the work of various musicians. “Temple” is a visual interpretation of the Fall of Mankind in the garden of Eden (Genesis Chapter 3, the part about the serpent tempting Eve to taste the forbidden fruit.) “Valley of Dub” the heavy melodica-infused dub soundtrack, is a perfect complement to this epic episode. Get your mind right before clicking. Video After The Jump… (more…)
Mek Rolling Stone Dem Know—Half The Story Has Never Been Told
Just the other day Rolling Stone published a list of the supposed Greatest Drummers of All Time. Carlton Barrett of the Hippy Boys—a two-man duo comprising him and his brother Aston “Family Man” Barrett, who once backed Scratch Perry at the Black Ark and would go on to tour the world with Bob Marley as The Wailers—and Sly Dunbar of Sly & Robbie fame both made the RS list—ranking at Nos 29 and 65 respectively. Even as reggae fans give thanks for a likkle bit of recognition from a mainstream pub like Rolling Stone, we know that half the story has never been told. No Style Scott. No Horsemouth. No Santa Davis. No Lloyd Knibb. And no Bongo Herman, who sold me a copy of his own CD during a recent pass throug 56 Hope Road. Perhaps the best US$10 I ever spent. Herewith a highlight, throughout which the legendary Mr. Herman beats the skins in a percussive reinterpretation of Keith & Tex’s “Oh It’s a Long Story” produced by Derrick Harriott on his musical chariot. The intro is everything. Audio After The Jump… (more…)