The Truth Must Reveal
It’s been a long time since we’ve heard new music from Morgan Heritage, but today the Grammy-winning brothers Peetah, Gramps and Mr. Mojo came through with a hard-hitting new track featuring guest verses from some of the freshest young voices in the dancehall. Rising stars Rytikal aka Puryti—fresh off his victory in court—and the born fighter named Jahshii join veteran dancehall star I-Octane aka the Hot Ras to hold up a mirror to the ills of society and burn a hotter fire on the news media that pushes mindless clickbait while refusing to report the real story. This is what the late great Fela Kuti had in mind when he said “Music is the weapon of the future.” Video After The Jump…
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Author: Boomshots
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WATCH THIS: Morgan Heritage ft. Rytikal, Jahshii & I-Octane “Headline Fi Frontpage” Lyric Video PREMIERE
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WATCH THIS: Jo Mersa Marley “Eternal” Visual Mixtape PREMIERE
A Day in the Life of a Young Lion
“I don’t really walk around bragging about what I can and can’t do,” Jo Mersa told us the first time Boomshots interviewed him, during a London studio session in 2013. “I don’t talk about it,” he said. “When you hear, you hear it — and you get weh you get.” Since that first conversation, the young lion has demonstrated his “action speaks louder than words” approach to the game, heating up the streets with tunes like “Bad So.” The Comfortable EP would soon follow in 2014, and subsequent scorchers like “Rock and Swing” as well as standout cuts on various Set Up Shop compilations from the Ghetto Youths Camp in rapid succession. And let’s not forget those guest appearances on Stephen Marley’s Revelation Part 2: The Fruit of Life and Morgan Heritage’s Grammy-winning album Strictly Roots. Earlier this year, Jo Mersa stepped it up to another level with his Eternal EP. “No more will I roam,” Jo Mersa states on the EP’s opening track, “Guess Who’s Coming Home,” meaning he’s staying close to home. Stylistically the project roams freely amongst varied sounds and styles. The first two singles from the project are the dancehall-flavored “Yo Dawg” featuring Busy Signal and “Made It” featuring rootical DJ Kabaka Pyramid. “I love dancehall just how I love reggae,” Jo told us from early. “Well, not just like — me love reggae more… But I still have a love for dancehall which I can’t ignore.” That love comes to the forefront today with as Boomshots proudly premieres the Eternal Mixtape, a collaboration with Bashment, Disco Neil, and Silent Addy, and hosted by Supa Hype. The Mixtape features songs from Jo Mersa’s critically acclaimed Eternal EP as well as exclusive freestyles and dubplates with guest appearances from Damian “Jr Gong” Marley, Kabaka Pyramid and Black Am I. Check out the world premiere of the visuals—shot and edited by Disco Neil—right here. Video After The Jump…
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Rygin King and U Roy Collab on “Stop That Train”
New Generation Meets Foundation
“Me get a dream last night,” Rygin King sang, flashing across the stage at Reggae Sumfest 2018, “and the dream tell me things ah go change.” At that precise moment, three years ago this July, the young reggae star’s life changed forever. Rygin was chosen as one of three Montego Bay artists to headline Dancehall Night at Sumfest, Jamaica’s premiere music festival. To see his face on posters all over his hometown meant so much, especially in a year when MoBay was placed under a state of emergency due to an upsurge of violent crime in the city known as a picturesque tourist mecca. “A long time man a suffer,” Rygin sang in the early morning sunshine and the people felt it. “And all now, tings still a di same / Mi just wan’ yuh have faith fi mi / When mi touch di road Daddy pray fi mi.” Following that landmark performance, Rygin emerged as one of the hottest new artists in Jamaica, flooding the streets with big songs like “Powerful,” “Star Life,” and “Clean,” and booking lucrative gigs in the U.S. and Europe. On his 2021 release “Stop That Train,” Rygin collaborates with the late great Daddy U Roy, a dancehall pioneer who took sound system slang to the top of the charts back in 1970. Besides showing the power of his vocals on the historic collab, Rygin also connects dancehall’s new generation with its foundation. “It’s a great feeling to collaborate with a legend like Daddy U-Roy,” says Rygin King. “Not many people end up on a track with one of their elders, so I want to give thanks to everyone who made it possible… big up Trojan Jamaica and U-Roy. ‘Stop That Train’ is a classic song that is part of our culture.” Video After The Jump… (more…)
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Blessed Earthstrong Super Cat
Big Up The Wild Apache Every Time
On this day in 1963 a dancehall legend was born in the Kingston neighborhood of Cockburn Pen. The child of a Black mother and an Indian father, William Anthony Maragh was given the nickname Wild Apache by his lyrical mentor Early B the Doctor. He is best known to reggae and hip hop fans the world over as Super Cat. Stylistically, Cat’s DJ style was strongly influenced by the late great Daddy U Roy, a dancehall pioneer who also hailed from Cockburn Pen. Cat honed his skills on sound systems like Killamanjaro, mentoring future champions like Ninjaman. In the early 90s he relocated to New York City where he established his own Wild Apache label. While chilling at the Bronx nightclub Act III, Cat met rap superstar Heavy D and they would eventually collaborate on classics like “Big and Ready” and “Dem No Worry We.” Super Cat would continue to dominate the reggae/hip-hop crossover zone with early ’90s joints like the “Ghetto Red Hot” remix and the “Dolly My Baby” remix that shed an early light on a young up-and-coming Jamerican MC known as Biggie Smalls. The last time we reasoned with Sean Paul he made sure to give major props to Cat, who was a major influence on his own lyrical flow. (Little-known fact: Rob Kenner owes his whole 17-year VIBE career to Super Cat since his first article for the magazine was a feature-length profile of Super Cat, it’s only right that we Today we pay maximum respect to a ghetto youth and lyrical genius who blazed a trail for Jamaican music worldwide. Check out some of our classic interviews with Mr. Cat over the years. Respect in all aspect. Video After The Jump…
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WATCH THIS: Cham “Lock Down” Official Music Video
Cham Links with Bolt, Speaks Truth to Power
“Lawless!” says dancehall legend Cham at the top of his latest tune, shouting out his own brand and reaffirming his rebel mindset. “You know how long we nuh go outside?” Speaking for the voiceless people of Jamaica is what Cham does best, and on “Lock Down” he gives voice to a rising sense of restlessness and frustration. Dancehall culture has always been a much needed release as well as an economic engine and a means of communication and community building. But even without street dances, the art form allows artists like Cham to speak truth to power. In this case, the same Prime Minster who held elections in the midst of the pandemic—and hired dancehall artists to voice dubplates in support of his candidacy—and has now instituted a total lockdown. The song “Lock Down” was produced by Usain Bolt, who’s been known for breaking records in track and field competition since the late 2000s. More recently he’s been focused on making records in the studio. Famous athletes sometimes dabble in music as a hobby or a vanity project, but the world’s fastest man has become a legitimate force in the dancehall arena, as Bolt’s new Clockwork riddim clearly demonstrates. The hardcore juggling released under the A-Team Lifestyle imprint features such top talents as Vybz Kartel, Teejay, Charly Black and Christopher Martin—with Cham being the latest addition to the star-studded lineup. The artist formerly known as Baby Cham blazed a trail throughout the 1990s and 2000s with Jamaica’s iconic Madhouse productions, going on to collaborate with the likes of Alicia Keys, Rihanna and Damian Marley. His first collaboration with Bolt is a track entitled “Lock Down” — not to be confused with Koffee’s song of the same name. Check the visuals and get ready for an exclusive IG chat with Bolt and Cham today on @vibemagazine hosted by Reshma B Video After The Jump…
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WATCH THIS: Sean Paul ft. Busy Signal “Boom” Official Music Video PREMIERE
Promoting Unity within the Dancehall Genre
When Sean Paul began elevating uncut Jamaican dancehall into the pop charts during the early 2000s, the records that impacted popular culture were not crossover attempts dreamed up by major label A&R reps. They were juggling riddims like 2Hard Productions’ Playground riddim, Troyton’s Buzz riddim, Lenky’s Diwali riddim, and Tony Kelly’s Buyout riddim. Besides topping the charts, winning a Grammy for his 2002 breakout album Dutty Rock, and appearing on the cover of VIBE magazine, Sean Paul went on to work with global superstars from Beyoncé and Rihanna to Busta Rhymes and DMX. Despite his global achievements, Sean Paul never separated himself from the authentic dancehall sounds of Jamaica. His latest album Live N Livin, released on the artists’ own Dutty Rock Productions imprint, finds him collaborating with a galaxy of stars from Jamaican dancehall culture, ranging from household names like Damian Marley and Mavado to rising stars like Intence and Govana—giving them a strength and promoting a much-needed spirit of unity within dancehall. “I am still signed to Island Records,” says Sean. “They’ve done something real unconventional so I really have to tip my hat to them. They’ve always given me permission to work with local producers like Jordan from Chimney and Stephen McGregor. But this is something that’s never been done before. They’ve given me permission to release an album on my own label.” Today Boomshots and VIBE proudly premieres the brand new visuals for “Boom,” a wicked collaboration between Sean Paul and the Turf President himself, Busy Signal. “I rate him as one of the best lyricists in the genre,” Sean says of Busy. “For me this is an attempt to really shine a light on his career. He’s done amazing works from the hardcore dancehall to people like Major Lazer. So this song is my way of saying that I would endorse this dude as one of the dopest.” Video After The Jump… (more…)
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HEAR THIS: Leno Banton “Big”
Burro’s Son Keeps Elevating His Game
Back in 2015 a young artist who was then known as Lord Leno released his first official project, a song called “Yardie” on Massive B’s Skateland Riddim. Singing the praises of his native land, the 19-year-old son declared his love for Jamaica under the proud gaze of his father, dancehall legend Burro Banton. As the youth followed his dad’s footsteps in the music industry, he adapted the name Leno Banton as a way of paying respect to the family legacy. Leno even went on to collaborate with his father on the 2020 selection “Better Days.” He explores new sounds and styles on his latest release, entitled “Big,” which was created with Juss Kool, who says he’s very proud to be working with Leno. “At his age I didn’t have the knowledge that he has,” says the veteran producer. “He’s an artist in the truest sense because he pays attention to detail in regards to everything—from the sound in the riddim, to his production, to his presentation, to marketing, to the business side.” The song’s aspirational lyrics speak success into reality. “The song ‘Big’ is about how I envision myself in the future,” says Leno. “How I see myself being a force to be reckoned with in multiple aspects, not just music alone, you get me? Like in real estate. Like in creating jobs for other people. Just being a very household brand.” Audio After The Jump… (more…)
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WATCH THIS: Badda General x ZJ Liquid x Stylo G x Shatta Wale “The Barrel” Remix Official Music Video PREMIERE
From Jamaica to America, London to Ghana
Badda and ZJ Liquid are taking their barrel movement to a worldwide level. “A barrel is a traditional thing that keeps connections with people overseas,” ZJ Liquid explained to Reshma B in her latest Murda She Wrote column for Tidal. “You can put a lot into a barrel. When you get a barrel, you good for six months. You don’t need to buy anything — you got rice, ketchup, beans, peas, syrup, soap, clothes. It’s very helpful to families, and people can share with more than just their immediate relatives. Sometimes people don’t even have food, and you can give them something out of a barrel so they can cook dinner.” Ever since the release of “Barrel” this past February, Badda General and ZJ Liquid’s conversational collab has taken on a life of its own—being reposted all over social media and buzzing in the streets of Jamaica. “It just become a thing,” said Liquid. “Everywhere I go people are like, ‘Yo Liquid, what can I get out of the barrel?’” The song’s popularity prompted other artists to call in hopes of jumping on a remix. “A lot of people reached out,” said Badda. “But in my brain it didn’t make sense for an artist to send a barrel from Jamaica to Jamaica.” When U.K. dancehall star Stylo G called to say he loved the song, Badda jumped at the chance to collab — especially since some listeners have pointed out certain similarities in their vocal tone and lyrical flow. “Stylo is a great artist,” said Badda, who resisted “outside forces” who tried to draw them into a clash. “For someone to compare me and Stylo, that is not a minus, that is definitely a plus. I am ego-free,” he added. “I am just here to make music and put smiles on people’s face. We just unite and kill the noise.” Gold Up, the song’s producer, had a link to Ghanaian dancehall star Shatta Wale, who also jumped on the remix, adding some African flavor to the musical barrel. “I have actually never met none of them in real life,” Badda admitted, “but music is a thing that connects all of us together.” Video After The Jump…
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Spice’s “Go Down Deh” Goin’ UP Deh With A Little Help From Shaggy and Sean Paul
Amazing Grace Brings The Heat & Tops The Chart
One thing about Spice—she knows how to make an entrance! The reigning Queen of Dancehall arrived at the official release party for her highly anticipated new single “Go Down Deh” this weekend dressed like Cleopatra, reclining on a golden couch held aloft by four muscular bare-chested men in ancient Egyptian finery. The event took place in Atlanta, which has been a sort of home away from home for Spice ever since the Jamaican-born star became a recurring character on VH1’s hit reality show Love & HIp Hop Atlanta. Now back in production after a coronavirus hiatus, the show’s cameras filmed Spice’s big launch event for its upcoming season. Dancehall hitmaker Shaggy was in the building to support Spice for the special night—he and Sean Paul are both featured on the infectiously catchy song, bringing some serious star power to the tune, which shot straight to the top of the iTunes Reggae Chart. The video, directed by Jay Will, is full of flashing lights and sexy bodies in motion, and it’s closing in on its first 1 million views as of this writing. Video After The Jump…
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WATCH THIS: Sean Paul “Scorcha” Official Music Video
Style a Style, Scorcha a Scorcha
Don’t sleep on Sean Paul. IThe dancehall phenomenon released his debut album, Stage One, 20 years ago and went on to hit the No. 1 spot on the U.S. pop charts not once but four times — first with his own single, “Get Busy,” then with his fire Beyoncé collab “Baby Boy.” SP went on to repeat the feat in 2005 with “Temperature,” and again in 2016 with Sia on “Cheap Thrills.” Along the way he’s elevated respect levels for the dancehall genre worldwide and racked up eight Grammy nominations, taking home the Best Reggae Album trophy for Dutty Rock in 2003. Over the years Sean’s hairstyle has changed from cornrow braids to a Mohawk, and even now that he’s rockin’ a buzzcut, one thing remains the same: The dutty yute spits fire every time he steps in the booth. His rare gift for crafting irresistible hooks has powered guest appearances with everyone from global pop stars like Rihanna to U.K.-style joints like “Boasty” with Wiley, Idris Elba and Stefflon Don to uncut dancehall tracks like Stylo G’s “Dumpling” Remix alongside Spice. Taking control of his business dealines, SP established his own label, Dutty Rock Productions, through which he’s released various artist riddim compilations like the “Gang Gang” and the “Callaloo.” He released his own hardcore dancehall project Live N Livin last month, featuring the likes of Buju Banton, Busy Signal, Jesse Royal, Masicka, Skillibemg, and Squash. Today SP drops his latest music video off the project, “Scorcha,” which finds him flowing over Chimney Records’ red-hot “Style a Style” riddim. The visuals were directed by Jay Will so you know it’s Game Over. From “Gimme the Light” to “Temperature” Sean always brings the fire, so when he says “man a scorcha” you best believe it. Video After The Jump… (more…)
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WATCH THIS: Etana ft. Vybz Kartel “Baby O” Official Music Video PREMIERE
The Strong One x The Worl Boss
Blessed with a powerful voice and a resilient spirit, Etana got her start in the music industry as a harmony singer for reggae star Richie Spice. Since stepping out on her own over a decade ago, she’s been representing for roots and culture fans ever since. Her 2018 album Reggae Forever was nominated for a Best Reggae Album Grammy, making her only the fourth female artist to receive that honor. But on her forthcoming studio album Pamoja, the roots daughter — whose name is Swahili for “Strong One” — explores more contemporary sounds, setting her uplifting messages to dancehall and Afrobeats rhythms. Today, Boomshots proudly premieres the visuals for “Baby O,” Etana’s first collab with the Worl’ Boss himself, Vybz Kartel. “Pamoja means ‘together’ and it’s the title of my eighth studio album,” Etana tells Boomshots. “It’s packed with 14 sweet tracks for my fans and music lovers to jam to. I gave you ‘Proppa’ featuring Stonebwoy and now you have ‘Baby O’ featuring Vybz Kartel. Watch the video and experience another piece of Pamoja!!!!” Video After The Jump…
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DJ Frass Sees “No Limit” for Dancehall in 2021
Moyann & Shenseea Power The New Sunroof Riddim
“Artists like Koffee and Shenseea are opening the door for younger artists like myself,” says rising dancehall star Moyann, who covers the March edition of Tidal’s Murda She Wrote dancehall column by Reshma B. “Everything starts from somewhere.” It’s been three years since Moyann first broke onto the scene as a fresh-faced teenager, but she’s been on her musical journey for a lot longer than that. “This has always been a passion for me, from a tender age,” Moyann tells Reshma B. “I’d always be singing in the mirror, visualizing myself as an artist, performing in front of my mom, my sister, my dad.” In 2018 the Montego Bay native borrowed her sister’s phone and recorded a video of herself spitting lyrics while playing a riddim on her own phone. Thankfully she didn’t overthink anything and DM’d the homemade demo to producer DJ Frass. “I was like, ‘OK, I’m just gonna send it and if it happens, it happens.’” Frass soon hit her back and the rest is history. Her latest song, a massively catchy collab with Shenseea, lifts Moyann to a new level and defies the narrative that female artists don’t support one another. “Haters vex ca’ me bless but me nah stress,” the girls sing. “Me have one live fe live and me nah have one fuck fi give.” Say it louder, girls! Audio & Video After The Jump…