Boomshots

Author: Boomshots

  • Shaggy & Sting Win Grammy for Best Reggae Album, And Also Burn Badmind

    Shaggy & Sting Win Grammy for Best Reggae Album, And Also Burn Badmind

    “It’s nice to be nominated… But it’s better to win!”


    Dancehall reggae hitmaker Shaggy was honored twice at the 61st Grammy Awards, held yesterday in Los Angeles. Honor #1: The seven-time Grammy nominee was tapped to host the Grammy Premiere Ceremony, the day’s first round of award presentations, which was live-streamed from the Microsoft Theater, directly across the street from the Staples Center where the televised portion of the Grammy Awards took place. Honor #2: Shaggy’s collaborative project with Sting, 44/876, won the Grammy for Best Reggae Album. It was Shaggy’s second career win (his Boombastic album won the Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 1995) and Sting’s 16th. “They always say about the Grammys that it’s nice to be nominated,” Shaggy said while accepting the award. “I’m telling you right now, it’s better to win!” Interview After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Dennis Brown “No Man Is An Island” PREMIERE

    HEAR THIS: Dennis Brown “No Man Is An Island” PREMIERE

    Unreleased Classic off Fatis Tapes In The Oven Vol. 2

    When a young Dennis Emannuel Brown made his way to Jamaica’s legendary Studio One, he sang songs that laid the foundation for his legacy as the Crown Prince of Reggae. One of the earliest gems he cut for Coxsone Dodd was “No Man Is An Island,” a powerful single that became the title track for his 1972 album of the same name. A quarter century later D. Brown remade the tune for the late great producer Philip Fatis Burrell. Backed by the Firehouse Crew, Dennis Brown sounds older and wiser and he delivers lyrics of truth that have stood the test of time. This crucial mid-’90s update has never been released before, but thanks to producer Kareem Burrell it will now see the light of day on Fatis Tapes In The Oven Vol. 2. With this important reissue series, Remus carries on his father’s legacy while sharing beautiful music with the world. Give thanks.

    Audio After The Jump…


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  • HEAR THIS: Jahazeil Myrie “Do Good” PREMIERE

    HEAR THIS: Jahazeil Myrie “Do Good” PREMIERE

    “Watch how you deal with people,” sings Jahazeil Myrie over dreamy production by his younger brother Jahleel. “Blame yourself before you blame others,” the young artist advises. “Cause ah your choice when the good matters / It’s right in front  your eye—time to realize / Have to do good fe good things reach you.” Today Boomshots proudly premieres a brand new tune on Leelo Records’ Virtue Riddim. Audio After The Jump… 


    Sounding wise beyond his years, the 21-year-old artist drops gems on this track, sharing what sounds like hard-earned wisdom. While blessing us with the exclusive premiere, Jahzeil shared the inspiration for his latest release. “What inspire me to write this song is just choices what people makes in life,” Jahazeil reasons. “The good and the bad combine together.”

    Without further ado, check the vibes right here, exclusively on Boomshots:

    Shout out to Jahazeil and  Jahleel along with their brother Markus. Nice to see Buju Banton’s youths doing good & carrying on the Gargamel’s musical legacy in their own ways.

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  • Dubbin’ with Bulby: Exclusive ‘Master Blaster’ Mixdown

    Dubbin’ with Bulby: Exclusive ‘Master Blaster’ Mixdown

    Legendary Producer and Engineer Dubs Beres, Busy & Kartel Live in the Studio

    A graduate of King Tubby’s Dub University, Colin “Bulby” Yorke has done his teacher proud. Over the course of nearly 30 years in the music industry, Bulby has produced, mixed, and engineered a plethora of certified boomshots—recordings by most of the top artists in dancehall and reggae pantheon—both as part of the Fat Eyes camp and under his own banner. Having worked with the likes of No Doubt and Rihanna as well, it was only right for Bulby to begin releasing albums himself. His solo debut, Epic & Ting, was so well received that he recently dropped a follow-up entitled Master Blaster. During a recent promo run through NYC, Bulby invited Boomshots up to Grey Noise recording studio in Times Square for a very special musical treat. Sitting down next to Reshma B at the mixing board, Bulby ran through an exclusive dub mixdown of three crucial tracks from Master Blaster: “Freedom” featuring Beres Hammond, Marcia Griffiths, J Boog & Lutah Fyah, “Cherry Oh Baby” featuring Busy Signal and Patrice Roberts, and “Cyan Dween Like We” featuring Vybz Kartel alongside Lola Monroe and Candy Gloster. In between tracks, Bulby dropped knowledge about the art of Dub while RGAT witnessed a master at work. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Jo Mersa Marley ft. Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley “Point of View” PREMIERE

    HEAR THIS: Jo Mersa Marley ft. Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley “Point of View” PREMIERE

    Zilla Links With His Nephew To Defend The Innocent Youths

    “Gotta do what I gots to,” sings Jo Mersa on his hard-hitting reggae-matic track “Point of View,” which Boomshots proudly premieres today. Tragic headlines of atrocities committed against a 14-year-old girl earlier this year inspired the new song, which happens to be Mersa’s first collab with his uncle Damian. Young Mersa sings the hook and drops some rhymes reminscent of 2Pac’s “Keep Your Head Up.” Aside from spitting fire bars, Gongzilla worked with Jo on the production—followed by a final mix by Stephen “Ragga” Marley. (Producer Rellee Hayden of A-Team also worked on the track along with D.C. Soul.) “You done know Pops is very specific like that,” says Jo Mersa with a smile. “Him and Uncle Damian are both very specific.” As a father himself, Jo Mersa was distressed to hear of the rape and murder of Yetanya Francis, also known as ‘Princess’, in Kingston’s Arnett Gardens community. “Just reading about it upset me so much,” he recalls. “I was like, ‘Bwoy if that was me I’d probably go crazy…’ Them things can drive somebody insane. You bring a life into this world, and somebody just violate them so many ways. It’s not like we’re telling people to turn to violence, but me feel like me woulda kill somebody. Being behind a mic is like being behind a gun for us.” Check the sounds. Audio After The Jump…
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  • An Evening with Stephen Marley… On a Mission

    An Evening with Stephen Marley… On a Mission

    Tonight’s NYC Meet & Greet Will Benefit Ghetto Youths Foundation

    Stephen Marley’s acoustic tour stops in New York City tonight, and the evening at Sony Hall is shaping up be a real “Revelation Party.” Not only will Ragga be performing selections from his newly released album One Take: Acoustic Jams, but following the Nov. 15th stop of the multi-city U.S. tour, “An Evening with Stephen Marley,” the mutiple-Grammy-winning artist, second son of Bob and Rita Marley, will take part in an exclusive Meet and Greet to benefit the Ghetto Youths Foundation’s global mission to provide aid and opportunity. This is your chance to meet Ragga up close and personal. Details After The Jump… (more…)

  • “Miss Pat” To Be Honored at Hummingbird Gala 2018

    “Miss Pat” To Be Honored at Hummingbird Gala 2018

    Tarrus Riley, Estelle, and Johnny Osbourne Star At American Friends of Jamaica Benefit

    Patricia Chin, the co-founder of V.P. Records, will be honored for achievements on behalf of Jamaican music and culture at this year’s Hummingbird Gala. Along with her late husband Vincent, Miss Pat established the music industry powerhouse that remains Miles Ahead in Reggae Music. The annual AFOJ event, held this year at NYC’s prestigious Plaza Hotel on October 26, raises funds for progressive social causes in Jamaica. Last year’s fundraiser featuring Busy Signal raised US$350,000. In addition to honoring Miss Pat, this year’s event will celebrate the evolution of Jamaica music, kicking off with Studio One legend Johnny Osbourne, continuing with Tarrus Riley, fresh off a triumphant trip to Kenya, and Grammy-nominated R&B star Estelle, whose latest album Lovers Rock explores her UK reggae roots. Ticket and Bidding Link After The Jump… (more…)

  • Beres Hammond’s Mission: “To Shed Some Happiness In Some Dark Corners Of Your Mind”

    Beres Hammond’s Mission: “To Shed Some Happiness In Some Dark Corners Of Your Mind”

    Jamaica’s Number One Soul Man Speaks On His New Album Never Ending

    There’s an old saying that “Music alone shall live.” With that in mind, the title of Beres Hammond’s latest album rings true, even if the man who makes these amazing songs—as he has done for decades on top of decades—is in fact a mere mortal. The release of a new Beres Hammond album is always cause for celebration, which explains our joyous mood today. One of the greatest singers and songwriters ever to emerge from Jamaica, Mr. Hammond has kept us waiting for six years since his last studio album, One Life, One Love, The wait will be over at midnight tonight with the release of Never Ending, a remarkable 14-track set that ranks with the finest work, from sweet lovers’ rock (“Hold You Till It Hurts”) to truths and rights (“Cry Freedom”) to the delightful jazz-tinged vibes of the title track. The musicianship is first-rate as usual—the finest players of instruments always come together when a true legend is in session—and with Bulby York on the mix how can you lose? During an exclusive interview with the Reggae Girl About Town, Beres spoke about all the singles released so far, including the rousing “Land of Sunshine” and “My Kinda Girl.” For anyone who’s ever wondered exactly what Beres’ type of girl is, Reshma B got the answer in this wide-ranging heart-to-heart conversation. Beres and RGAT also spoke about the song “I’m Alive,” which prompted some interested reflections on the artist’s legacy. “That’s what I think I’m sent here for,” Beres revealed. “To shed some happiness in some dark corners of your mind.” And then, as he often does, Beres shifted from reflective to jovial. “One time somebody asked me, what you want to be remembered as Beres?” He recounted his reply with perfect comic timing. “Mi say, ‘Remembered as? I want you remember me now!’” After a big laugh, Beres added. “If you should ever think of Beres, let’s say Beres not around. Just remember one ball of happiness and joy. A bundle of joy, of course through the music.” Never Ending drops tomorrow. While you wait, check this very special reasoning. “We nah talk no foolishness!” Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • DANIIBOO ft. ESCO “Shake Body” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    DANIIBOO ft. ESCO “Shake Body” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    “The song is simply about what the title says,” explains Esco of “Shake Body,” his seismological new collaboration with dancehall diva Daniiboo. “It’s a feel good song, a fun song. We encourage ladies to show off their skills, twerks, dance.” In case you don’t know, Dannii Boo is one of the premiere dancers in the dancehall arena and a social media influencer, so she called on some of her friends for the video shoot, which features cameos by Rene Six Thirty, DHQ Cuban and Unruly Panda. “There’s been a big gap when it comes to girls songs and segments in the parties,” adds Esco, a veteran artist and producer. “I had this song and realized that Daniiboo has multi-talents besides dancing—she’s also a great deejay.” Directed by Pon Di Spot and Esco and edited by Icey Jace, this Starstruck / PonDiSpot production is sure to have the whole place vibrating. “Daniiboo is known for her natural body,” says Esco. “When she twerks and shake it’s something special!”  That must be what Esco means when he says “Earthquake, Earthquake, Earthquake, Earth Quake Quake Quake Quake Quake!” Video After The Jump…
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  • Estelle Talks ‘Lovers Rock’ and Why Reggae Should Never Be Called “Tropical Music”

    Estelle Talks ‘Lovers Rock’ and Why Reggae Should Never Be Called “Tropical Music”

    100% Real Talk When Two Girls From West London Link

    Estelle’s brand-spankin-new Lovers Rock (released her own label Established 1980 Inc and VP Records) has been described as the Grammy-winning UK singer’s most personal album to date. We’ve been looking forward to this one since last year, when she first told us about it. The album is not only a retelling of her parents’ love story, but also her first time tapping fully into her West Indian roots with a full-fledged reggae album, with touches of Afro-beats, dancehall and soca and features from the likes of Tarrus Riley, Chronixx, Hood Celebrityy, Kranium, and Konshens. Just don’t call the sounds “tropical” or “island pop”! Having grown up steeped in England’s reggae culture—her father produced on Louisa Mark’s debut album—Estelle is not jumping on anybody’s bandwagon, and being a West London girl she is not one to hold her tongue or to suffer fools gladly. Every time Reshma B and Estelle link up it’s 100% real talk. Don’t believe us? Check out the reasoning right now. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Mojo Morgan ft. Gramps Morgan & Stephen “Ragga” Marley “Be Free” Lyric Video

    WATCH THIS: Mojo Morgan ft. Gramps Morgan & Stephen “Ragga” Marley “Be Free” Lyric Video

    And Now For Something Completely Different
    “Hit me from the top,” sings Stephen “Ragga” Marley at the start of “Be Free,” a three-the-hard-way posse cut featuring hard bars from Mojo and smooth vocals from his brother Gramps of Grammy-winning reggae band Morgan Heritage. Bob Marley’s second son has become a reggae legend in his own write, producing top talent in the worlds of reggae, rap and R&B and rocking stages all over the world as he breaks down the walls of musical apartheid. “Let me lead the rebellion,” Mojo states over a madd track built around a vintage Wailers sample. When Mojo speaks of “One billion sons that’s full of conviction / Determination to rock the nation,” this  song sounds hard enough to do just that—and the visual featuring Trump dancing in a jail cell (which premiered today via Mass Appeal) will make your day. Free up yourself and plug in to some different vibes. Video After The Jump…

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  • Hot 97 On Da Reggae & Soca Tip 2018

    Hot 97 On Da Reggae & Soca Tip 2018

    Massive B Family Kicks Off Labor Day Weekend Inna Fine Style
    Labor Day Weekend in New York City is Caribbean culture at its finest. And Hot 97’s year to year On Da Reggae and Soca Tip, hosted by Bobby Konders & Jabba of the Massive B family, has become the official jump off for the biggest stars from Jamaica, Trinidad, and the whole Caribbean to come mash up NYC. This year the Ford Ampitheater in Coney Island was the location for mind-blowing performances by top ranking artists like Aidonia, Konshens, Masicka, Tifa, Dovey Magnum, Nailah Blackman, and Di Energy God Elephant Man who brought plenty of firepower to the stage. Photos & Video After The Jump…

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