Boomshots

Category: Album Review

  • “Guess I’ve Been Here Before” Stephen Marley’s ‘Old Soul’

    “Guess I’ve Been Here Before” Stephen Marley’s ‘Old Soul’

    “Inside Me A Legacy Lives On,” Sings Ragga

    “Anything that sounds good is good,” says Stephen Marley, paraphrasing Duke Ellington. Don’t be surprised to hear the King of Reggae’s son referencing Harlem’s master of the jazz orchestra. Never one to limit his musical horizons, Stephen has always listened without prejudice, letting his inspiration set him free as a singer, songwriter, musician, and producer—whether collaborating with his illustrious musical family, or with Lauryn Hill, Nas, or Erykah Badu. Beginning his lifelong musical journey at the age of six, Stephen shared historic stages with his legendary father and toured the world with his brother Ziggy and sisters Cedella and Sharon, The Melody Makers. The Tuff Gong instilled in all of his children a strict work ethic and an awareness that “music is way more than just music.” Review Continues After The Jump…

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  • Buju Banton’s ‘Born for Greatness’ Sets The Gold Standard

    Buju Banton’s ‘Born for Greatness’ Sets The Gold Standard

    Gargamel Still Has The Stamina

    I first heard Buju Banton’s ragga-rough voice roaring in 1992, the first year the DJ really buss. Three decades later, as I laid eyes on the album art for Buju’s 12th studio album, Born For Greatness, one thing was clear: The artist who made his name with raw Dancehall Boomshots like “Stamina Daddy” and “Gold Spoon” has come a long way, over hills and valleys too—but The Gargamel still has the stamina to maintain the Gold Standard.  Review Continues After The Jump…

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  • Jah Bami 20/20 Album Review

    Jah Bami 20/20 Album Review

    Jah Bami Makes A New Album of Conscious Thought and Musical Arrangement

    After releasing the Suave mixtape, Jah Bami and Suns of Dub will release “Riddimentary” on April 28 with VP Records. In addition to this high output of music and preceding a tour of Europe and The United States, Jah Bami released one of his best solo albums to date, “20/20” this month. Album Review After The Jump

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  • Busy Signal “Fresh From Yaad” Album Review

    Busy Signal “Fresh From Yaad” Album Review

    The Newly Energized Entertainer Hints That A Busy Signal U.S. Tour Is In The Works

    Reanno Gordon, Busy Signal continues to stand out as an artist in 2017. He stepped out onto the musical scene in 2002, modeling his career after international reggae icon, Bounty Killer.  Now he has an even clearer vision for his future with his new VISA status. In January, Busy Signal visited New York for a quick media run with  Ebro Darden, Laura Styles, Funk Masterflex,Bobby Konders and Jabba for Hot 97 FM and Reshma B for Boomshots TV (four-part interview at the end of article) to discuss his new EP, Fresh From Yaad.  Following this, Busy embarked on an European Tour and this week he revived up his fans in the U.S. with a tweet:  “Coming to a city near you. Wherever in world you are! ASAP- Turf President.” In light of the impending tour, this article will serve to give an in-depth review of the Fresh From Yaad EP. Album Review After The Jump

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  • Kelissa Captivates Fans with “Spellbound” EP

    Kelissa Captivates Fans with “Spellbound” EP

    New EP is Uniquely Outstanding

    Kelissa’s recent Spellbound project isn’t your run-of-the-mill reggae EP, it’s a resurrection in the form of roots renaissance recordings. Spellbound takes the listener to Reggae’s remotest regions and ventures beyond into the exotic. The EP contains 11 tracks, including three extended interludes and two dubs. The interesting instrumentals including Native American drums and flute, in conjunction with thought provoking lyrics, makes this EP a force to be reckoned with. More After The Jump… (more…)

  • Vybz Kartel Tops the Charts & Claims His Crown on “King of the Dancehall”

    Vybz Kartel Tops the Charts & Claims His Crown on “King of the Dancehall”

    The World Boss Backs Up The Big Chat

    “So all my time just gone?” Vybz Kartel intones at the start of the tenth track on his thirteenth album, King of the Dancehall. “All these years—them waste it. If me rob every watch inna the jewelry store, me can’t get back the time.” This is the closest Adidja Palmer comes to addressing the five years (and counting) that he’s spent behind bars on his new album King of the Dancehall, which debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes Reggae chart today. Then again, he hasn’t exactly wasted his time. The album, produced by TJ Records, is a powerful piece of work, displaying all aspects of Kartel’s artistry and backing up its bold titular boast. While Beenie Man, the last Jamaican superstar to claim the title of dancehall king, has expressed his doubts about Kartel snatching the crown, Bounty Killer—who had a serious falling out with his former protege—recently appeared OnStage and weighed in on the musical game of thrones, openly admitting that 1) the album title is obviously designed to provoke Beenie Man and 2) there is no denying that Kartel is this generation’s dancehall king.   Review Continues After The Jump… (more…)

  • Jah Cure: The Cure

    Jah Cure: The Cure

    Jah Cure’s third studio album, The Cure (VP records), holds steady at the number 1 spot on the Billboard Top Reggae Album Chart, for one month since its release on July 10.  On this new album Jah Cure’s superb vocals are presented with multiple lyrical themes. In addition, Jah Cure said he worked hard to step up the production on this album, in an effort to improve the quality of his overall sound.  He provided a creative platform for up and coming producers like Justin “Jus Bus” Nation, Llamar “Riff Raff” Brown, Christopher “Sketch” Carey and Trevor “Baby G” Washington. He also sought the expertise of  top of the line producer, Maurice “Clive” Hunt.

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  • HEAR THIS: Major Lazer x Walshy Fire Present Jesse Royal “Royally Speaking”

    HEAR THIS: Major Lazer x Walshy Fire Present Jesse Royal “Royally Speaking”

    The Small Axe Jesse Royal collaborates with Major Lazer to premiere a hot new summer mixtape

    The Small Axe, better known as Jesse Royal, is chopping up new tunes for the upcoming  BRAND NEW mixtape Royally Speaking. Jamaican star Jesse Royal and Internationally renowned DJ Walshy Fire of Major Lazer are putting a fresh spin on previously released singles including tracks from Royal’s EP In Comes The Small Axe. The two creative forces  have been working diligently to produce new material and plan to launch the mixtape July 14. The last up-and-coming reggae artist Walshy linked with to make a mixtape was somebody named Chronixx—and we all know how that turned out.  Audio After The Jump
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  • Natty Dread Rides Again: Ziggy Marley’s “Fly Rasta” Tour Rocks NYC

    Natty Dread Rides Again: Ziggy Marley’s “Fly Rasta” Tour Rocks NYC

    Before  the Fly Rasta Tour touched down at SOB’s, Ziggy Marley explored  Miss Lily’s Variety and reloaded with a veggie punch from Melvin’s Juicebox on Houston Street. The bursting-at-the-seams SOBs crowd, geared up for his arrival with  blazing musical selections of  DJ Lady Fyahramma Thomas.  Pat McKay from Sirus XM Radio brought more feminine fierceness into the building, showing her support in the crowd. Ziggy hit the stage fully energized and began the concert with the song, “Love is My Religion,” from his second solo album. The universal message disseminated through the crowd, as members of the audience shouted the lyrics in unison. “The main thing,” Ziggy said of this song, “its not the title where Ras Tafari fits into life or where Christianity fits or where Islam fits. Where does love fit?” Video & Review After The Jump… (more…)

  • Boomshots Cosign: Why Beres Hammond Should Win Best Reggae Album Grammy And Why He Probably Won’t

    Boomshots Cosign: Why Beres Hammond Should Win Best Reggae Album Grammy And Why He Probably Won’t

    The soulful voice of Beres Hammond, the “Otis Redding of Reggae,” has captured our full attention since his 1976 Willie Lindo produced debut “Soul Reggae.” Now, with his 26th studio album, One Love, One Life (VP records), nominated for a “Best Reggae Album” Grammy (the second nomination of his remarkable career), Beres provides the ultimate love experience with 20 skillfully crafted songs for music lovers to enjoy. Taking the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Top 10 Reggae Albums chart, and being noted by Rolling Stone as “one of the best albums of a four-decade-long career,” Beres’ latest album proves this artist continues to hone his craft, getting better with time. However will this album receive the Grammy it so richly deserves during today’s ceremony in Los Angeles? Beres faces some tough competition this year. However the final decision rests in the hands of the Grammy Voting Committee and as a member of this Committee, the Recording Academy and expert in music, Rob Kenner breaks down how the process works in Complex Magazine’s “Hate Me Now: What Its Like To Be A Grammy Voter.” In this article he bravely reveals the secrets that make it less likely that such a strong album will  be selected. Story Continues After The Jump…

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  • Gyptian’s “Sex, Love and Reggae” Rises To Higher Heights

    Gyptian’s “Sex, Love and Reggae” Rises To Higher Heights

    Gyppy’s Latest Album Debuted At No. 1 on Billboard’s Reggae Chart

    The night before Gyptian released his latest album Sex, Love & Reggae he spent the evening celebrating his 30th birthday with Rob Kenner on Radio Lily. After the webcast Gyppy and an entourage of his  friends, including Bascom X,  Fyakin, Khago and Danielle D.I. rolled over to the legendary SOB‘s to continue  the celebration at the highly anticipated, SOB’s Reggae Music Fest, presented by Tree Reid Promotions. NYC’s renowned selector DJ Stranger,  X-Caliber Sound warmed up the crowd  awaiting their arrival. Next up, the extraordinary  Derrick Barnett (founder and former bassist for the legendary Jamaican band Sagittarius ) and his Statement Band including Raymond Stewart on  keyboards, Andy Bassford on guitar and Damian Martellie on drums, excited the crowd with an electrifying live session. When Gyptian hit the stage around 10:30pm, the  crowd ignited. Album Review and Video After The Jump…  (more…)

  • “Bruk It Down 2.0” Delivers

    “Bruk It Down 2.0” Delivers

    Mr. Vegas  New Album Review and Interview

    Just after leaving the Strictly Boomshots show on September 23, 2013, Mr. Vegas headed uptown to host a listening event at Rosewood in New York City to preview his new release Bruk It Down 2.0 and celebrate what’s sure to be one of the biggest releases of the year. This 16-song album simmers with a culture gumbo, blending ingredients of pop, soca, reggaeton and raw dancehall vibes. Track-by-track Review and Interview After the Jump…!

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