Boomshots

Category: Dancehall

  • WATCH THIS: Teeezy ft. Meleku “Pillow Talk” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Teeezy ft. Meleku “Pillow Talk” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    When Compton Meets Judgment Yard 


    A wise man once said “it ain’t where you’re from, it’s where you’re at.” Case in point: the natural connection between Teeezy, born and raised on the South Side of Compton, and Meleku, son of Jamaican reggae legend Sizzla Kalonji. During a recent journey to Kingston, Jamaica the Cali spitter passed through Sizzla’s Judgment Yard cultural compound in August Town. No sooner did Teeezy link with Meleku than the two youths felt a musical vibration and wasted no time getting into the studio. The first fruit of their labors is “Pillow Talk,” a featured track from Teeezy’s latest project, 1st Quarter. Boomshots is proud to present the world premiere of the song’s official visuals. right here right now. Press play and you’ll hear both of these rising stars staying true to their own authentic style as the vibes flow naturally like an island breeze. Stay tuned for an exclusive interview with Reshma B.  Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Spice Drops ‘Mirror 25,’ Reflects on 25 Years of Dominance and Celebrates Kartel’s Homecoming

    Spice Drops ‘Mirror 25,’ Reflects on 25 Years of Dominance and Celebrates Kartel’s Homecoming

    When Spice Pulls Up It’s Always a Movie

    The Queen of Dancehall’s third studio album Mirror 25 dropped today and like everything Spice-related it’s got the internet goin’ nuts. Lead-off single “2085 Tea” set the tone of hardcore dancehall with a dash up mix-up while the country-hip-hop hybrid “Round Round” featuring Busta Rhymes showed the album’s versatility. “Ex Boyfriend” is a masterpiece of melodic pop while her Chronic Law collab “Gangsta” shows a harder side of Grace Hamilton. Now we’ve heard the full 25 tracks it’s clear that Mirror 25 is Spice’s best body of work ever. The musical offerings range from inspirational tunes like “You Are Worthy” to mad collabs like featuring “Cry” featuring Lola Brooke and of course “Super Hero” featuring Pamputtae and Jada Kingdom aka Harley Quint, Bumpa Incredible and Tightimus Prime. Last time Spice was in NYC she sat down with Reshma B who dug into her archive and pulled out a very rare CD that brought back some emotional memories for Spice. You don’t want to miss this interiew.  Check out the full story on Complex.  Video After The Jump…  (more…)

  • Yee Haw! Spice Kicks Off Dream Weekend New York Cowgirl Style

    Yee Haw! Spice Kicks Off Dream Weekend New York Cowgirl Style

    The Queen of the Dancehall Live & Direct in NYC

    By the time Vybz Kartel shouted out Dream Weekend on his smash 2011 hit “Summertime,” the Negril-based super fete was already known as one of the biggest and wildest parties in the entire Caribbean. Catering to a sucker-free clientele who know how to tun up in style, Dream Weekend has evolved into a full-fledged festival and expanded its brand from Negril to New York City. The opening night of Dream Weekend New York 2024 was hosted by none other than the Queen of Dancehall herself, Spice. Despite the rainy weather, Manhattan’s Club Musica was packed with hardcore yet upscale party people raving to the sounds of DJ Kevin Crown and Platinum Kids Sound. The festivities happened to fall on June 29th, the same day Spice released “Round & Round,” her brand new cowboy-themed collab with Busta Rhymes. Queen Spice was in rare form, passing out cowboy hats to get everybody in the mood to shout “Yee Haw!” Photos & Video After The Jump… 

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  • WATCH THIS: Bay-C x Xyclone “Get Inna The Groove” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Bay-C x Xyclone “Get Inna The Groove” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    “Put the Dance Back Inna Dancehall”

    When Bay-C of the millennial dancehall supergroup T.O.K and veteran DJ Xyclone of the Red Square crew topped the iTunes Reggae chart last week with a #1 debut, it’s safe to say that their fun, energetic collaborative EP Flawless Victory exceeded even their own bold expectations. “I’m very elated,” says Xyclone, whose previous track record of success earned him the moniker “charting king.” When Xyclone reached out to Bay-C, the seasoned hitmaker jumped at the chance to collaborate. “From the T.O.K days until now I’ve always been one to watch and see who ah make moves inna the streets,” Bay-C told Boomshots. “I saw that Xyclone ah do him thing for quite some time and silently ah conquer the game.” They joined forces to make a straight-up Dancehall project at a time when the genre was ready for a big victory. Self-proclaimed pundits and even some producers have been quick to write the genre off while experimenting with the fusion of Afrobeats and Trap. Moreover, this particular victory is taking place during a week when the Bob Marley bio-pic One Love is the #1 movie in the world. “I think it was very important for us to send a message that we still have people out there who support Dancehall,” Xyclone declares. Today at 12 noon EST, Boomshots proudly premieres the first music video from one of the hottest dancehall projects of the new year. Shot in the streets of Kingston, “Get Inna The Groove” was produced by Dee Master and features the choreographic creativity of Pata Skeng. Peep the vibrant visuals below and check out the reasoning with Bay-C and Xyclone aka the “charting king.”  Video After The Jump…  

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  • WATCH THIS: King Cruff x Runkus “FallBack” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: King Cruff x Runkus “FallBack” Official Music Video

    “From Yuh Say Yuh Stand In Love You Never Can Trip”

    “Remember that the sword has a double edge,” King Cruff rapped on his 2022 breakout hit “Samurai Chop.” Raised in Jamaica and based in Toronto, Cruff was born Solomon Marley-Spence—his mother is Stephanie Marley, daughter of Bob and Rita. Yet despite his royal reggae lineage, Cruff’s creative focus is future fast forward. Along with Kendrick Lamar, André 3000 and MF Doom, Cruff counts new-generation Jamaican stars like Chronixx and Runkus as inspirations. So it was only natural for him to link Runkus—the similarly versatile son of dancehall legend Determine—on his latest collab “FallBack.” (Boomshots been rocking with Runkus for some time now—he first popped onto our radar at a Reshma B Chains pop-up shop alongside Popcaan.) Springing forth from Cruff’s forthcoming project intriguingly titled The Ackee Metaphor Part II, “FallBack” is one of the year’s most exciting collaborations. The hard-driving riddim was crafted by Jordan McLure and David Hayle of Kingston’s own Chimney Records and Banx & Ranx, a Montreal-based duo comprising Soké and KNY, who are best known for world-pop bangers like “Answer Phone.” Analyzing the creative alchemy is fun after the fact, but if the shit don’t slap nothing else matters. Press play to overstand why this one is a certified BOOMSHOT. Video 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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  • Caribbean Music Awards Honor Iconic Artistes Beres Hammond, Machel Montano, David Rudder, and Vybz Kartel

    Caribbean Music Awards Honor Iconic Artistes Beres Hammond, Machel Montano, David Rudder, and Vybz Kartel

    Hosted By Wyclef Jean Live From Flatbush, Brooklyn

    Inspired by the Palace of Versailles and the Paris Opera House, Kings Theatre on Flatbush Avenue was the appropriately illustrious setting for the first annual Caribbean Music Awards last Thursday night. Hosted by Wyclef Jean and produced by Caribbean Elite Group and streamed via Tempo Networks, this grand celebration of Caribbean creativity honoring icons and rising stars of reggae, dancehall, soca, and kompa was perfectly timed, coming just before Brooklyn’s Labor Day festivities and near the end of a year that’s been filled with endless celebrations of Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary. Boomshots TV was on the scene from the star-studded red carpet throughout the amazing four-hour ceremony. “Family” said Elite Award Winner Beres Hammond, addressing the audience of 3,600 inside the ornate venue and many more tuning into the live stream. “I’m seeing something that’s so beautiful to us—Caribbean people coming together. You don’t see something like this… I’m out of words.” He then called Wyclef to join him onstage. The Haitian-American multi-platinum rapper, singer, songwriter, musician, and producer whose timeless work as a member of the Fugees and as a solo performer brought Caribbean sounds to the mainstream, bowed down at Hammond’s feet in worship. “Can’t manage you,” Beres said with a laugh as Clef stood up. “Thank you for the vision.”  Video and Winners List After The Jump…

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  • WATCH THIS: Kelly Shane x Busy Signal “Ain’t That Loving You” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Kelly Shane x Busy Signal “Ain’t That Loving You” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    Tanya’s Dawta Sings With The Turf Prez

    Kelly Shane has taken the world by surprise—but looking back on it now, it all makes sense. As the child of one of Jamaica’s greatest singer-songwriters, Kelly grew up surrounded by great music. Touring with her mother Tanya Stephens during school vacations and later working as her personal assistant, Kelly absorbed all sorts of powerful vibes. As a professionally trained makeup artist, she worked on video shoots, fashion shows, and ad campaigns, but never stepped into the spotlight herself. Our first glimpse of Kelly’s vocal and writing talents was “So Damaged,” a heartfelt duet with her mother on Tanya’s latest album, Some Kinda Madness. Kelly also credits her grandmother as a major influence. “As the owner of the radio and the house, her favorite music was mostly played,” says the young singer. “Alton Ellis and the entire British-Jamaican music movement was a big part of the soundtrack of my life.” So it’s only natural that Kelly’s first release should be a cover version of a poignant love ballad popularized in reggae circles by Mr. Soul of Jamaica. This particular tune became even more personal when Kelly recorded it. “At the time I was seeing someone that was very hesitant to love again,” she says. “So it felt like I was speaking my own words, trying to convince them to take a chance on me. Busy’s verse also summed up how they were feeling too—so when I heard it I cried a lot.” Collaborating with one of Jamaica’s most respected deejays ain’t a bad way to kick off a young career. “To be very honest, I didn’t think he would do it,” Kelly says of Busy. “This is my first song and it felt like I was really asking him to take a chance on me. I didn’t feel deserving of having him on a song, but I had him on a song—with two verses that I really really loved.” Boomshots is proud to premiere the very first music video from a rising star. Hello world! Get familiar with Kelly Shane. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Yaadcore x Damage Musiq “Genuine” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Yaadcore x Damage Musiq “Genuine” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    “To Build the Confidence of the Black Man”

    Like all great selectors, Yaadcore has a gift for speaking the right words and playing the right sound at the perfect moment. Bringing all of those strengths together to step up as a deejay is a natural progression. From Daddy U Roy and Super Cat to Tony Matterhorn and Charly Black, top selectors become top artists—all they need is a top tune. A “Genuine” tune. When Yaadcore linked with Damage Musiq, producer of new generation dancehall anthems like “Rags to Riches,” they created something special. “Was a joy working with Damage,” says the artist. “We actually go way bac from high school days and we were in a sound system together as well! Proud to see the impact he has made in dancehall space.” The impact of their song “Genuine” will be mighty indeed. “The song is not about discrimination,” Yaadcore explains, “but to build the confidence of the Black man.” Boomshots is proud to premiere these powerful visuals, collaborating with Yaadcore to seal up Black History Month—and Reggae Month—with a banger. Watch as the artist serves as an angel on a young man’s shoulder, reminding him to put down the bleaching cream and to lift up his conscience as he goes through the daily struggles of life. “When I look and see the Black man being misled every day to feel that light skin color makes you a better person or makes more people like you is really the inspiration for this song,” Yaadcore explains. “Wanting to see I&I brothers and sisters to know their true power within their melanin as well as to discourage the ones that are not doing it but face the temptation every day being surrounded by this.”  Video After The Jump…

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  • Kabaka Pyramid and Damian Marley Speak On ‘The Kalling’ Grammy

    Kabaka Pyramid and Damian Marley Speak On ‘The Kalling’ Grammy

    Tears of Joy, and Nuff Inspiration

    “Rastafari Live.” On his track “Grateful,” Kabaka said “First all of me giving thanks to the highest creator,” and when the big moment came that’s exactly what he did. Walking to the Grammy Awards stage with his mother at his side and surrounded by his Bebble Rock crew, Kabaka’s expression of faith in Jah followed an expressiong of sheer disbelief that this moment was real. But it was! Kabaka’s album The Kalling had just won Best Reggae Album, rising to the top of an outstanding field of all-Jamaican nominees that included Koffee, Sean Paul, Shaggy, and Protoje. “We’re just some kids from Kingston, Jamaica,” Kabaka said during an emotional acceptance speech, bigging up his team, the album’s producer Damian “Jr Gong” Marley—who also features on the album, along with Stephen Marley, Buju Banton, Tifa, Black Am I, Jemere Morgan, and Protoje—and sending a special livication. “This one is for Jo Mersa Marley who we lost in December.” The significance of the award—bestowed one day before Bob Marley’s 78th birthday—was not lost on the album’s producer. “Kabaka is the first younger, up and coming artist we’ve worked with to help reach that place,” said Damian Marley who also produced Kabaka’s previous album Kontraband. This was Jr. Gong’s second nomination as a producer, as he also helmed Third World’s nominated album More Work To Be Done. “It’s kinda historical in that way where it’s the first album within the family circle that is not a family member who has really reached that status,” Jr. Gong added. “It’s somewhat a continuation of Gong’s vision—having a label that is a force to be reckoned with in the genre that’s not just about him individually but moreso a collective.” Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Sizzla “Praise Ye Jah” 25th Anniversary Mixtape

    Sizzla “Praise Ye Jah” 25th Anniversary Mixtape

    Celebrating a Classic Album, Live From Judgment Yard

    “I did behold!” It’s been a quarter of a century since Sizzla Kalonji’s anthem “Praise Ye Jah” first rang out of sound systems all across Jamaica and electrified the worldwide dancehall reggae massive with his revolutionary sound and energy. When the teen prodigy born Miguel Collins linked up with legendary producer Philip “Fatis” Burrell and his Xterminator crew—including saxophonist and musical director Dean Fraser, Sly & Robbie, and a veteran session band known as the Firehouse Crew—musical history was made. Fast forward to 2023 and Fatis’ son Kareem “Remus” Burrell is carrying on the family legacy with XTM Nation. Today XMT is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Sizzla’s landmark album ‘Praise Ye Jah’ by bringing the vibes to a new generation with XTM’s “Praise Ye Jah” mixtape featuring exclusive dubplates by the likes of Tarrus Riley, Spragga Benz, Kabaka Pyramid, Pressure Buss Pipe, Protoje, Lila Ike, and more. The Boomshots crew linked up with XTM and rolled to August Town for an exclusive reasoning with the man they call Dada. He spoke about his memories of working with Fatis, his respect for Remus, and his unique vision for his purpose in life. Sizzla has invested the proceeds of a successful music career, building up his Judgment Yard community, providing a working studio, library, and other economic opportunities, and supporting the Sizzla Youth Foundation. This man’s motivation goes way beyond industry accolades. Time to put some respect on Sizzla’s name. Mixtape & Mini-Doc After The Jump…  (more…)

  • Joseph Mersa Marley In Memoriam

    Joseph Mersa Marley In Memoriam

    Memories of a Young Lion

    “I don’t really walk around bragging about what I can and can’t do,” Jo Mersa said the first time Boomshots interviewed him, during the summer of 2013. Just the night before he had shared the stage with his father Stephen “Ragga” Marley and his uncle Damian “Junior Gong” Marley, spitting his rapid-fire lyrics to a capacity crowd at London’s Indigo O2. “I don’t talk about it,” he said. “When you hear, you hear it — and you get weh you get.” Video and Full Story After The Jump… 

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