Boomshots

Category: Dancehall

  • Mr. Vegas “Reggae Euphoria” Album Preview

    Mr. Vegas “Reggae Euphoria” Album Preview

    A Track-By-Track Breakdown of The Dancehall Hitmaker’s Latest Release

    Few artists in the Jamaican music fraternity can rival the track record established by Mr. Vegas since he exploded on the dancehall scene with his 1998 debut album Heads High. Just last September the year-to-year hitmaker delivered Bruk It Down 2.0, a blazing set of high-energy cuts that rode the wave of his international smash “Bruk It Down,” whose accompanying dance move was a favorite of Nicki Minaj among others. While his new album Reggae Euphoria contains plenty of dancehall energy, it presents the full range of his artistry—with elements of roots reggae, mento, rock steady, R&B, hip-hop and gospel and inspirations ranging from Delroy Wilson to Leonard Cohen to Miley Cyrus. No matter what style of music, Vegas is quite simply a master hitmaker with a rare gift for crafting compelling melodies that stick in the brain year after year. The term “Euphoria” refers to a state of extreme happiness familiar to all dancehall fans who’ve had the pleasure of catching Vegas live in concert. It was origianlly a medical term for “the condition of feeling healthy and comfortable (especially when sick),” and derives from the Greek euphoros meaning “power of enduring easily,” or literally “bearing well.” Whatever may be ailing the listener—whether heartsickness, lack of inspiration, or a chronic case of musical mediocrity, Reggae Euphoria is the perfect prescription. Today Mr. Vegas will be launching the album at Miss Lilys, so if you’re in NYC it’s time to head on down to Houston and Sullivan Streets. But if you can’t make it in person don’t worry we’ve got you covered!  Live Stream Link After The Jump…

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  • WATCH THIS: Chronixx “Capture Land” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Chronixx “Capture Land” Official Music Video

    Chronixx and Zinc Fence Redemption Take It Back To The Real Rock

    One of the toughest tunes off Chronixx recent Dread & Terrible project is this relentless roots rockers reality cut illustrating the concept once expressed by the dub poet who once observed: “If I build a fence round a coconut tree, that would cause you to steal from me.” In Jamaica the phrase “Captcha Land” refers to a grey area of real estate, known in the US as “squatting.” Basically if a parcel of land—perhaps a less-than-prime-location—goes unused for some period of time, less fortunate persons may decide to “capture” it by moving in and erecting zinc fence dwellings and other improvised syructures. But as Chronixx points out in this tune-—with a brand new video dirextwd by Jerome D (a frequent TDE collaborator) and all courtesy of the good folks at LRG (aka Lifted Research Group) — the whole of Jamaica and America is captcha land too. It all depends on who’s doing the capturing. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Damian Marley “Hard Work”

    HEAR THIS: Damian Marley “Hard Work”

    When Gongzilla Puts His Shoulder To The Wheel You Can’t Knock The Hustle

    Damian Marley’s first selection off the Set Up Shop Vol. 2 compilation lets you know right off top he’s got his mind on his money and his money on his mind: “Rastaman a hustler so every dollar haffi flip.” But this song is not about flossing (although he makes sure his galfriend definitely gets her choice of beverages, from vintage bubbly to Viva’s roots). Really it’s all about influencing the youths to know anything is possible, bunning out all badmind, and serving notice that “all lazy bwoy fi get dismissed.” Putting in the hard work has always come naturally to the Tuff Gong’s youngest son. And he’s been on that Marcus Garvey since the first “Set Up Shop” days. The lively-up track builds to a wicked acapella breakdown at the 1:33 mark seasoned with a tasty acoustic guitar strum. This tune feels like a timely counteraction to any and all crab-in-a-barrell elements. “Nuff a dem will sell out their best friend’s purse, Zilla only sell out concerts.” Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: LL Cool J ft. Mavado “The Hustler” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: LL Cool J ft. Mavado “The Hustler” Official Music Video

    The G.OA.T And The Gully Gad Link For Di Hustlas Dem

    LL drops the visual to his long awaited single “The Hustler” off the highly anticipated “The G.O.A.T. 2.” An unlikely pairing, LL pegs Mavado to lend his distinct vocals to the gritty track. Not to be out done by his younger counterparts, LL reminds us why he’s known as “The Greatest Of All Time.” Video After The Jump…
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  • WATCH THIS: Shabba Ranks Rules On Da Reggae Tip 2014

    WATCH THIS: Shabba Ranks Rules On Da Reggae Tip 2014

    Beenie, Shaggy, Sanchez, and Spice Help the Hot 97 Crew Kick off Labor Day Weekend 2014

    This past Friday, just like every other Friday before a Labor Day Weekend in recent memory, a galaxy of reggae and dancehall stars descended on Hot 97’s annual showcase On Da Reggae Tip. Just as in years past, the event was hosted by Bobby Konders and Jabba, whose Sunday-night reggae show has been a fixture on New York’s No. 1 hip-hop station since 1992. And as like in year’s past, there were a few surprise guests from the worlds of R&B, hip-hop, and classic dancehall waiting in the wings. But some things this year were very different, starting with the venue. Instead of the ornate but overcrowded Hammerstein Ballroom, where the perennially sold-out show has always been held, ODRT2014 took place at a much larger outdoor venue, JBL Live at Pier 97 on the edge of Manhattan’s Hudson River. As the sun set on a perfect late-summer evening, the show kicked off with blossoming pop stars like teenage sensation Samantha J, and Tessanne Chin, the Jamaican-born crooner who won the last season of NBC’s The Voice, as well as dancehall acts like Tifa, currently riding high off her single “Bak It Up” and Kranium, the Brooklyn-based DJ whose keep-it-on-the-downlow single “Nobody Has To Know” has made him a name to know. < Full Review And Videos After the Jump… (more…)

  • RGAT x Popcaan Chain Collab

    RGAT x Popcaan Chain Collab

    Reshma B and Papi Connect To Swag You Out

    The ReggaeGirlAboutTown teams up with Popcaan to create an official collab for Reshma B Chains. Inspired by the Unruly Boss’s signature slang, “TR8,” the chains come in three configurations, with small and large iterations of the TR8 chain, and a lengthier TR8NESS chain that features Drizzy Drake’s favorite new slang term.   Video and Detals After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Shaggy ft. Sanchez “With You”

    HEAR THIS: Shaggy ft. Sanchez “With You”

    Two Dancehall Giants Link To Make A Modern Classic

    Maintaining the vibes of his brilliant Sly & Robbie collaboration album Out of Many One Music Shaggy continues to build with some of the greatest talents of the reggae and dancehall genre. On this brand new release he joins forces with the elusive singer Sanchez D to create a next modern classic. “Now you’re tuned to the immortal sound,” Shagsman says and Sanchez chimes in about being “Better when we are together.” Ladies this is yours. Audio After The Jump…
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  • HEAR THIS: Addies Intl Presents: Mark Myrie AKA Buju Banton Dubplate Salute

    HEAR THIS: Addies Intl Presents: Mark Myrie AKA Buju Banton Dubplate Salute

    Addies Intl Reminds Us How Deep Their Dub Box Really Is

    Addies bad from how long? Isn’t that how the saying goes. Addies Intl drops a wicked tribute to Gargamel better known as Buju Banton entitled “Mark Myrie AKA Buju Banton Dubplate Salute.” Their new selector A1 digs deep into the crates and pulls out some of the most lethal dubs ever played in a sound clash. Take our word for it, you won’t be disappointed – Shellings After The Jump… (more…)

  • Chronixx & Protoje Live in London

    Chronixx & Protoje Live in London

    Two Leading Lights of Jamaica’s Reggae Revival Touch Down in Brixton

    “If we don’t have new talent there is no future,” said David “RamJam” Rodigan last night onstage at the Electric in Brixton, South London. The elder statesman of British reggae radio has often expressed his concerns about the direction in which Jamaican music has been heading. But last night’s live set by Chronixx and the Zinc Fence Redemption band suggested a brighter tomorrow. Riding high off a recent appearance on The Tonight Show, which sent his Dread & Terrible EP soaring to the top of the reggae charts, Chronixx brought a palpable intensity to the stage from his first tune (“Alpha and Omega”) to his final encore (“Odd Ras”). One highlight of the sold-out show was the surprise appearance of Protoje, fresh off a successful European tour, who stepped in to support his bredren and perform their smash hit “Who Knows” live. After he and Diggy blazed the stage, Chronixx went on to perform “Here Comes Trouble” and even flashed a few lines of Jesse Royal, Jah9, and Damian Marley pon the riddim. As Rodigan exclaimed by show’s end: “History was made tonight… The future of this magnificent music is secure.” Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Stephen Marley ft. Capleton & Sizzla “Rockstone” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Stephen Marley ft. Capleton & Sizzla “Rockstone” Official Music Video

    Ragga Marley Brandishes Some Hardcore Visuals Pon BET

    Ever since Stephen “Ragga” Marley dropped the “Rockstone” single off his highly anticipated album Revelation Part 2: The Fruit of Life, the song has been in heavy rotation on all conscious stations. But clearly Ragga is not just “preaching to the choir” so to speak. When it came time to premiere the video for the tune, he took it to the leading music show on TV, BET’s 106 & Park. When’s the last time you saw King Shango and Kalonji getting love pon BET? And this ain’t no pop tune. These visuals are on some Burning Spear vibes, as in “Do you remember the days of slavery?” Did somebody say “Play I on the BET—want all my people to see.” OK, nuff said. We’ve got a feeling that somewhere Gong is smiling right about now. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Reasoning with Randy Valentine “The Sound of a Young Rebel”

    WATCH THIS: Reasoning with Randy Valentine “The Sound of a Young Rebel”

    UK Reggae Rebel Rocks London With Tarrus Riley, Talks “Break The Chain” EP With Reshma B

    Tarrus Riley’s Love Situation tour passes through the UK tonight at the Forum in Kentish Town. Always ready to support rising talent, Singy Singy’s opening acts include Jamaican songstress Alaine and a young UK rebel by the name of Randy Valentine. RV’s been making waves with his powerful voice and no-nonsense approach to the music, as first glimpsed on his 2012 mixtape Bring Back the Love, which showcased the young artist’s writing and vocal abilities against some timeless Studio One instrumentals. His Break The Chain EP dropped in May and shot straight to No. 1 in Germany, Sweden, Norway, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland’s iTunes Reggae charts. The EP also reached No2 in Italy, and No3 in both Canada and the UK. RV’s ‘Break The Chain Tour’ kicked off in May, and he’s done shows in 20 countries all over Europe, including Germany, Switzerland, France, and the UK. In the first of his chats with Reshma B, Randy talks about his musical influences and why he’s never going to sell his soul (or anything else) for radio play. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Kes “Endless Summer” Original Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Kes “Endless Summer” Original Music Video

    Trini Soca Stars Gets Loose On Ricky Blaze’s Uptown Julie Riddim

    Here it is the first weekend of August, and we’re not really ready for the End of Summer. When you’re Kees Dieffernthaler of Kes the Band, your life is an endless summer. Dude can hop on a plane and find the summertime vibes anywhere in the world—maybe because this Trini soca star brings those  vibes with him wherever he goes. Kes recently teamed up with BK hitmaker Ricky Blaze to voice a tune on the big bad Uptown Julie Riddim the result was a sure-shot party-starter called “Endless Summer.” Now comes the challenge of creating a video with vibes to match the music. Video After The Jump…  (more…)