Boomshots

Category: Foundation

Classics

  • Ziggy Marley Presents “Marijuana Man”

    Graphic Novel Drops Just In Time For 4/20; A Higher Form Of Superhero

    All original herbalists, today’s your day. Not just because April 20th is all about the worldwide weed, but because Ziggy Marley’s first ever graphic novel, Marijuana Man, is now in stores. When we heard that Ziggy created a comic book about a superhero from another planet who comes to save the world through the power of marijuana, we had to ask: “Were you smoking something when you thought of this?” (more…)

  • Diplo: Dub Cutter, Goat Gutter

    Eight Riddimentary Questions For The Evil Genius Behind Major Lazer

    Before last year’s Major Lazer movement rewrote the rules, the chances of hot-stepping into a Kingston nightclub like Fiction and hearing a set of “electronica” was pretty much zero. (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Christopher Ellis “Willow Tree”

    Fresh Sounds From Christopher, Son Of The Late Great Alton Ellis

    “My dad did a lot for music, but he didn’t really boast about it like he could have,” said Alton Ellis’s 23-year-old son Christopher shortly after his death in 2008. “He’s got a lot of respect, and his name is really big, but financially he’s been robbed over the years. He told me, ‘Son, do not let them rob you like they robbed me.’ ” But weep not. Christopher Ellis is making music with the Ghetto Youths International family, and that’s a very good thing. (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Buju Banton Video Mix

    Nothing Left To Say But Let The Music Play…
    Special request to the Gargamel and his entire family.
    (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Bob Marley “Natural Mystic” LIVE

    This Could Be The First Trumpet, Might As Well Be The Last

    (Was that the Stalag riddim I heard Bob skankin’ to on the intro?) Anyway: Tomorrow isn’t just Superbowl Sunday. It’s also the 66th anniversary of Robert Nesta Marley’s birth. (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Distant Relatives In Jamrock

    Jr. Gong & Nas Go From Hope Road To Trenchtown To The Promised Land

    Since we find ourselves in that powerful week between Dennis Brown and Bob Marley’s birthdays, it seemed only right to take it back to the Rock. Shout to the homie B+ of Mochilla fame, who put together this tasty Jamaica travelogue for HipHopDX. In case you missed it, here’s the full rewind: (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Etana “People Talk”

    The Strong One Says “Never Let Them Get You Down”

    Some have mouth fi talk. The rest of us prefer singing. Who u gon’ listen to?

    (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Stephen Marley & Jr. Gong “Jah Army”

    Marley Brothers Moving Well Militant On The Big Bad Foundation Riddim

    Stephen “Ragga” Marley and his brother Gongzilla just served up another musical heatrock. Chopping up a dubbed-out slice of Black Uhuru’s extra-heavy “General Penitentiary” riddim, the brothers deal with it wicked, chasing all crazy bumpheadz out of town. Last time we heard these not-so-distant relatives rocking like this was “The Mission,” and you know that was a next Certified Boomshot. (more…)

  • Tribute To The Late Great Sonia Pottinger 1931-2010

    8 Certified Boomshots From Reggae’s Foremost Female Producer

    To say the reggae industry is male dominated might be the understatement of all time. Jamaica’s first, foremost, and arguably only serious female producer was Sonia E. Pottinger, who died last Wednesday November 3rd at the age of 79. Introduced to the music biz by her husband Lyndon Pottinger, she opened the Tip Top record shop in 1965 and started producing the following year. Serious selectors covet all the rock steady and roots classics released on her Tip Top, Highnote, and Gayfeet labels. In 1974 Pottinger bought Duke Reid’s Treasure Isle label shortly before his passing (and she won a big court case just last year retaining her rights to the legendary imprint, which she soon made available online). She was eventually recognised with the Order of Distinction for her contribution to the development of Jamaican music

    “Ms. Pottinger, I rate her highly,” legendary soundman Winston “Merritone” Blake told this Sunday’s Jamaica Observer. “For her to enter the music scene at the time she did, going up against the giant record producers in Coxsone and Duke Reid, required tremendous courage. And the kind of music that she produced was unquestioned. They have stood the test of time.” On that note, let’s rewind back some of Ms. P’s Certified Boomshots… (more…)

  • The Cool Ruler—Gone But Not Forgotten

    Gregory Isaacs, One Of Reggae’s Immortal Vocalists, Dies At Age 60

    Gregory Isaacs died this morning at the age of 60 after a battle with lung cancer. (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Barrington Levy Live in NYC

    Tell Them Already Have To Tell Them Again, Him A Murrrrdera!


    This year’s Hot 97 On Da Reggae Tip showcase was all about singers: From Gyptian, the man with the big tune of the moment, to the young veteran Mr. Vegas, to a surging Serani, the Alliance’s top pop threat. But when it comes to legendary dancehall singers, Barrington Levy has few living rivals. (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Gappy Ranks “Put The Stereo On”

    Big Bad UK Deejay Takes It Back To The Foundation

    Gappy Ranks has been making waves since his song on the Soul Rebel riddim, “Heaven In Your Eyes,”
    made a big splash on the Peckings label. (more…)