Boomshots

Category: Foundation

Classics

  • WATCH THIS: Notis & Iba Mahr “Diamond Sox” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Notis & Iba Mahr “Diamond Sox” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    Jay Will Directs A Short Film Inspired By Notis & Iba Mahr’s Tribute To Classic Dancehall Fashion

    Notis is a drum-and-bass production team comprised of Unga on drums and Welsh on bass. They were the team behind Ding Dong’s “Holiday” and many more recent dancehall/reggae hits. Earlier this year they dropped the track “Diamond Sox” with roots DJ Iba Mahr, and the song made a big splash right away. Riding a laid-back rootsy groove, Iba chats lyrics in praise of classic dancehall dress code items like the mesh “marina” (a ventilated tank top, preferably in red green and gold), the Arrow shirt that’s customarily worn over top,  Wallabee Clarks, and of course, matching socks in Clarks’ trademark diamond print. Now Jay Will has directed a music video that’s really more of a short film. With a cast that includes reggae legend Max Romeo, Tuff representing the Nomadz crew, and of course the mighty Bass Odyssey sound. Shot on location in Iba Mahr’s home turf of Linstead and Bog Walk, this video is destined to become a classic time capsule of Jamaican culture. Boomshots TV is proud to premiere this one. Game Over. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Mama’s Playlist: Top 12 Reggae Songs Saluting Mothers

    Mama’s Playlist: Top 12 Reggae Songs Saluting Mothers

    We recognize the global struggle for women all over the world and hope that we will all work towards ending human trafficking, domestic violence, child hunger and poverty to make a better earth for humanity to thrive in.   Mothers breastfeed the world with knowledge, hope and love; while music creates  limitless opportunities for change. In honor of Mother’s day and with a plethora of songs dedicated to mothers, Boomshots selected our favorite mama songs in reggae.

    Play List After The Jump…

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  • WATCH THIS: Aidonia “80s Dancehall Style” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Aidonia “80s Dancehall Style” Official Music Video

    Aidonia Salutes Veterans and Vinyl

    Many of Jamaica’s musical legends never predicted the millions of fans, felt the weight of money or received instant gratification through social media the way today’s artists do. These musical soldiers earned their stripes the real way, with unquestionable authenticity. One must remember , as Supercat indicated in his recent interview with Rob Kenner, the days when a DJ drew the crowd into the dancehall with nothing but a big sound system combined with sheer vocal talent and lyrical ammunition. In a cultural tradition that predates Amateur Night at the Apollo, the crowd would decide whether it was worthwhile to pay admission and enter the party. There was no hiding behind good promotion, Auto-Tune or computerized production and deejaying. Born in 1981, Aidonia may not have been old enough to hang out in dancehall sessions during that time, but he represents for the newer generation, aware of their roots and culture. Aidonia (Didi) pays tribute to this era with his new video for “80’s Dance Style.”   Video After The Jump…

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  • Stephen Marley Announces U.S. Tour Dates

    Stephen Marley Announces U.S. Tour Dates

    Ragga Touch Di Road

    Just before the release of his long-awaited album Revelation Part Two: The Fruit of Life, Stephen “Ragga” Marley will embark on a two-and-a-half month tour of the United States, kicking off in St. Petersburg, Florida ten days from now. IF you’ve caught the Ragga live and direct you know he puts on a hell of a show. And if you’ve never experienced it before, what are you waiting for? Tour Dates After the Jump… (more…)

  • 10 Things You Don’t Know About Jimmy Cliff

    10 Things You Don’t Know About Jimmy Cliff

    In Honor of Jimmy Cliff’s 70th Birthday Author David Katz Drops Knowledge on the Reggae Legend

    David Katz is no stranger to the world of reggae and documenting it. In 2006, he got hold of Lee “Scratch” Perry and released the widely-received biography People Funny Boy: The Genius of Lee ‘”Scratch” Perry. He then got the story of icon, Jimmy Cliff to pen Jimmy Cliff: An Unauthorized Biography. Though Cliff was not heavily involved in its production, Katz relied on his previous interviews with the star and stories from artists who collaborated with him to bring forth the biography. In his travels and through countless reasonings, he gathered some interesting (and previously unknown) tidbits about JC. Scroll Through Gallery Above… (more…)

  • Shepard Fairey Creates Special Bob Marley Print For Photographer Dennis Morris’ Known Gallery Opening

    Shepard Fairey Creates Special Bob Marley Print For Photographer Dennis Morris’ Known Gallery Opening

    Shepard Fairey & Dennis Morris Collab On A Special Bob Marley Print

    This passed Saturday, March 29 renown photographer Dennis Morris opened his Bob Marley show at Known Gallery. To commemorate such an opening artist Shepard Fairy created a special Bob Marley print in his trademark stencil style. Visuals After The Jump… (more…)

  • FLASHBACK FRIDAY: Rita Marley “One Draw” Original 12” Mix

    FLASHBACK FRIDAY: Rita Marley “One Draw” Original 12” Mix

    Build One Spliff An Take A Whiff

    The legalization of marijuana is a topic on many a person’s lips. States like Colorado and Washington are spearheading the legal marijuana trade and basically showing the U.S and the rest of the world how profitable and how positively it affects the economy. So why dem nah fi legalize di herb?! We’ve been asking that question for years. With the legalization and medical usage of marijuana seemingly reaching a tipping point, Rita Marley felt it was the right time to re-issue the original extended 12″ hit version of “One Draw.” In 1981 she released an upbeat ode to herb-smoking with a memorable tongue-in-cheek dialogue between a “teacher” and some of her “students” with names such as “Herbie,” “Smokie” and “Mila” (short for “sensimilla”). Even though at its core “One Draw” was reggae song, it was leaps and bounds over the majority of what was being recorded and released in Jamaica at that time. On why she felt it was the right time to re-issue the classic, Rita said: (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Stephen “Ragga” Marley ft. Capleton & Sizzla “Rockstone”

    HEAR THIS: Stephen “Ragga” Marley ft. Capleton & Sizzla “Rockstone”

    Ragga Links With The Fireman and Kalonji And They Proceed To Blaze A Hotta Fire

    Brand new foundation selection off Stephen “Ragga” Marley’s highly anticipated Revelation Part 2: The Fruit of Life. It starts out like a tasty roots rock groove with Stephen singing a hook adapted from his dad’s “Talkin’ Blues” and inviting the Fireman and Kalonji in to blaze a hotta fire. Then Ragga steps to the mic and unleashes some ol’ Papa Levi stylee fast-chat flow while dubstep mayhem breaks out all bout. In short, a #CertifiedBoomshot. Time to leggo the album nuh man! Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • The Evolution of Lieutenant Stitchie

    The Evolution of Lieutenant Stitchie

    Interview & New Music From The Dancehall Governor Turned Gospel Artist

    Twenty-five years after he became the first Jamaican dancehall star to drop an album for a major U.S. record label with his debut album The Governor (Warner/Atlantic), Lieutenant Stitchie continues to govern our thoughts. He delivered an electric performance at Rebel Salute, 2014 and released his autobiography, Power of Determination, contiguously. The book release event attracted such celebrities as Maxi Priest (Click on images above in photo gallery).  In the days leading up to the publication of his book,  I conversed with Stitchie and his friends regarding his journey from humble beginnings in Kingston, Jamaica, to having his voice heard around the world. Exclusive Interview After The Jump…

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  • FLASHBACK FRIDAY: The Mighty Sparrow “Jean And Dinah (When The Yankees Gon)”

    FLASHBACK FRIDAY: The Mighty Sparrow “Jean And Dinah (When The Yankees Gon)”

    Yankee Gon’ So Sparrow Take Ova Town

    It’s Carnival Friday! So what better way to celebrate (since we can’t be there) than to dedicate today’s Flashback Friday to one of the originators of the artform. “Jean and Dinah” (When The Yankees Gon) is a Calypso from Grenadian born Mighty Sparrow. The song became an international hit in 1956 and would be his first of eight Road March titles. This calypso, Sparrow’s first hit, commented on the large-scale prostitution that the bases once supported and the desperation of these ladies following the closure of many American military bases in Trinidad in the post-war period. Take A Little Wine After The Jump… (more…)

  • Reasoning With Philip Smart “Music Is My Life”

    Reasoning With Philip Smart “Music Is My Life”

    Exclusive Interview With the Late Great Producer Who Was The Cornerstone of NYC’s Reggae Scene

    This has been a rough month for reggae music. After the untimely deaths of Bunny Rugs and Wayne Smith comes news that legendary producer Philip Smart has died after a battle with cancer. The humble, soft-spoken genius learned his trade from the great King Tubby and played a crucial role in the development of the NYC reggae scene, producing classic sides by Shaggy and Super Cat and nurturing countless other producers at his studio and on his Get Smart radio show. Last year Boomshots stopped by HC&F Studio in Long Island where Philip was keeping one of his usual late-night sessions. He didn’t feel very well that day—said he had a cold—but luckily he found the strength for a long conversation with Reshma B. To say that Father Phil will be missed is a serious understatement. Respect in all aspect. Music alone shall live. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Seven Ways To Celebrate Bob Marley’s Birthday

    Seven Ways To Celebrate Bob Marley’s Birthday

    The Tuff Gong Turns 69 Today, So Lively Up Yourself

    It’s that time of the year again. February 6, the day the King of Reggae was born in the rural village of Nine Mile in the hills of St. Ann, Jamaica. Had he not passed away in 1981 Bob would have turned 69 on this day. It’s a given to say that Bob has represented reggae music on a scale that no other individual has ever achieved. Decades later his music still lives and his face is still at the forefront of the scene. Here are 7 great ways you can feel a little bit of that Bob vibe today. (You know the 8th already—it’s now legal in Colorado.) Happy EarthStrong Bob Marley  Continued After The Jump… (more…)