Boomshots

Category: Interview

  • Tanya Stephens & Patra Reason About Their New Collaboration “50”

    Tanya Stephens & Patra Reason About Their New Collaboration “50”

    When Two Legends Connect

    As a wise woman once said, “Nothing before the time.” Two of Jamaica’s most respected recording artists—Tanya Stephens and Patra—recently joined forces for the first time on a new song called “50.” The result? “Revolutionized big woman shenanigans.” Their historic collaboration will be featured on Tanya’s 10th studio album Some Kinda Madness, which launches in September 2022 via Tad’s Records. In this exclusive Boomshots interview, the dancehall legends speak with Reshma B about their lives and careers as strong women in the music industry, and why everything gets better with age.  Video After The Jump…  (more…)

  • Reasoning with Skillibeng “I’m Still Trying To Write My Best Song”

    Reasoning with Skillibeng “I’m Still Trying To Write My Best Song”

    “New Flows Always”

    “Victory with an easy entrance” proclaimed Skillibeng on his dubplate for Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness ahead of the landslide victory in the 2020 election. Likewise, Skilli himself has been victorious this year in spite of the global pandemic, establishing himself as Jamaica’s new force, specialising in elevating lyrical standards. Seen by many as a face of the rising Trap Dancehall wave, the 23-year old reflects influences ranging from Vybz Kartel to deceased US drill bastion, Pop Smoke, paying tribute in remix of club-smash “Dior.”

    Born in the eastern parish of St. Thomas, his passionate East Syder fanbase grows exponentially on a daily basis, drawn in by inventive flows and sharp lyricism. The vibrant countryside parish, better known historically for Paul Bogle, the Morant Bay Rebellion and rich Afrocentric traditions, is one of the trending regions for talents in dancehall. Skillibeng is the latest attraction alongside 6ixx’s Chronic Law and the unstoppable OVO-signed, Gaza-alumni star, Popcaan.

    With co-signs ranging from Jamaican pocket rocket Koffee, incarcerated reigning dancehall king Vybz Kartel to rapper Young MA, the lyrical technician is making huge strides in his relatively new career. Since breaking through in early 2019 with the acclaimed Prodigy mixtape, a slew of releases including guest spots on Jada Kingdom’s popular mixtape E-Syde Queen: The Twinkle Playlist, the weed ode “50 Bag” and “Mr. Universe,” along with controversial hit “Brik Pan Brik” sparking debates around Scamming songs (songs about the lifestyle of lottery scammers—an increasingly popular hustle tied to organized crime in Jamaica), all aided the young talent in establishing himself as a forerunner among the new generation.  Marvin Sparks speaks with Skillibeng about his year 2020 rise in lockdown, Popcaan friendship, collaborating with Vybz Kartel, lottery scamming culture and recording a dubplate for the Jamaican Prime Minister. Q&A After The Jump…
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  • Vybz Kartel Speaks Of Dons and Of Divas

    Vybz Kartel Speaks Of Dons and Of Divas

    Crocodile Skin Sneakers

    Little known fact: the very first post on Boomshots.com went live February 10, 2009. The title? “Don’t Ramp With Kartel.” Adidja Palmer and Grace Hamilton’s smash collab “Rampin Shop,” an X-rated excursion on Ne-Yo’s “Miss Independent” version, was taking the streets by storm and had the internet  spinnin’ like a satellite dish—just as a new platform for dancehall and reggae was born. VIBE magazine had not yet ceased print publication but the mighty Boomshots brand, which started as a monthly column in Quincy Jones’ glossy hip hop magazine, was already leveling up on the digital frontier—at the same moment Kartel and Spice were about to elevate hardcore dancehall to new heights. Over the years Boomshots and Kartel have kept in touch. The first of our timeless interviews, “Reasoning with Di Teacha,” was just the beginning. Boomshots founder Rob Kenner published a profile of Kartel in The New York Times in 2011. From time to time we would link up with the Worlboss and various representatives of the Portmore Empire—search BoomshotsTV for a refresher if you’re playing catch-up. Back in 2013 we held a reasoning via email due to circumstances beyond our control, which would be Kartel’s first interview behind bars. He has come a long way since then. Check the stats: Over half a billion streams, 100+ #1 songs in Jamaica, not to mention all the dancehall stars he brought to the world’s attention, from Popcaan to Tommy Lee to Gaza Slim—and the list goes on straight up to Sikka Rhymes and UTG. And don’t forget the international collabs with the likes of Rihanna, Missy, Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Major Lazer, Akon, and Eminem. And just the other day Kartel received his first solo plaque from the Recording Industry Association of America for the certified gold single “Fever” off his album King of the Dancehall. In honor of this accomplishment, not to mention the release of his latest magnum opus, Of Dons & Divas, the time seemed right to catch up and hold a reasoning with Adi. Interview After The Jump…
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  • Blacka Di Danca Celebrates Earthstrong at Negril Village

    Blacka Di Danca Celebrates Earthstrong at Negril Village

    It’s Just Dancing Party Presents A Fun-Filled Earthstrong Celebration for New York Top Tier Choreographer

    Most great events encompass various aspects that lead to the gestalt of the overall experience.  Events that merge disciplines are usually the most fun because they create a holistic cultural experience. The It’s Just Dancing Crew went all out on Friday, December 21, when they hosted a birthday bash for touring choreographer and now emerging artist, Blacka Di Danca, with music, choreography and fine dining at Negril Village – Rhum Shop.

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  • K Queens: Dancehall Royalty

    K Queens: Dancehall Royalty

     

    Dancehall’s Regal Twins Discuss Their Career and Their Collaborative New Single

    Twin sisters, Kaydine and Kerrine Francis, K Queens, have sung in close harmony from a young age. Sharing the stage for over a decade, K Queens have earned dancehall’s highest ratings. Their latest single “Jamdown Ranking” produced by Sugar Bear, on Rayvon’s GTC (Get That Cheddar Entertainment) Label; distributed by Tuff Gong International, is a remake of Althea and Donna (Althea Forrest and Donna Max de Reid)’s “Uptown Ranking.” The song’s “I’m Still in Love” riddim, was originally produced by Joe Gibbs in 1977. Alton Ellis hit song “I’m Still In Love” on this riddim, was later covered by Marcia Aitkens in 1987. In 2002, Sean Paul and Sasha revitalized the song, “I’m Still in Love” on the album, “Dutty Rock.” In the summer of 2018, Jay-Z and Beyonce used Aitken’s version of “I’m Still in Love” in the promotional ad for their second tour. In November 2018, K Queens laid down Up-to-Date lyrics over the Sugar Bear remodeled beat, for the modern, “Jamdown Ranking.” We caught up with the Duo, K Queens to discuss their music over time and their latest musical projects. Interview After The Jump…

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  • PREMIERE: Duane Pressure “Can I” Official Music Video

    PREMIERE: Duane Pressure “Can I” Official Music Video

    Duane Pressures The Ladies With Latest Visual

    Duane Pressure serenades the women with beautiful Rhythm and Blues vocals, in the inviting dancehall tune, “Can I.”  Performing for the last 13 years, Duane Pressure catapulted his career to stardom with hard work and perseverance. The dancer turned singer, influenced by artists like Michael Jackson, Usher, Christopher Martin, Mavodo, Buju Banton, and Vybz Kartel, shows that he made the right move by starting a music career. In his new video for “Can I,” he shows the ladies that chivalry is not dead, by opening the door to love.  Interview and Video After The Jump…

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  • Medikk: From Victim to Survivor

    Medikk: From Victim to Survivor

    A Rising Star Empowers Others Through Her Lyrics

    Rising star, Stephanie “Medikk” Williams, found her niche in music, while seeking personal salvation in her life. Now, this 24-year old woman, aspires to have a dynamic career that involves philanthropy in conjunction with her music. Medikk’s greatest desire is to help others and in this in-depth interview, she shares her motivation for a new song, entitled “Overcome” featuring Shane O. Interview After The Jump…

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  • Interview With Wayne Marshall Regarding His New Song, “Glory To God,” featuring Tessanne Chin and Ryan Mark

    Interview With Wayne Marshall Regarding His New Song, “Glory To God,” featuring Tessanne Chin and Ryan Mark

    Wayne Marshall Creates A Worship Song That Mirrors His Spirituality

    Widespread fans are connecting with the lyrics of a gospel infused dancehall track, entitled, “Glory to God” by Wayne Marshall featuring Songtress and Winner of The Voice, Season 5 Tessanne Chin and  Gospel Singer and Reverend of Pure Heart Ministries, Ryan Mark. We spoke to Wayne about the inspiration behind this influential song.  Interview After The Jump…

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  • Navino Next Level: New Label, Music, and Outlook

    Navino Next Level: New Label, Music, and Outlook

    Rising Star Overcomes Challenges and Sees Growth In Popularity

    With great vocals and song concepts, rising talent from St. Mary, Jamaica, Ricardo “Navino” Fraser, is steadily gaining momentum. Recently signing to Real Live Records and releasing  the songs “Sup’n Like Suh,” “Yuh Fi Bruki, “Shallow Grave,” and “Never Touch Yet, ” Navino is seeing a steep rise in his music career. With the lyrical artillery to keep up with the best in dancehall and  new management, his fan-base is growing at a record fast pace. More After The Jump…

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  • Saba Jenga: Black Girl Magic

    Saba Jenga: Black Girl Magic

    New Artist With Soulful Hip Hop and Conscious Reverberations

    Saba Jenga is an ambitious woman who left her hometown in Richmond, Virginia to pursue a career in music. She was determined to hone her craft with an educational foundation in New York City. She won the 2012 “Walk This Way Award” for Best MC at St. John’s University and following this she matriculated into the New York University, Clive Davis Institute of Recording Music. During her time of study, she coined a music style of her own called “Dirty Dub,” fusing various genres of music including dub, dubstep, reggae, trap and gogo. Saba Jenga evokes the “black girl magic” ensconced  in a world with a European standard of beauty and oppression of minorities; through a culmination of cultures and sounds. We spoke to Saba, following a stellar performance at The Miss Lily’s 4/20 Celebration with International Selector, Yaadcore.  More After The Jump…

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  • Macka Diamond: Diamonds Are Forever

    Macka Diamond: Diamonds Are Forever

     Macka Diamond Keeps Getting Better With Time

    Dancehall artist Macka Diamond plans to take her career to the next level in 2017.  With the release of a new single, “25 inches,” her signature high-pitched, breathy vocals sound more fierce than ever. The dancehall arena is for the survival of the fittest and Macka shows that she is fully equipped with promotional photographs in full body paint. Collaborating with the best producers, she aspires to drop a one drop album and embark on a U.S. Tour. This diamond shows clearly shows that she is cut by a cloth of longevity. We spoke to Macka Diamond about how she became an empowered woman in dancehall. Interview After The Jump

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  • Seanizzle Realizes His Higher Purpose In Music

    Seanizzle Realizes His Higher Purpose In Music

    A Life Threatening Accident Causes Seanizzle to Produce Music With A Message

    In the fall of 2016, Sean Reid, Seanizzle was basking in the glory of the “47 Floor” riddim, with it’s bosterous trumpet propagating over waves of jazz sounds.  Two months later, on November 27, 2016,  the producer experienced moments that changed his life forever. As Seanizzle recovered at Kingston Public Hospital, he felt thankful to be alive and had a greater appreciation for making music. We spoke with Seanizzle about his musical path and spiritual enlightenment. More After The Jump…

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