Boomshots

Category: Interview

  • Fuse ODG Talks Collabs with Konshens, Elephant Man & Wyclef Jean

    Fuse ODG Talks Collabs with Konshens, Elephant Man & Wyclef Jean

    “We’re All One People” Says the UK Afrobeat Artist Who’s On A Mission To Make World Music

    UK based Afro-Beat artist Fuse ODG recently sat down with Reshma B to discuss his recent collaborations with Jamaican dancehall stars Konshens and Elephant Man, and the Haitian-American superstar Wyclef Jean. Fuse, whose manager happens to be Jamaican, talks about how he linked up with Konshens for his “Million Pound Girl” Remix and how he tapped Di Energy God for the remix of his dance single “Azonto” But perhaps his biggest collabo to date is the remix of “Antenna” feature Wycelf. “That Fuse ODG, they don’t even know that in America. That’s over 8 million hits on YouTube and it’s No. 1 in the world charts and all of that,” Wyclef told Boomshots. “African music is no stranger to me. I’m all about fusion and now what’s coming out of Africa is actually making it back to America. The kids are definitely influenced by a lot of dancehall, a lot of reggae, and now a lot of dance music, so all of this fusion is coming together.”  Fuse also hopes to collaborate with Sean Paul in the future. “We’re All One People,” says the artist whose parents immigrated from Ghana to England. “To make world music—that’s the mission.” Video After The Jump…

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  • Samantha J Reveals Crush On “Bad Bwoy Bieber”

    Samantha J Reveals Crush On “Bad Bwoy Bieber”

    “Tight Skirt” Teen Star Tells All In Her Complex Individuals Interview

    Seventeen-year-old Jamaican pop sensation Samantha J is making big moves since her single “Tight Skirt” blew up worldwide. Her spicy video was rated “most shared” on MTV.com and BET recently tapped her to kick off 106 & Park’s “Young Starz” week. And speaking of young stars, Samantha J recently revealed to Complex that the artist she’d most like to collab with is none other than Justin Bieber. And you’ll never guess who her celebrity crush is. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Sean Paul Says No To Smoking Weed… But He Loves His Ganja Tea

    Sean Paul Says No To Smoking Weed… But He Loves His Ganja Tea

    Just Gimme The Trees And Mek We Drink It Up

    Dutty Paul dropped by the Juan Epstein podcast last week and chopped it up with Rosenberg and Cipher Sounds. Among the topics he touched on was the healing of the nation, aka marijuana.  This may come as a surprise to Sean Paul fans, but the artist who sang “Just gimme the light and pass the dro” no longer blazes weed. Yep, you heard it right. Not that he’s given up the wisdom weed. These days Sean boils up and sips a cup of ganja tea. The Breakfast of Champions! Video After The Jump…

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  • WATCH THIS: Reasoning with RDX in London

    WATCH THIS: Reasoning with RDX in London

    Delomar and Renigade Shell Down London Town and Big Up Di Teacha

    Last night at Coronet night club in Elephant & Castle section of London, the dancehall duo RDX made their first ever live appearance in London and as usual they had the ladies going wild. “Dancehall cannot exist without dancers,” the dynamic duo explained to a crowd that included hardcore dancehall followers as well as UK radio heavyweights Robbo Ranx and Tim Westwood. In their post-show interview with Reshma B, RDX  went on to break down the basic skills that all aspiring RDX video girls need to bring to the table. Although they’re known as the Party Gods, RDX also made a song called “Free Worlboss” so with Kartel’s trial about to begin, it seemed appropriate to ask them about the inspiration behind that one. The answer may surprise you. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: RDX “Ride It” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: RDX “Ride It” Official Music Video

    Reggae Dancehall Xtraordinaite Inna Cowbwoy Stylee

    From Josey Wales to the Lone Ranger to Super Cat’s classic “Scalp Dem,” western flicks have been a rich source of inspiration for reggae dancehall artists over the years. But chances are you’ve never seen a western video quite like this one before. Renegade + Delomar = RDX, two-man dancehall wrecking crew. They burst on the scene with smash hits like “Daggering” and “Bend Over” and since then they’ve carved out a niche as the bashment party gods with a gift for getting the ladies involved. They’ve just released some new visuals for their uptempo single “Ride It,” so what better concept than an Old West cowboy story? Words cannot do this one justice—best you  just check it out for yourself. And then pree their backstage interview with the ReggaeGirlABoutTown. Saddle up! Videos After The Jump… (more…)

  • Gyptian & Friends Pon Radio Lily

    Gyptian & Friends Pon Radio Lily

    Gyppy Celebrates His Birthday by Nicing Up The Strictly Boomshots Show

    October 28 was a good day for Gyptian. The certified gold reggae hitmaker celebrated his birthday at Radio Lily in NYC. along with some of his best friends—like longtime bredren Bascom X plus Khago, Fyakin, and the Rebel Princess Danielle D.I.  The whole crew rolled up in a fleet of criss BMWs and then when they were good and ready, they spilled out to nice up the Strictly Boomshots show. Gyptian took a moment to reason with DJ Rob Kenner about his new album Sex Love & Reggae, which went on sale at midnight that same night. Then he and his musical army busted out some wicked freestyles before hopping back in their cars and rolling up the road to tear up the stage at SOBs. #AllInADaysWork Audio After The Jump…

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  • WATCH THIS: Danielle D.I. “My Man” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Danielle D.I. “My Man” Official Music Video

    Dancehall’s Rebel Princess Demonstrates How To Hold Her Man Down—Just Bust A Likkle “Bad Gyal Wine”

    Danielle D.I. revealed her rebel side in a duet with Cherine Anderson and showed her bold side when she told Shabba Ranks she needs a “big big man.” In her newest music video, “My Man,” she goes all out and explores her sexy side to the fullest. “My Man” is the latest single from Danielle’s debut album Sly and Robbie Presents the Rebel, which also includes such bedroom bangers as “Pat It  Up” and “Sexual Healing” featuring Gramps Morgan.  Riding the classic Sly & Robbie riddim “Triplet,” Danielle proclaims that she has her man’s back at all times, and even when his pockets are empty she still loves him to death. The video, directed by D.R.Y. (aka Di Rawtid Yute), shows exactly what “loving her man to death” looks like—leaving little to the imagination. And don’t miss her interview with Reshma B, in which she demonstrates the “Bad Gyal Wine.” Videos After The Jump…

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  • Justus Arison Speaks on Patrick “Roach” Samuels’ Musical Legacy

    Justus Arison Speaks on Patrick “Roach” Samuels’ Musical Legacy

    Remembering A Fallen Soldier In The Music Business

    The video for Mavado & Nicki Minaj‘s “Give It All To Me” is scheduled to premiere today on BET’s 106 & Park. The song, which is featured on DJ Khaled‘s new album Suffering From Success, represents a major milestone in the rise of reggae music in 2013. It’s one of the best collaborations between two superstars from the genres of dancehall and hip-hop. But for the song’s producer Justus Arison of JA Productions, today will be a bittersweet celebration because his friend and partner Patrick “Roach” Samuels will not be able to celebrate with him. Last month Roach was shot to death in a still-unsolved murder in Kingston, Jamaica. Roach’s murder has left the whole dancehall industry in shock. Justus had been working with him closely as their productions—particularly the Overproof, Overtime, and Overdrive riddims—ushered in a whole new feel and sound within dancehall. Justus and Mavado recently joined forces to pay tribute to Roach with their song “Soldiers.” He spoke with Boomshots about Roach’s musical legacy, and how he plans to go on in the future without his friend. Interview After The Jump… (more…)

  • Melanie Fiona Picks Her 10 Favorite Reggae & Dancehall Songs

    Melanie Fiona Picks Her 10 Favorite Reggae & Dancehall Songs

    The Grammy-Winning R&B Star Is A Bashment Girl At Heart

    Melanie Fiona is best known for heart-wrenching hits like “It Kills Me” and “4 A.M.,” which have made the soulful singer a major star among American R&B fans. The two-time Grammy winner grew up in Toronto as the daughter of first-generation Guaynese immigrants. Her Caribbean influences have always been clear to the educated ear, from her dramatic vocal delivery to specific songs like “Somebody Come Get Me,” which was released under her old nom-de-reggae Syren Hall, as well as “No Cigarette Smoke,” her smoldering duet with Stephen Marley. Melanie continues to flaunt her Caribbean colors on “All My Love,” a new reggae-flavored duet with Toronto soul singer Glenn Lewis. Listening to the song there’s no mistaking the fact that Melanie’s Caribbean roots run deep. So we thought it would be cool to ask her to pick her top 10 reggae and dancehall tracks. Her picks speak volumes about her musical taste, her artistic temperment, and (dare we say it?) MF’s wild side. Click through the gallery above to check out Melanie’s selections and then read her candid conversation with Reshma B. Video And Interview After The Jump… (more…)

  • Popcaan Interview: “Vybz Kartel Put Me To The World”

    Popcaan Interview: “Vybz Kartel Put Me To The World”

    Hotskull Talks About His Debut Album And Sends His Respects To The Worl’ Boss

    Fresh off the stage at his Danchall Night performance on Reggae Sumfest Popcaan sits down with Reshma B for a chat. He says his new album will be all about raving although there will be a likkle bit of raving vibes on there. He even treats Boomshots to an acapella sneak preview of “Where I’m From.” And of course he bigs up Addi his daddy, making a point of restating that it was Kartel who brought him to the world’s attention. As a wise man once said, loyalty over royalty. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Vybz Kartel Speaks From Behind Bars: “Betrayed Is The Order of the Day”

    Vybz Kartel Speaks From Behind Bars: “Betrayed Is The Order of the Day”

    A Few Words From The Worl’ Boss

    Earlier this week Tads Records released a triple album entitled Kartel Forever: The Trilogy. The album includes 60 tracks, ranging from some of Kartel’s most popular hits—such as “Touch A Button,” “Benz Punany,” “Cake Soap,” “Ramping Shop” ft. Spice, and “Straight Jeans and Fitted”—to new and unreleased songs such as “School,” on which Kartel advises youths “don’t bleach your face,” and  “Business,” which has been mashing up dances across Jamaica—and also stirring up controversy about whether the artist has been recording music from his jail cell. (Kartel has been incarcerated for nearly two years, charged with two murders. He’s since been found not guilty on the first of these cases, and he expects to face trial for the second case this November.) “I want to thank all my supporters for your love and unfailing support throughout these trying times,” Kartel stated in a press release accompanying the new album. “Even though I am incarcerated, I am still up to the time. This album shows that I get stronger with each passing second. Tad’s plus Adidjaheim Records is a sick formula and the result is Kartel Forever: Trilogy. Worl’ Boss fullstop!” To help support his album roll-out Kartel agreed to answer a few questions relayed via reliable links close to the artist. But just when things seemed to be looking up for the dancehall “Worl’ Boss,” his cell was raided last week by police investigating the murder of producer Patrick “Roach” Samuels, Kartel’s former road manager. Two cellular phones, a  DVD player, and thumb drives were confiscated and any hopes for a dialogue with Kartel seemed to be dashed. But just this morning we received answers to some of the questions we submitted prior to the police raid. We are publishing them exactly as they came to us without editing.  Email Interview After The Jump…

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  • Reasoning with Chronixx “Me’s a Dancehall Man”

    Reasoning with Chronixx “Me’s a Dancehall Man”

    The Young Roots Lion Chats About Reggae Versus Ragga, Real Producers, and His Dancehall Daddy

    (Photography and Videos by Mark Shaw)

    Fresh off his first ever performance at Reggae Sumfest, rising reggae star Chronixx sat down to reason with Reshma B. “Me’s a dancehall man,” he tells her, “Nothing like me Shabba Ranks and me Supercat.” The young singer/songwriter/producer who’s been credited with helping to lead a “roots revival” takes care not to stir up any roots-versus-dancehall “genre war” but instead focuses on quality songwriting and conscious content. Before becoming the hottest new artist in reggae, Chronixx was a producer, creating his own tracks like “Behind Curtain” and “Warrior.” In part 2 of his reasoning with Reshma B, Chronixx bigs up all the “real producers” and talks about his admiration for Kanye West, although he admits that YEEZUS is probably not his favorite Yeezy album. He also speaks on how he likes to bring his family along with him when he performs, including his father Chronicle, whom Chronixx describes as “the original dancehall daddy.” Chronixx also reveals that he is “the biggest Jr. Gong fan in the world” and bigs up Gongzilla to the max. The young roots lion is currently on his first tour of the U.S. and his first-ever New York City performance goes down at SOBs. Before you catch the show, hold a reasoning with the artiste. Video After The Jump… (more…)