Category: Jamaica

  • HEAR THIS: Johnny Osbourne “Mr. Marshall”

    Check Out Where Major Lazer Got The Vocals For Their Soon To Be Released Single “Jah No Partial”

    While we anxiously await the release of Major Lazer’s new single (set to drop Monday 22nd October), we thought it would be nice to take a listen to the song that inspired it all. Johnny Osbourne’s 1980’s classic “Mr. Marshall” chronicled the daily struggle with police violence in the ghetto.  Take a trip down memory lane after then jump. (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Mr. Vegas “Rise Again” And “Bare Tingz” World Exclusive

    Vegas Show Us He Will Rise And Be Stronger Than Before

    October has been a trying month for Dancehall artist Mr. Vegas. Since news of his then girlfriend’s infidelity broke Vegas has weathered the storm and even though after publicly voicing his feelings on the matter he has shown a resilience not easily matched by many in the same situation. The times are still tough for Mr. Vegas, but  he has latched on to the one thing that has always brought him happiness, his music, which has proven to be a great asset is his healing process and now with a new sense of purpose he has been knocking down hours in the studio. Fresh off the press Vegas blessed Boomshots with two new cuts, “Rise Again” an acoustic version based on the one he recently performed at the Rockhouse Foundation benefit in New York City. and a special bonus track “Bare Tingz” both guaranteed to get heavy rotation. Audio After the Jump (more…)

  • Letter From Kingston: Digging On Beat Street

    Sevens Clash Goes Shopping At Augustus Pablo’s Old Record Shop

    Today, Beat Street is a shadow of its former self. A long, slow rate of attrition initiated by the digital drift of the music industry, and assisted by governmental neglect, has gradually gutted what was once a vibrant scene. With a disappearing domestic market and unable to subsist solely on the occasional pilgrimage by fanatics from abroad, stores are being shuttered one by one. Pablo passed away in 1999 at the age of 44 due to complications from a rare nerve disorder, but the family maintains ownership, and Rockers International stands defiant in the face of the changing tide. They are truly one of the last of a dying breed.  (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Eklypse, Kalado, Iyara, Ding Dong, Rav-A & Martin LV “Pretty Gal” Medley Video

    Something Fresh From Hype Skool Muzik

    Something about this riddim caught us from the first listen… Now the video medley just took it to the next level. Remember the words of a wise man: If we don’t support new artists today we can’t have big artists tomorrow.
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  • Welcome To Jamrock Reggae Cruise Crossword Puzzle Playlist

    Welcome To Jamrock Reggae Cruise Crossword Puzzle Playlist

    A Boomshots Playlist to Help You Solve The Puzzle

    The Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise sets sail this Monday from Miami with ports of call in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, and an all-star lineup of reggae royalty and top selectors aboard. Boomshots and House of Marley teamed up to create the official cruise Zeen, which includes a reggae-matic crossword puzzle. If you can’t make it on board this year’s cruise, don’t be left high and dry… We’ve got the puzzle right here. And make sure you visit the official site to book your cabin for next year.
    Audio Clues And After The Jump.. (more…)

  • INTERVIEW: Tanya Stephens, Forever Vocal

    We Can Always Depend on Tanya to Tell It Like It Is
    When it comes to the reggae/dancehall genre, the competition is fierce—and mostly dominated by males. There is no shortage of female artists however, holding their own and showing their prowess. Many come and go, while a select few have earned their veteran stripes. Dancehall divas like Tanya Stephens. Known for not pulling punches or holding her tongue, Tanya’s fans can always count on her to tell it like it is. Straight!
    I caught up with Tanya recently for a brief one on one conversation. As usual, she kept it extra-real. Seet yah! Interview After The Jump (more…)
  • INTERVIEW: Rayvon Still Going Strong, Getting That Cheddar

    The Ladies Love Sugar RayRay

    Just last night in New York City Shaggy and Rayvon performed at the RockHouse Foundation benefit to raise funds for the education of Jamaica’s youth. They’ve been doing their thing since the late Eighties in good ol’ Brooklyn, where Rayvon and Shaggy  first linked as the ultimate dancehall duo, dropping hit after hit after hit along with the rest of the ‘Ruff Entry Crew.’ For decades since, Shaggy & Rayvon have been instrumental in showcasing dancehall across the globe. From their early hits, including the classic “Big Up“—which as far as we can tell was the first tune to popularize that universally recognized slang term—to the smooted-out jam  ‘In The Summertime‘ to the history-making international chart topper ‘Angel,’ these two have a natural chemistry. But Rayvon is also a solo star in his own right who shows no signs of slowing down.  Why should he?  We caught up with Rayvon recently and spoke about how he’s been stepping out on his own. From managing his very own production company, to touring and recording, Rayvon is focused and poised for even more success. After all, to whom much is given, much is required—don’t it? Interview after the jump. (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Cham “Lawless”

    Cham & The Madhouse Family Drop A Wicked New Badman Tune

    Ya dun know Cham’s got the girls locked with “Backshot” and “Tun Up” and “Vitamin S” and all those type of tunes. But please don’t sleep on Cham like he’s some kinda soft-soft lover boy who can’t handle his biz outta road. Seriously—did you forgot about “Ghetto Story” already? Well in case you need a reminder, Cham just let off some wicked new shotta lyrics, shouting out certain areas where they make Kalashnikov sing like guitar. Da one yah ah murder. Audio After The Jump (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Tommy Lee Sparta “Shook (Uncle Demon)”

    The Gaza Sparta Strikes Fear In The Heart Of His Enemies With His Latest Visual

    Since stepping on the scene, Tommy Lee has being flying his banner high for the Gaza. Bringing his unique style and voice as well as his many personalities Tommy has amassed a devout  following. Known for his fascination with the occult the Gaza Sparta draws inspiration for his latest visual from Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” music video and adds that unmistakable Tommy Lee touch by using the burnt out ruins of old Port Royal as props to illustrate Uncle Demon’s vision – This will definitely leave a few bwoys shook.   (more…)

  • Reasoning With Scientist

    A Dub Legend Speaks on King Tubby, The Roots of Dub, & The Vampire-Killing Power of Drum & Bass

    History will be made tonight at B.B. King’s in New York City when the Dub Champions Festival presents Scientist and the Roots Radics band performing their legendary 1981 album Scientist Rids the World of the Evil Curse of the Vampires live in its entirety for the first time ever. The Radics’s sessions for Henry “Junjo” Lawes at Channel One Studio became the stuff of legend, largely because the brilliant young engineer Scientist was at the controls. Born Overton Brown in Kingston, Jamaica, Scientist was just a teenager when he first began working with King Tubby’s, the originator of dub music. He managed to win Tubby’s confidence and the student soon became a master, the most in-demand studio engineer in Jamaica. With a big assist from Emch of Subatomic Sounds we caught up with Scientist for this rare in-depth interview and he had so much things to say. Suffice it to say that half the story has never been told. Q&A after the jump. (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Jah Cure ft 2Pac “All By Myself”

    Cure unleashes A Thought Provoking Tune Alongside The Rap God

    Having served a long stretch himself, Jah Cure has always championed the cause of deterring the youths away from a life of crime by showing them that life behind prison walls is no paradise. In this recent cut, Iyah chronicles his lonely days while behind bars and how his faith in God never wavered even when he contemplated breaking out. Even though the track is name All By Myself Cure is aided by none other than the Rap God himself 2Pac who explains that the life of a celebrity isn’t as grand as it seems – hey, thugs get lonely to. R.I.P Tupac Shakur. (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Miguel Feat. Konshens “Adorn Remix”

    Konshens Jumps On Miguel’s Chart Topping Single With His Own Words For The Ladies 

    Miguel’s latest single has been burning up the charts as well as putting the ladies in a frenzy. Not the be left out and we know how much Konshens loves the ladies (and they love him) rude boy jumps on the Tropical Blends assisted remix of Adorn. Konshens speaks directly to the ladies on this one and gets straight to the point, as he said “no bag a long talking” – Run tune. (more…)