Boomshots

Category: Live

  • Ghetto Youths International Posse Tour the U.S. In Support of Set Up Shop Vol. 2

    Ghetto Youths International Posse Tour the U.S. In Support of Set Up Shop Vol. 2

    Cham, Wayne Marshall, Jo Mersa, Christopher Ellis & Black-Am-I Touch The Road

    There is a famous saying “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” and for the heirs of reggae legend Bob Marley, Damian, Stephen and Julian Marley, their actions prove just that. Just as their father founded the Tuff Gong imprint, his youths see big things looming for their fresh record label Ghetto Youths International (GYI). For lovers of the perfect mixture of blues, calypso and rock and roll, Jamaica’s own reggae, GYI has a tour in the works next week. With the Marley imprint behind this initiative one can expect nothing less than a star-studded lineup of acts including Cham,Wayne Marshall, Black-Am-I, Jo Mersa, and Christopher Ellis. Said GYI participants are of course featured on the Billboard chart-topper, Set Up Shop Volume 2, a compilation that represents a full spectrum of music, from reggae to dancehall and futuristic fusion. With such a stellar selection of artists on tour, backed by the Lawless band, who wouldn’t be excited? Tour Schedule After The Jump…
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  • Deep Space Dub Night Marks 12th Anniversary in NYC

    Deep Space Dub Night Marks 12th Anniversary in NYC

    Easy Star Sound System & Friends To Make NYC Debut Alongside Francois K April 6

    “Deep Space’s mission is to explore how dub has influenced so many forms of music,” says the night’s produer Erica Newell. “Not only as an aesthetic, but as an approach to producing and mixing music both in the recording studio and on the dance floor.” A Monday-night fixture at Cielo nightclub in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District for the past twelve years, Deep Space makes excellent use of Cielo’s award-winning Funkion One sound system (oft cited as the best in NYC) as it explores earthshaking frequencies of subsonic bass vibrations. Deep Space’s resident DJ Francois K was recently named “Resident Dj of the Year” by the 2015 Nightclub Awards. To mark their 12-year anniversary, Deep Space will welcome Easy Star Sound System with foundation artists Carlton Livingston, Lady Anne, and Ranking Joe pon the microphone center. Details After The Jump… (more…)

  • Anything Goes at DJ Norie’s Anniversary Bash

    Anything Goes at DJ Norie’s Anniversary Bash

    Live Sets From Wayne Wonder, Red Rat, Tarrus Riley & More

    DJ Norie has come a long way since his days on Brooklyn’s Wah Gwan Radio. His weekly show on New York’s top urban radio station, Power 105.1 FM, is one of the city’s leading platforms for reggae and dancehall music. So when he celebrated his anniversary late last week the stars came out. Check out Wayne Wonder breezing through his vast catalog of certified Boomshots—including the song that gave this annual showcase its name. And how long since we saw Red Rat blazing up his hits? He’s still got the girls screaming “Oh Noooo!” for tunes like “Dwayne” and “Tight Up Skirt”—and watch what happens when the Rat bucks up a fluffy gal from the front row. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Chronixx “Capture Land” Tour Reaches Kingston

    Chronixx “Capture Land” Tour Reaches Kingston

    Stream Chronixx Di General Alongside Zinc Fence Redemption Live Online

    This Summer Chronixx and his band Zinc Fence Redemption will tour the world, including stops at  some of the most exclusive gigs in the U.S., from NYC’s Governor’s Ball to the Roots Picnic in Philly, but tonight they’ll be rocking the hometown crowd in Kingston City. Following successful gigs in Negril and St. Elizabeth, the “Capture Land JAMAICA Tour”—named after his Dread & Terrible selection—rolls into town tonight before wrapping up tomorrow in Portland on Sunday March 15.  Good news for all those who cannot make it to Kingston tonight: the show will be streaming live (details below). This is more than a tour, it’s a mission with a message: the upliftment of Jamaica’s cultural product. “We are doing tours and events in makeshift venues,” Chronixx recently stated without apology. “Which means there is no form of movement that acknowledges the fact that we are the main export. It’s not bauxite, it’s not tourism. It’s music.” Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise Doubles Up for 2015

    Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise Doubles Up for 2015

    Cabins Going Fast As Barrington, Maxi , Elly, Popcaan, Capleton Confirmed

    Due to overwhelming demand, the second annual Welcome To Jamrock Reggae Cruise will offer two back-to-back cruises in 2015, from November 30th to December 10th. According to the cruise’s official Facebook page, the newly confirmed talent for 2015 includes Ky-Mani Marley, Protoje, Barrington Levy, Capleton, Elephant Man, Popcaan,  and Maxi Priest. They will perform Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Stephen “Ragga” Marley, Julian “JuJu Royal” Marley, Bounty Killer, Busy Signal and other returning members of the Ghetto Youths International family. Representing the best of sound system culture, the Welcome to Jamrock Cruise 2015 proudly present the original Saxon Studio posse from London including Philip “Papa” Levi of “Mi God Mi King” fame. They will join King Jammy’s Super Power, whose performance on last October’s cruise was legendary. Stay tuned for more breaking news about sound system action the cruise. All aboard! Full Lineup and Videos After The Jump… (more…)

  • Royalty In NYC: Jesse Royal and The King Suns at SOBs

    Royalty In NYC: Jesse Royal and The King Suns at SOBs

    The Palace Pickney Delivers An Emancipation Message During Bob Marley EarthStrong Weekend

    Not many artists can fill SOBs on a snowy winter night with temperatures in the twenties. But Jesse Royal is not just any artist. So this past Monday night, his first time performing at the legendary night club he had a toe-to-toe, overflowing crowd out early. The crowd got warm and cozy with some blazing hits by Lionface (Lion King), Max Glazer & Kenny Meez (Federation Sound), DJ Gravy & Micro Don (Rice N’ Peas), Rob Kenner, SeeBorn, and Charlie Brown (BBC Hi-Fi). The temperature kept rising throughout Jah Bami and Knight Blade’s live session—heightened by a rousing performance of their viral hit “I Got That Weed”—before the special surprise guest was announced by the Host, Rob Kenner.  More After The Jump…

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  • WATCH THIS: Vybz Kartel Birthday Bash 2002

    WATCH THIS: Vybz Kartel Birthday Bash 2002

    Witness the Birth of a Dancehall Legend

    Thirteen years ago today, Vybz Kartel (or as the videographer spelled it Vibes Cartel) celebrated his 25th birthday with an action-packed session at Club La Roose on Port Henderson Road in Portmore. Judging by the massive turnout of artists on the stage and the reaction of the ram-jam crowd inside the venue—not to mention the ridiculously futuristic flows emanating from his microphone—it’s clear that Kartel is a young champion on the rise. Having graduated from street mixtapes to writing hits for the likes of Bounty Killer, Kartel now had a major hit on Don Corleon’s Mad Ants riddim, “New Millennim” featuring Wayne Marshall. His debut album for Greensleeves Records, Up 2 Di Time, was still a year away, but anybody in La Roose that night knew something big was happening. Much has changed since that time: for one thing, when’s the last time you saw Kartel rocking a Nets jersey and a durag? Moreover, Kartel’s name is now known all around the planet, although much of the world is more familiar with his controversial exploits than his cutting-edge music. But one thing has stayed the same from that time until this : even as Kartel marks his third consecutive birthday behind bars, the Werlboss still has the streets on lock, and despite his predicament Kartel remains the most influential dancehall artist in the game, period. In honor of Adidja Azim Palmer’s earthstrong, let’s take it back to 2002, and bear witness to the birth of a legend.  Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • I-Shawna Sting Interview: “Which Can You Do Better, Cook Or Quint?”

    I-Shawna Sting Interview: “Which Can You Do Better, Cook Or Quint?”

    Right After Shelling Down Sting, The Princess of the Dancehall Chats With Reshma B

    The Princess of the Dancehall has had one hell of year—ever since she dropped that counteraction to Chris Brown’s “Loyal” we’ve had a feeling there might be some trouble on the homefront. Now of course it’s well known that her 9-year relationship with selector and rpoducer Foota Hype is over, and the ensuing media frenzy—complete with sordid allegations on both sides—had the Internets ablaze last year. Meanwhile The Princess of the Dancehall’s music career has thrived on the controversy, getting hotter than ever. Shortly after shelling down Sting 2014, I-Shawn told Reshma B that 2014 was “the worst year and the best year of my life.” The Princess of the Dancehall also answers the burning question: Can she quint better than she cooks? (And judging by her Sting performance, she may be able to DJ better than anything else!) And keep your eyes open for a special Bonus Cameo from Downsound Records boss Joe Bogdonovich. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Sizzla, Popcaan, Aidonia, Teflon & Kiprich Shut Down Ghetto Splash 2014

    Sizzla, Popcaan, Aidonia, Teflon & Kiprich Shut Down Ghetto Splash 2014

    That’s What You Call A Grand Finale

    Christmas is high season in Jamaica, an endless string of packed-out parties and star-studded stage shows. Even if money gets tight around the holidays, there’s no need to buy expensive tickets for some of the best shows of the season as artists show love to their fans with plenty of free shows. Eith the return of shows like Ghetto Splash—a Yuletide dancehall showcase which has run on and off since the 1990s—the downtown community of Waterhouse gets a much-needed dancehall stimulus package to  community residents, and a great concert to dancehall fans everywhere. The highlight of last year’s show was the appearance of both Popcaan and Mavado on stage at the same time, a cherished moment of Gaza/Gully harmony. Anticipation ran high for this year’s show, which did not disappoint. Surprise appearances by Shaggy and Beenie Man were just the beginning—the grand finale was a whole ‘nother level. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Black-Am-I “In The Ghetto” Live Pon The WTJ Cruise

    WATCH THIS: Black-Am-I “In The Ghetto” Live Pon The WTJ Cruise

    I and I Tour Currently Cruising Through The United States

    When the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise set sail last month, the first artist to touch the main deck stage was none other than Black-Am-I. The culturally inclined singjay rocked the big boat, closing out an energetic set with his latest song “In The Ghetto,” a track taken from the forthcoming Set Up Shop Vol. 2 compilation, due out later this year. Black-Am-I, who hails from Nine Mile, the birthplace of Bob Marley, is currently on tour of the U.S. with I-Wayne. Watch for them coming to a town near you. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Damian Marley & Friends Rock The Boat on the Welcome To Jamrock Reggae Cruise

    Damian Marley & Friends Rock The Boat on the Welcome To Jamrock Reggae Cruise

    As Bob Marley Once Sang, We Were “All In The Same Boat, Rockin on The Same Rock”

    When The Wailers linked with Lee “Scratch” Perry to record their classic African Herbsman selection “Don’t Rock My Boat” back in 1973, chances are Bob Marley had no idea that 40-plus years in the future his family would be rocking the biggest boat in reggae history. But when the Welcome To Jamrock Reggae Cruise pulled away from the Port of Miami on Monday October 20th, the 2400 artists, selectors, and reggae lovers on board the luxury liner Norwegian Pearl were just as Bob sang, “All in the same boat, rocking on the same rock.” Continued After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Shabba Ranks Rules On Da Reggae Tip 2014

    WATCH THIS: Shabba Ranks Rules On Da Reggae Tip 2014

    Beenie, Shaggy, Sanchez, and Spice Help the Hot 97 Crew Kick off Labor Day Weekend 2014

    This past Friday, just like every other Friday before a Labor Day Weekend in recent memory, a galaxy of reggae and dancehall stars descended on Hot 97’s annual showcase On Da Reggae Tip. Just as in years past, the event was hosted by Bobby Konders and Jabba, whose Sunday-night reggae show has been a fixture on New York’s No. 1 hip-hop station since 1992. And as like in year’s past, there were a few surprise guests from the worlds of R&B, hip-hop, and classic dancehall waiting in the wings. But some things this year were very different, starting with the venue. Instead of the ornate but overcrowded Hammerstein Ballroom, where the perennially sold-out show has always been held, ODRT2014 took place at a much larger outdoor venue, JBL Live at Pier 97 on the edge of Manhattan’s Hudson River. As the sun set on a perfect late-summer evening, the show kicked off with blossoming pop stars like teenage sensation Samantha J, and Tessanne Chin, the Jamaican-born crooner who won the last season of NBC’s The Voice, as well as dancehall acts like Tifa, currently riding high off her single “Bak It Up” and Kranium, the Brooklyn-based DJ whose keep-it-on-the-downlow single “Nobody Has To Know” has made him a name to know. < Full Review And Videos After the Jump… (more…)