Boomshots

Category: Mixtape

  • Sizzla “Praise Ye Jah” 25th Anniversary Mixtape

    Sizzla “Praise Ye Jah” 25th Anniversary Mixtape

    Celebrating a Classic Album, Live From Judgment Yard

    “I did behold!” It’s been a quarter of a century since Sizzla Kalonji’s anthem “Praise Ye Jah” first rang out of sound systems all across Jamaica and electrified the worldwide dancehall reggae massive with his revolutionary sound and energy. When the teen prodigy born Miguel Collins linked up with legendary producer Philip “Fatis” Burrell and his Xterminator crew—including saxophonist and musical director Dean Fraser, Sly & Robbie, and a veteran session band known as the Firehouse Crew—musical history was made. Fast forward to 2023 and Fatis’ son Kareem “Remus” Burrell is carrying on the family legacy with XTM Nation. Today XMT is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Sizzla’s landmark album ‘Praise Ye Jah’ by bringing the vibes to a new generation with XTM’s “Praise Ye Jah” mixtape featuring exclusive dubplates by the likes of Tarrus Riley, Spragga Benz, Kabaka Pyramid, Pressure Buss Pipe, Protoje, Lila Ike, and more. The Boomshots crew linked up with XTM and rolled to August Town for an exclusive reasoning with the man they call Dada. He spoke about his memories of working with Fatis, his respect for Remus, and his unique vision for his purpose in life. Sizzla has invested the proceeds of a successful music career, building up his Judgment Yard community, providing a working studio, library, and other economic opportunities, and supporting the Sizzla Youth Foundation. This man’s motivation goes way beyond industry accolades. Time to put some respect on Sizzla’s name. Mixtape & Mini-Doc After The Jump…  (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Dennis Brown Special DJ Center Earthstrong Mix

    HEAR THIS: Dennis Brown Special DJ Center Earthstrong Mix

    Tunes, versions and dubs from the Crown Prince

    In honor of what would have been Dennis Emmanuel Brown’s 60th birthday this past Wednesday, February 1st, the homie DJ Center put together a crucial megamix that goes heavy on classic rub-a-dub era. We’re pleased to share it with you to provide some heartical vibes for your weekend and beyond. Here I Come again! Audio After The Jump…
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  • HEAR THIS: Jah9 “Fire Slaughter”

    HEAR THIS: Jah9 “Fire Slaughter”

    This Is Not A Mixtape; It’s A Numerological Revolution

    Listen closely and try to keep up: 9 is the sum of the digits 2 + 0 + 1 + 6. Ergo, 2016 is the year of 9. 9 also represents the ninth letter, I, which is not so much a letter as it is a fully-fledged concept bearing profound significance within Rastafarian philosophy, philology, and epistemology. There must be something about the number 9. Not to get all Deep Space Nine, but there are exactly 9 planets. 9 members of Wu Tang. 9 millimeters go bang. According to Jamaican custom, 9 days after someone passes away, his or her friends and family should kill the fatted calf—so to speak, more likely a curried goat—and celebrate the life of the dear departed in order to send him or her off good and proper. It’s called a “nine night.” Well today, Friday August 5, marks the 9th day since Janine Cunningham, better known to enlightened reggae lovers as Jah9, released 9MM Vol. 2, an 18-track project (definitely not a mixtape) which she describes as “Groundings in preparation for the arrival” of her forthcoming album 9, which is due to be released on… 9/9 of course!  Audio After The Jump…
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  • HEAR THIS: Leadpipe & Saddis Kick Off Evolution Sound Soca Mixtape

    HEAR THIS: Leadpipe & Saddis Kick Off Evolution Sound Soca Mixtape

    Porgie & Murda Bring Dreams To Life

    Crop Over 2016 may be winding down, but Barbados is still bubbling. This year the island revellers had to do without Rihanna (she spent the weekend in Toronto rocking OVO Fest) but the party continues on this exclusive Evolution Sound soca mix featuring Bajan soca duo Leadpipe & Saddis (aka Porgie & Murda). Their tunes—and a mix of fresh reggae/soca collabs like Jus D & I-Octane’s “Perform”—are a perfect way to set the mood for the Philadelphia Jerk Fest on Sunday August 28, 2016. Leadpipe & Saddis will be performing live and direct alongside reggae legend Luciano Jah Messenger and dancehall star Assassin aka Agent Sasco. No more long talking, DJ Jamol Jenius let off! Audio & Tracklist After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Kabaka Pyramid “Accurate” Mixtape DOWNLOAD

    HEAR THIS: Kabaka Pyramid “Accurate” Mixtape DOWNLOAD

    Walshy Fire & Kabaka Pack ‘Nuff Fire

    If your summer was missing a proper mixtape that perfectly blends dancehall riddims with hip-hop instrumentals, this Major Lazer-stamped soundclash between Bebble Rock’s Kabaka Pyramid and the mighty Walshy Fire is right up your alley. Kingston’s Kabaka doesn’t shy from any banger that Walshy throws his way, coasting over everything from the Desiigner’s “Panda” to the legendary “Dipset Anthem,” and Biggie’s “Gimme the Loot,” as well as original tracks from Major Lazer, KickRaux, and Walshy himself. There’s even enough room on the mic for guest lyricists including Raekwon, Jahdan Blakkamore, and Chronixx. The combined forces of Walshy and Kabaka are massive enough to make you cop another pair of speakerboxes, as this might be too much heat for weak systems. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Chronixx x Eesah “Perfect Tree” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Chronixx x Eesah “Perfect Tree” Official Music Video

    Chronixx x Eesah Engage in a Melodic Steam Session

    Chronixx opens with horns blazing, as he rides effortlessly over the beat from Black Star’s “Respiration” exhaling words of righteousness: “High grade never hurt nobody. Let herb be free on earth nuh daddy.” You’ve guessed it: it’s another ganja anthem, but this one requires a higher meditation to fully comprehend the meaning behind the “Perfect Tree.” Let’s begin with origins of Rastafari and the Legalize It movement. Bob Marley and the Wailers advocated for the legalization of herbs for the masses. Peter Tosh was a vocal proponent of green living throughout the ’70s. Before the Wailers, a man by the name of Leonard Howell built the Pinnacle as a sustainable community in colonial Jamaica with an economic base of agriculture and yup, marijuana. Video After The Jump…

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  • HEAR THIS: Chronixx x Federation Sound “Roots & Chalice”

    HEAR THIS: Chronixx x Federation Sound “Roots & Chalice”

    Steam Ministah Links Federation Fam To Give Us The Fullness

    Chronixx and the Federation family had a musical meeting of the minds to create this amalgamation of wicked instrumentals past & present. The 60-minute mix includes well known tracks “Like A Whistle,” “Alpha & Omega,” and “Tenement Yard” to warm up your ears to a familiar beat.  The heavy drum and bass breakdown stampedes in on “Spanish Town Rocking” (inspired by Mr. Levy’s crucial Channel One selection) as Chronixx executes a sound inna dancehall stylee. “Queen Majesty” is a top selection with a smooth melody that the ladies will be sure to love. Chronixx dominates the microphone as an emcee and singjay with special features from Eesah on “Perfect Tree”, Dre Island on “Puppy Nose”, Kelissa on “Best Love”, and Kabaka Pyramid on the title track Chalice & Roots. “Dem haffi wait likkle while for mi first album…” Chronixx ends the mix with a proclamation that leaves us wanting more. Behind the steam, the music disappears from whence it came, deep into the tallest peaks of Jamaica’s lush green dreams. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • PREMIERE: I-Octane “Hello” Mixtape

    PREMIERE: I-Octane “Hello” Mixtape

    Download A Musical Holiday Present From Conquer The Globe X Street Team

    “Them say we would not turn a star but we now become an icon,” sings I-Octane on his aptly titled rub-a-dub selection “Life is What You Make It.” Since setting his mission statement in the establishment of Conquer The Globe productions, the “Hot Ras” has wasted no time moving toward his stated goal. Along the way, I-Octane has proven to be one of those rare artists who are equally adept at classical reggae and straight-up dancehall, one who can keep it conscious while always maintaining his presence in the streets. (Never selling out “the linky” yet managing to stay away from “the waste man dem.”) Witness the artist’s latest mixtape, titled “Hello,” which Boomshots proudly premieres tonight. Mixed by DJ Cory of Street Team (Alkaline’s official tour DJ), this 43-track juggling comprises a succinct survey of Octane’s latest & greatest recordings to date, ranging from reality tunes like “Time Will Come” and “It’s Alright” featuring Gentleman, all the way to  hardcore tracks like “Flick Duppy” and “Straight Stinger” not to mention “Above Dem,” Octane’s big collab with the Gully Gad and Alkaline. For the diehard fans, call it a holiday present. For those who haven’t been paying such close attention, consider it a wake up call. HELLO! Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Tifa “Stay Away” Mixtape

    HEAR THIS: Tifa “Stay Away” Mixtape

    Tificles Sprays Them Haters With Lyrical Aerosol

    “Guess that’s why they mad when Tifa win.” If there’s anyone who has never been afraid of addressing her haters then you gotta give the title to the princess of dancehall. Over the course of her career, Boomshots have had many reasoning sessions with Tifa, and she always keeps it real as far as what’s going on. Whether you refer to haters as “enemies,” “frenemies,” “badmind,” or “grazmites,” there are numerous ways to describe those individuals who impose their jealousy, envy, and greed on those around them. There is a reason why Jah Cure sings about “Wicked people and badmind lurking in the dark.” What makes people embrace these deadliest sins? Some may say that others can’t stand to see you flourish or can’t wait to swoop in and take credit for your hard work. If you can relate to this concept just realize that you are not the first person to feel this way—nor will you be the last. If you’re a firm believer in God you may believe that you will be just fine if you can only stay strong because fake people always fall by the wayside in the end.  In her latest mixtape Tifa appears on the cover spraying aerosol poison on an assortment of roaches. Press play to hear her call out the people who have “robbed” her and pretended to be her “friends.” She even sends out a special warning to watch out for anyone  calling themself your “family.” ZJ Chrome keeps the beats fresh—including recent joints from Drake and Rihanna—to provide a canvas for Tifa’s real talk about sex, dating, overcoming haters, handicaps, and industry politricks. At the end of the day she sets the record straight she can still create hits and make money—so  don’t bother playing with her. If you are a hater, unless you are a “dunce,” then the message in the title is crystal clear—you have been warned! After you give the tape a good listen, check out some of our classic Tifa interviews for context. Audio & Video After The Jump…

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  • DOWNLOAD: Konshens Mixtape “Money Plan Complete”

    DOWNLOAD: Konshens Mixtape
    “Money Plan Complete”

    Like Kanye Said Money Isn’t Everything, Not Having It IS
    Konshens put it plain from early out. The first time he stopped by the Strictly Boomshots show he explained how he drew a musical line in the sand and said “this year me haffi be the winner.” The reason? Not vanity, but because “me nah go me yard without the youth dem dinner.” Well it surely worked and Konshens has been winning for some time now. And here the DJ comes again with some more musica; motivation. “Bless my plans Almighty Jah… I wake up with a medz like, teach them youths to be wise and medz right.” As Konshens himsef puts it: “Some ppl are just lucky, some people inherited money,some ppl got all the good connections,some ppl got unbelievable undeniable talent, some got all the above mentioned…….. Some just worked nonstop harder and smarter everyday and refused to not succeed. Ppl have been born rich and turn out to nothing and others have been born in the worst situations and places humanly possible and turn out to be ICONS on earth… #noexcuses #Work MIXTAPE OUT NOW!!” Download Link After The Jump…

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  • HEAR THIS: Suns of Dub Meets Mighty Crown “The Far East Mixtape” FREE DOWNLOAD

    HEAR THIS: Suns of Dub Meets Mighty Crown “The Far East Mixtape” FREE DOWNLOAD

    Addis Pablo and Ras Jammy Buck Up The Far East Rulers Inna Dubwise Extravaganja

    “We’ve pretty much been working on this forever,” says Addis Pablo, son of melodica master Augustus Pablo and co-founder of Suns of Dub, along with Ras Jammy, who is (contrary to popular belief) no relation to King Jammy nor—despite a striking similarity of appearance—to the elder Pablo’s frequent sparring partner Hugh Mundell. The pair first met at Rockers International Record Shop and began dubbing live—with Addis on melodica and Jammy mixing tunes and crucial sound effects—at Jamaican hotspots like Kingston Dub Club. Inspiration for this mixtape struck when the Suns traveled to Japan (Land of the Rising Sun) last October and linked with Cojie, Mighty Crown’s roots/foundation specialist, and began plotting their brand-new 40-track hour-plus excursion pon the version. The sounds thereon includes self-produced instrumental tracks and dubplate specials seasoned with vocals by the likes of Chronixx, Jesse Royal, Sizzla, Luciano, Lauryn Hill, and Mr. Williamz. Suns of Dub begins a UK tour today (see the full schedule below) and will tour Europe this summer as an onstage dub production team onstage with an expanded lineup (including Jah Bammy on vocals, Carlo on binghi drums and additional instrumentation courtesy of Dub Assassin) plus a 16-track mixing board to allow unique and precise mixes at each and every show. “We try to keep it spontaneous,” says Addis, “the next thing we could add a rock guitar or a violin or a tuba.” Ras Jammy agrees that audiences should expect the unexpected. “Last year we were playing the chalice onstage and smoke up the place.” Addis adds, laughing, “Steamers!” Audio & Interview After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Strictly the Best Vol. 50 The Mixtape

    HEAR THIS: Strictly the Best Vol. 50 The Mixtape

    Rico Vibes of Natural Vibes and Da Flava Radio Pon The Megamix

    Over the past 35 years, VP Records has established themslves as the dominant distributor of Jamaican music, and the 50th and 51st installments of their Strictly the Best compilation series drops today. As per usual, the first volume focuses more on roots and lovers rock singers while the second dives direct into the dancehall. And because this year marks a landmark anniversary for VP—or simply to tickle the fancy of the “Don’t make em like they used to” posse—each volume of the anthology includes a second disc jam-packed with classic selections culled from earlier STB editions. Today we present a megamix of Volume 50 cuts curated by selector Rico Vibes. From Half Pint‘s Greetings and Luciano‘s “Sweep Over My Soul” straight back to Etana‘s “Trigger” and Jah Cure‘s “Life We Live,” this one is total niceness. No matter how cold it is where you are right now, press play and prepare yourself for a virtual vacation to Jamaica’s sunny shores. Audio After The Jump… (more…)