Boomshots

Category: NYC

  • HEAR THIS: “Super Hi-Fi Plays Nirvana”(Full Album Stream) PREMIERE

    HEAR THIS: “Super Hi-Fi Plays Nirvana”
    (Full Album Stream) PREMIERE

    Grunge In Dub With Nuff Trombone

    Back when Ezra Gale—the bassist for undergound Brooklyn ensemble Super Hi-Fi—was in college, another band he played in opened for Nirvana. Now, 25 years after the Seattle trio’s classic Nevermind, he and Super Hi-Fi decided to put a very different spin on Kurt Cobain’s songbook. Super Hi-Fi Plays Nirvana will be released tomorrow on Gale’s boutique label Very Special Recordings via digital and cassette only. The throwback format is not just about retro cool, it’s also highly affordable, allowing for creative freedom and experimentation. “I hate cover versions that just sound like the original,” says Gale. “So with Nirvana, it seemed interesting to make something new out of something so familiar.” With Jon Lipscomb on guitar, Madhu Siddappa on drums, and trombonist Rick Parker dueling with Curtis Fowlkes, Robert Stringer and Alex Asher on 2nd trombone, Super Hi-Fi recorded instrumental versions of six Nirvana tunes (including Shocking Blue’s “Love Buzz” and LeadBelly’s “Where Did You Sleep Last Night,” both signature Nirvana covers) plus one original cut, entitled “Space Needle.” The sound is even more of a departure than Little Roy’s beloved reggae version of “Lithium.” Instead of Cobain’s guitar shrieks and Grohl’s chest-pounding drums, Super Hi-Fi (who describe themselves as “Brooklyn’s premiere two trombone dub experience”) serve up woozy horns, and heavy dub mixes courtesty of Nicola Stemmer, Victor Rice, Doctor Sub, and Prince Polo. Having a hard time imaging it? Well fortunately, you don’t have to. Boomshots is proud to premiere the full album right now. Audio After The Jump…
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  • Sizzla Scorches New York City

    Sizzla Scorches New York City

    The King of Kings Mashes Down B.B. Kings

    Outside the weather was watery, but pure fire blazed inside B.B. King Blues Club & Grill as Sizzla Kalonji took the stage of the storied Times Square centralized venue for the very first time early morning on October 22. In contrast to his previous New York City performance at Irie Jam’s 23rd Anniversary, his first in the area after an eight-year absence, Sizzla was without a live band and relied upon a selector to run the riddims. Unlike the open air of Irie Jam’s Roy Wilkins Park where the vibrations carried into the universe beyond, the confined vibes of the closer, more intimate space of B.B. King allowed the mystic to reverberate and pulsate to and fro, rebound off the walls and permeate the souls of the assembled. With Sizzla’s energy capable of reaching every individual in an unchained environment such as Roy Wilkin’s Park, to be exposed to his intensity amidst such intimacy was a powerful and sometimes overwhelming experience. Continues After The Jump… (more…)

  • “LAVAAA!!!” The Irie Flame of I-Wayne

    “LAVAAA!!!” The Irie Flame of I-Wayne

    Lava Splash! Fire Dash! Everything Burn To Ash

    Sunday September 4th marked Irie Jam’s 23rd Anniversary concert spotlighting Sizzla Kalonji’s return-to-New-York performance after eight long years of absence. The supporting superstar line-up to the sizzling stage show included an artist who personifies lines from Kalonji’s “King in the Jungle.”  Seated up so high, yet so humble, I-Wayne brought his celestial presence and the hard/soft balance of his cool and deadly style to the Irie Jam Radio massive in the leafy green confines of Roy Wilkins Park. Mainstream airwaves aren’t the lane for I-Wayne. As the Prophet Capleton once put it, he is on a mission, not in a competition. To see him truly manifest is to catch him live in the flesh. After a seething set that made knowledge born that his musical ministry is service to the people—not about bulleting Billboard or gaining Grammys—we linked up with the Loyal Soliders Promotion crew backstage. I-Wayne broke it down with Boomshots as to what the Irie Jam performance meant to him, burning a righteous fire, and shedding light on the livity of a lava lyricist. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Flex Masters: A Guide To Brooklyn’s Own Dancehall Hybrid Scene

    Flex Masters: A Guide To Brooklyn’s Own Dancehall Hybrid Scene

    Who’s Building The Best FDM Riddims Right Now

    It’s been over a decade in the making, but Brooklyn’s homegrown style of dance music is beginning to make waves outside of battle circles. Called FDM (short for flex dance music), the sound is a critical component of the flex dance culture that it grew up alongside. While the dancers were refining their styles into a distinct set of movements, producers were doing the same, creating their own sound fashioned out of a wealth of dancehall riddims and sound effects that would provide the soundtrack for major dance competitions. I went deep into the scene over at Pitchfork, so please go read that when you have time. Meanwhile here’s a quick guide to the producers (many of whom are also dancers) responsible for making the sound what it is today. This weekend, Boiler Room will feature its first flex dancer and FDM producer—a sure sign that big tings ah gwan—although they’re keeping the details a secret for now. They’ve also got more plans in the works for FDM later this summer, so this is just a starting point. We figured this would be a good time to provide some basic info about the scene before everything starts to blow up. Audio & Info After The Jump…
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  • Mother’s Day Special Event: Reggae Bowl

    Mother’s Day Special Event: Reggae Bowl

    A Thoughtful Event for Mothers and The Community At Large

     The “Reggae Bowl” is a food and music event that will be held at the Ital Kitchen in Brooklyn, New York, this Mother’s Day—Sunday, May 8, 2016.  This celebration of Mothers will promote a healthy lifestyle through its various components; serving up sweet reggae music, fashion and vital, ital cuisine.  More After The Jump…

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  • WATCH THIS: Pressure x Heatmakerz “Live Life” Behind The Scenes Video

    WATCH THIS: Pressure x Heatmakerz “Live Life” Behind The Scenes Video

    New Banger Premieres Tomorrow Pon Boomshots

    Pressure Buss Pipe made his name in the reggae industry belting out romantic tunes like “Love and Affection.” Since then the Virgin Islands native has showed his versatility on harder tracks like “Mental Disturbance” featuring Damian Marley and Tarrus Riley. “I got to New York to do some work with Mike P of Smokestack,” says St. Thomas-born singer Pressure. “He said we’ve got a studio nearby where we can work. But he never expressed how huge Heatmakerz were. When I realized who they were I was like ‘What? I know all of these people’s music! I’ve been listening to them for years—from Dipset to Juelz Santana to Jim Jones.’ So I finally got to meet them and they were into my music as well. Rsonist showed me that he was a fan of certain tunes I had done.” The song that resulted, executive produced by Smokestack Recordings, is the first time Pressure has released an original tune over a hip-hop track. “Everybody’s talking about the heartaches in the ghetto, and how it’s rough in the streets—and it is,” he says. “I wanted to turn it around and make people happy. Just make people see life in a different perspective and give thanks for what you have. We’re doing things different with the Heatmakerz.” Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: New Kingston ft. Wailing Souls “Protect Me” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: New Kingston ft. Wailing Souls “Protect Me” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    Three Brothers Making Real Reggae Music Straight Outta BK

    Growing up as the sons of renowned drummer, producer, and studio owner Courtney Panton, the members of New Kingston—Tahir, Steve and Courtney Panton, Jr.—were immersed in all aspects of reggae music creation and the livity that goes with it for as long as they remember. So it should be no surprise that the Brooklyn-based trio have quickly distinguished themselves as one of reggae’s freshest new bands on the international scene. Boomshots is proud to premiere their latest music video off the album Kingston City, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard reggae chart. The song is called “Protect Me,” featuring The Wailing Souls on a wicked re-lick of their classic “Firehouse Rock,” updated inna 2015 BK stylee. Be sure to check the tour dates below for a chance to experience New Kingston live and direct. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Reasoning with Hot 97 On Da Reggae and Soca Tip: “People Expect to Hear New Reggae on Hot 97”

    Reasoning with Hot 97 On Da Reggae
    and Soca Tip: “People Expect to Hear New Reggae on Hot 97”

    This Year They Almost Called It “On Da Reggae Soca and AfroBeat Tip”

    Hot 97’s annual On Da Reggae Tip concert has become the must-see kickoff event for NYC’s Labor Day Weekend every year. But in recent years they’ve added the word “Soca” to the title, reflecting the full range of Caribbean music in NYC. “Because you have so many big Jamaican names that can’t travel that’s hurt the music on this side,” says Ebro of Hot 97. “You’ve seen a rise in soca… We were even tossing around the idea of even adding AfroBeat to the show. You’re seeing them embracing other types of music.”  The 2015 edition, set for Friday September 4th on Governor’s Island, is already Sold Out—with soca boss Machel Montano holding it down for the Trini massive. Reshma B talks to the Hot 97 morning crew: Ebro, Rosenberg & Laura Stylez, as they discuss the current state of reggae, dancehall, and Afro-beat music and look back on some of the highlights of past ODRT shows—from Supercat’s surprise appearance to Spice wining on Rosenberg—and of course look forward to this year’s performances by Machel Montano, Barrington Levy, Gyptian, Assassin, Kranium, Konshens, Collie Buddz and more. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Mr. Easy “Bashment Gal”

    HEAR THIS: Mr. Easy “Bashment Gal”

    Nuh Fraid Fi Bruck Out And Whine

    Early July is such a great time for reggae music. There isn’t really one dominant song of the summer yet, but there’s lots of candidates for the title. The result is an explosion of creativity and excitement that goes on and on. Ricky Blaze just forward a link fresh outta his basement studio inna Flatbush BK. Seems the big bad producer linked up with the year-to-year singer Mr. Easy like bloodcleet Sunday Morning. The fruits of their label is  a musical thing called “Bashment Gal.”  Classical dancehall vibes, Boomshots certified. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • FLASHBACK FRIDAY: Phillip Fraser “God of My Righteousness”

    FLASHBACK FRIDAY: Phillip Fraser “God of My Righteousness”

    Reggae Music Legend in the Mecca of Music and Culture, Brooklyn

    The sun was shinning bright as I walked along New York Avenue, in Brooklyn, New York. I was greeted by a Rastafarian King, left hand over the heart,  wearing a sunny yellow hat with a  polo to match. I tipped my black shades to take a closer look at the face of the person greeting me and it was the living legend himself, Phillip Fraser!  He was shocked that I recognized who he was. I said “Great music is great music!” Known for albums  like “Come Ethiopians” (1974, Freedom Sound Label), “Back to Africa” (1978, Different Records, original recording with Busta Riley, Winston Riley’s brother) featuring Earth and Stone, “Blood of the Saint” (1983), “Never Let Go” (1991, Razor Sound Records), “Phillip Fraser: Sharp Like Razor” (1993, Razor Sound Records),  “More Phillip Fraser” (2015, Razor Sound Records) and a plethora of complication albums and productions. If you appreciate roots reggae and lovers rock, you have to know this artists’ anthology of music. Interview After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Red Fox & Screechy Dan “Skylarking”

    HEAR THIS: Red Fox & Screechy Dan “Skylarking”

    Ruff Entry Crew Revisits A Horace Andy Classic

    To skylark is to flitter about aimlessly, making no progressive movements and then begging somebody five cents to eat a food. Although the real-life birds may be very hard-working, their reputation for fuckery has inspired some nice reggae tunes. The metaphor was first employed by Horace “Sleepy” Andy, who cut classic versions of the tune for Studio One and Wackie’s, among others. Encouraging the youths to “earn your bread honestly” lest they “end up—up up in jail.” Some messages just never get old. Fast forward to 2015 and the great Screechy Dan and his lyrical sparring partner Red Fox have revamped the tune with Sting International on the production. You already know this one is a certified Boomshot. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • Kranium Talks Ty Dolla $ign Collab, Major Label Deal, and Repping JA from NYC

    Kranium Talks Ty Dolla $ign Collab, Major Label Deal, and Repping JA from NYC

    Everybody Haffi Know Bout Kranium

    The rising dancehall star responsible for the worldwide smash “Nobody Has To Know” chats with the Reggae Girl About Town shortly after his performance at the RBMA Yardcore show. They discuss his signing to major label Atlantic Records, his collab with L.A. rapper Ty Dolla $ign, what he learned from his uncle Screwdriver, and how he reps Jamaican music as a youth raised in NYC. Video After The Jump… (more…)