Boomshots

Category: Pop

  • HEAR THIS: Kashie – “Twin Flames”

    HEAR THIS: Kashie – “Twin Flames”

    Kashie Hits The Mark With The Second Single Off Her Debut EP

    A lot has changed since we last spoke to the artist, Kashie, in her first official interview in February 2017. At the time she released her first single, “Royal Romance” which mirrored her real life relationship with the love of her life and now husband, musician and producer, Jallanzo. Since then the couple welcomed their first child and have worked collaboratively on her debut EP. The latter was entitled “Seeds and Sacrifice’ but Kashie later decided that she wanted her first EP to be self-titled, as Kashie. We interviewed Kashie and Jallanzo regarding the recently released single, “Twin Flames,” on the independent label, Jallanzo Records. More After The Jump…

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  • Why Rihanna Might Just Drop “Anti” Any Time Now

    Why Rihanna Might Just Drop “Anti” Any Time Now

    BadGyal RiRi Still Teasing That Eighth Album

    It would not be an unfair generalization to say that magazine editors tend to ultra-competitive personalities who are not above a little schadenfreude now and then. I’m not too proud to say that, after pursuing my third Drake cover for several years while at Complex—and coming up empty, except for the time his publicist wanted us to go head-to-head with VIBE and we politely declined—I was rather amused when Drake bailed on a VIBE cover shoot and later Rolling Stone burned him and he swore off magazines altogether. The first two Drake covers I worked on—Lola Ogunnaike’s 2009 VIBE cover story “Rookie of the Year” (which earned a spot in DaCapo’s Best Music Writing anthology) and Damien Scott’s 2011 Complex cover story “The Long Way Home”—were pretty spectacular, so I was disappointed at the notion of Drake never doing press again. And I’m not so competitive that I was mad to see him finally do a Fader cover last year. As a music lover and a journalist I enjoyed reading a thorough profile of a fascinating artist. But here’s what did crack me up: When Rihanna snagged a recent Fader cover based on just five questions answered by email. There’s no doubt that her forthcoming release Anti is one of Most Anticipated Albums of 2016. But when a magazine gives you the cover, it’s just common courtesy to sit down for an interview—even a quickie, as Rihanna did for the 2013 Complex cover I edited. Not that she said much, but it’s just disrespectful to expect a writer to put a story together based on five emailed questions. Props to Mary H.K. Choi for doing a killer write-around, but I digress…  All of this is a long-winded reminder that Rihanna has already served noticed as to who calls the shots—like BRAP! BRAP! BRAP!  More After The Jump… (more…)

  • Full Moon Playlist II

    Full Moon Playlist II

    Ten Multi-Genre Selections for Your Halloween Party Playlist

       This year, Halloween was preceded by a Supermoon, making this holiday extra spooky. On September 27, 2015, a total lunar eclipse occurred and the moon passed into the Earth’s shadow. The moon appeared  close to the earth with a bright red illuminance. The last time this happened was 1982. Many believe that this type of moon brings about badness in people. The Full Moon Playlist II highlights songs that unleash the dark side of human nature in reggae, pop, dancehall, hip hop and soca. The playlist contains ten tunes focusing on an intrinsic baddness theme, while others go beyond the theme and comment on social issues, and a few are highlighted for a wicked production. Playlist After The Jump…

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  • Cultural Explosion with Major Lazer

    Cultural Explosion with Major Lazer

    The masterminds of Major Lazer: Diplo, Walshy Fire and Jillionaire fuse music and culture in, “Lean On, ” a collaboration with french producer, DJ snake. Danish singer, MO, adds a pop flair to the  indian hip hop fusion, resulting in a funky dance song with a pulsating symphonic interlude. This song ranked as number 1 in several countries and reached a peak at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 on the UK Singles Chart. “Lean On”  continues to shine this summer as  the lead single to Major Lazer’s third studio album, Peace is the Mission.

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  • Flashback Friday: Wayne Wonder, “No Letting Go”

    Flashback Friday: Wayne Wonder, “No Letting Go”

    In 2003, when “No Letting Go”  hit MTV,  Wayne Wonder’s music career went into a projectile motion that continues to reach new heights.  Twelve years later, fans are still expressing their love for this song on YouTube and other social media. I caught up with Wayne Wonder this week to find out his inspiration for this song, which was Number 11 on Billboard Hot 100. Video and Interview 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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  • HEAR THIS: Denyque “Smile For The World” (Raise Your Hand For The Deejay)

    HEAR THIS: Denyque “Smile For The World” (Raise Your Hand For The Deejay)

    Johnny Wonder Breaks Down The Making of Another 21st Hapilos Production.

    New Single by Denyque. Adde Made the Riddim and I produced the song. Had Dreday mix it. He did a damn good job, LOL. My Songwriter Dice wrote the song. Also have a nice Jah Vinci on the same Riddim. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • Air Supply’s Lord Graham Russell On The Group’s Jamaican Fanbase: “It Really Took Us By Surprise.”

    Air Supply’s Lord Graham Russell On The Group’s Jamaican Fanbase: “It Really Took Us By Surprise.”

    Why Are These Two ’80s Pop Stars Headlining One of New York’s Biggest Reggae Festivals This Sunday?

    This Sunday June 29th, Roy Wilkins Park will feel more like Jamaica West Indies than Jamaica Queens. On that day thousands of reggae fans will converge for Groovin’ In The Park, New York’s most upscale summer music festival, which boasts a lineup that includes Beres Hammond, Marcia Griffiths, Chronixx, John Holt, Bob Andy, Judy Mowatt, and L.U.S.T.—all performing their own special brand of classical roots reggae with perhaps a sprinkling of soul (Beres Hammond) or a dash of dancehall (Chronixx). All except one, the Australian-born soft-rock duo Air Supply. Yes, you read that right. The over-the-top pop act who sprinkled the 1980s with gems like “Lost In Love” and “Every Woman in the World” will be performing alongside a full slate of reggae royalty. Shocked? Surprised? To tell the truth, so are they. Interview After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Kelissa ft. Chronixx “Winna”

    HEAR THIS: Kelissa ft. Chronixx “Winna”

    Kelissa alongside Chronixx makes for a winning combination

    Your two favorite reggae revival vocalists Kelissa and Chronixx team up to present a brand new single called “Winna”. Just in time for the summer, this motivational music brings purpose to the mundane, giving listeners a reason to get up, get out, and go get the day started. The smooth introduction crescendos into a full-force pop beat as Kelissa starts off “Good morning Mr. Obstacle, how ya doing today?” Chronixx isn’t too far behind as he responds with “If I am living…” and Kelissa completes the thought: “Live It Up!” Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • Maxi Priest Leaves It All On Stage

    Maxi Priest Leaves It All On Stage

    The UK Reggae Superstar’s Birthday Show at BB King’s Was vEasy To Love

    When Maxi Priest stepped onstage at BB King’s in New York City on June 11th, he had two reasons to celebrate. First and foremost, the UK reggae superstar had turned 53 just a day earlier. Running a close second was the arrival of his first album in seven years, a lovers-rock-leaning collection of straight-up reggae cuts called ‘Easy To Love’. After many successful years with Virgin Records, Maxi went the indie route, releasing his 2007 album ‘Refused’ on Peppermint Jam Records, and his latest with long-reigning reggae imprint V.P. Records.  Full Review & Video After The Jump…
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  • WATCH THIS: Major Lazer Feat. Sean Paul “Come On To Me” (Official Music Video)

    WATCH THIS: Major Lazer Feat. Sean Paul “Come On To Me” (Official Music Video)

    Bomb Bomb Diggity Gyul Come Bring It To Me

    When it comes to a Major Lazer one thing is for sure its going to be full of energy, and like their videos before, a little weird. For the third single of their “Apocalypse Soon” EP Lazer links up with none other than mister dutty himself Sean Paul and are aided but a dance crew of Kubuki dancers? Yes you read that right, but If you’ve been a fan of the Major that wouldn’t come as much as a surprise. Just come on to me and check the Video After The Jump…

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  • WATCH THIS: Tessanne Chin “Everything Reminds Me Of You”

    WATCH THIS: Tessanne Chin “Everything Reminds Me Of You”

    The Voice superstar performs her new single and announces North American tour

    When the Chinese-Jamaican Caribbean sweetheart won season 5  of NBC’s The Voice, we all knew bigger things were in store. Well here they come. Tessanne Chnn premiered her new single “Everything Reminds Me Of You” on The Voice Homecoming show. The song was produced by dancehall selector turned Grammy-winner and platinum hitmaker Supa Dups. Returning to the stage that made her a household name, the Team Adam contestant gave an impressive performance of the track. Tessanne topped the iTunes charts last season with singles like “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing” and once again wowed the judges with a rock ballad from her upcoming album Count On My Love, available for pre-order now on iTunes. The album will be sold at Wal-Mart and through all digital retailers  through Universal Republic Records starting June 24th, just in time for The Voice North American tour. Watch Tessanne jam out on stage. Video After The Jump…

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