Boomshots

Category: Reggae

  • WATCH THIS: Jahmiel “Years To Come” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Jahmiel “Years To Come” Official Music Video

    Another Conscious Head Banger from Jahmiel

    Performing since the age of seven, Jahmiel catapulted his career to stardom with hard work and perseverance. Now he expresses the challenges along the way in his new song, entitled “Years To Come.” In this song, the artist born Jamiel Foster discusses the unwarranted truth of people who didn’t want to see him overcome the hurdles in his path. Relying on his spiritual faith and talent in order to prosper, the crafty lyricist cites Psalm 118 in the Bible.   More After The Jump…

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  • WATCH THIS: Rebelution “De-Stress” 360° Video Live at Red Rocks

    WATCH THIS: Rebelution “De-Stress” 360° Video Live at Red Rocks

    California Reggae Posse Rocks Colorado

    Sure they have a bassist named Marley, and that can’t be a bad thing for a reggae band—right? But way back when they were students at the University of California Santa Barbara, the members of  Rebelution probably never imagined that twenty years later they would be touring the world and topping the Billboard reggae charts—becoming basically the most popular reggae band in America. How did it happen? Well, things just kinda fell into place. In fact, the band’s latest album just happens to be called Falling Into Place. In case you’re not up on Rebelution, peep this virtual reality experience from a 2015 concert at Red Rocks in June 2015. (You can navigate around the video using the arrow keys.) And if you like what you hear, hit up their official site for tour info—they tour a lot. During Rebelution’s latest tour stop in NYC, Boomshots caught up with the guys. This band is so big, we could only fit three of them in our camera lens. Fortunately we also got a nice shot of Marley’s bobble-head doll, because it’s only right for him to be represented too. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Chronixx & Friends Shell Down BBC 1Xtra

    Chronixx & Friends Shell Down BBC 1Xtra

    “Not Even Special Guests—Cause You Nuh Haffi Guess…”

    MistaJam & Seani B do a thing over at BBC 1Xtra called #SixtyMinutesLive during which time special guest artists freestyle over various selections, and generally rough up the airwaves. Last night was a good one as Di Steam Ministah rolled through the studio accompanied by from Maverick Sabre, Randy Valentine, Little Simz, Luciano and Jah Bouks. The vibes did nice, as you will soon witness via YouTube. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Gary Nesta Pine “Thanks and Praise” PREMIERE

    HEAR THIS: Gary Nesta Pine “Thanks and Praise” PREMIERE

    New Music from the Revelations Album

    “I’m a messenger from Jah,” says Gary Nesta Pine. “My dad was a postman; I feel like I am the postman of music.” The long-time leader of NYC’s notorious City Heat band, Pine was blessed to serve as lead vocalist for the legendary reggae band The Wailers for many years, and he’s also collabed with French hitmaker Bob Sinclair. The singer is now preparing to release a new album titled Revelations on August 26th. Today Boomshots proudly premieres one of the album’s 13 tracks, a musical thing called “Thanks and Praise.” On maybe the most personal cut on the album, Gary says he’s “just giving thanks and praise to the almighty Rastafari, for the mountains, the birds, the world, the people who influenced my life, the love of my family, his guidance. It’s a prayer from me to God.” Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • Reasoning with Sizzla: “I’m a Different Sort; I Man a Rasta”

    Reasoning with Sizzla: “I’m a Different Sort;
    I Man a Rasta”

    Kalonji Speaks on U.S. Tour and Black Lives Matter

    It’s been 8 years since Sizzla Kalonji has touched down in NYC, so history was made yesterday he officially announced his big return to New York for Irie Jamboree this Labor Day weekend Sept 4, 2016. Passing through town on the way home from what he calls an “awesome” performance at Reggae on the River, Sizzla Kalonji stopped by Irie Jam Media HQ to connect with his Tristate fans and let them know that he really is back in U.S. once again after years of visa issues. Before going on the air with Jabba and Dubbmaster Chris, Sizzla sat down with Robert Cooper, doing his first interview for Boomshots TV. They spoke about Sizzla’s plans for touring and recording while in the U.S., and took time out to discuss Kalonji’s thoughts on the Black Lives Matter movement. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • 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: Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley “Nail Pon Cross”

    HEAR THIS: Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley “Nail Pon Cross”

    Powerful Images and Powerful Music from Junior Gong’s Stony Hill Album

    “Be careful who you nail pon cross,” sings Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley on the new single premiered today from Stony Hill, the long-awaited follow-up to Welcome to Jamrock, which is now scheduled for an October 28 release. The thought-provoking new song is built upon the the musical foundation of Black Uhuru’s “Solidarity.” Sly & Robbie’s thunderous rhythm track provides a backdrop for Damian to speak of respect and tolerance rather than vengefulness and vindictiveness. In the video for the song, set to debut Aug 9th on Tidal, Damian actually gets nailed to a cross alongside a young African-American male, a Mexican immigrant, a Muslim man—and a Los Angeles cop. “The imagery in Nas’s ‘Hate Me Now’ video was made to look like a modern depiction of Christ’s crucifixion. That’s where I got the idea for the ‘Nail Pon Cross’ video,” Damian told Billboard when asked about his inspiration. “I haven’t seen Kanye’s Rolling Stone cover and Madonna’s energy and message is a whole lot different than mine. They thrive on controversy and I am not doing this to be controversial. This is to represent the judgments that people make. So if someone has a problem with the video, that is exactly what the song is talking about.” Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • 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: Hirie “You Won’t Be Alone” PREMIERE

    HEAR THIS: Hirie “You Won’t Be Alone” PREMIERE

    Brand New Music To Keep A Wandering Soul Company

    Back in 2013, Hirie sang a song about falling for a “Sensi Boy” and made a lasting impression with her intoxicating strain of lover’s rock. Today Boomshots proudly premieres the first single from her forthcoming album Wandering Soul. “‘You Won’t Be Alone’ is about our lives on the road and how it feels to leave everything behind, in order to pursue a dream,” the Oahu-raised, San Diego-based singer explains. “The song serves as a constant reminder to ourselves and our loved ones, of our imminent return. And when they hear us on the radio, they can be happy knowing we made it thanks to their love and support.” Keep up with Hirie on Facebook and just remember where you heard it first. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • Sean Paul Comes Through To “Dutty Up” OVO Fest Night 1

    Sean Paul Comes Through To “Dutty Up” OVO Fest Night 1

    The Dancehall Superstar Even Dropped His Tory Lanez Remix

    Although Beenie Man was unable to attend OVO Fest Night One as planned due to health issues (The Doctor was undergoing treatment for the Zika virus), surprise guest Sean Paul came through just in the nick of time to dutty up the place.  Running through all his hits, from “Gimme The Light” to “Get Busy” and “Temperature” even “Like Glue,” SP even kicked a few bars from his remix to “Luv” by Toronto rude bwoy Tory Lanez. Did anybody tell him that Drake and Mr. Lanez are not exactly on the best of terms at the moment? The guest appearance from Rihanna wasn’t a bad look either. How Drizzy convinced her to skip her beloved Crop Over in Barbados we’ll never know. Maybe those two really are serious. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Stephen “Ragga” Marley ft. Jo Mersa & Cedella Marley “Revelation Party”

    HEAR THIS: Stephen “Ragga” Marley ft. Jo Mersa & Cedella Marley “Revelation Party”

    Ragga, Joseph & Nice Time Keeping The Party Of Their Life

    Talk about right on time. Between terror attacks and fearmongering folly-ticians, the world seems to have gone mad in recent days and weeks. Leave it to the Marley fam to bring about a cure for our ills—even if only for a while. Today Stephen Marley dropped his latest full length effort, Revelation Vol II: The Fruit Of Life. A handful of singles have been preceded today’s long-awaited release. The latest highlighted single, “Revelation Party,” proves to be a potential anthem not just for our current time, but for any future not so pleasant day ahead. The song is a real family affair as it features Stephen’s son Jo Mersa Marley and his sister Cedella Marley. The earliest versions of this song took the form of a father-and-son acoustic duet between Stephen and Jo Mersa, but this official album version features full-scaled live band. The instrumentation generates more life—a different kind of energy—accentuating the spirit and hope that drives this song. And weaving Cedella’s harmonies through the fabric of this recording maximizes this songs’ potential in a way I don’t think the acoustic version could’ve done. And that’s coming from someone who is a pretty big fan of the acoustic version. The song says it’s OK to celebrate life in a dark time. Thinking about it, what better time is there to celebrate? A dark time can manifest as a result of the lack of celebrating our every day to day. So consider “Revelation Party” both a cure and a preventative to any potential dark or hard day ahead. We all hope to avoid them, but should that next dark day come, rest assured you have a musical outlet to alleviate the stress.  Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Busy Signal “Colder”

    HEAR THIS: Busy Signal “Colder”

    The Turf Prez Touches Up A Classic King Jammy’s Riddim

    Some things just can’t be improved upon, but that doesn’t mean they should be left alone. King Jammy’s 1987 “Score” Riddim is a perfect example, a track that defines digital lovers rock. There was something about Steely’s warm and easy computer bassline and those crstyal-clear twinkling high notes combined with Clevie’s tastefully understated drum programming. The riddim became an instant classic when it first appeared on Frankie Paul’s “I Know The Score” from FP’s crucial Original Sara album, with additional  versions by Sanchez and Thriller U available on 12-inch discomix. A quarter century later Busy Signal has brought the riddim forward with a brand new song entitled “Colder.” Utilizing Edi Fitzroy’s distinctive stammer-phrase on the hook, the Turf Prez sings for the girls,  evokes bygone dancehall days, and pays homage to the elders who paved the way. The only thing worth changing is the title, cause this tune is definitely #Hotted. “Fe real, fe real, fe real pull up that one from top.” Audio After The Jump… (more…)