Boomshots

Category: Reggae

  • Super Cat Remembers “Dolly My Baby” Collab With Biggie Smalls, Sends a Message To Puffy

    Super Cat Remembers “Dolly My Baby” Collab With Biggie Smalls, Sends a Message To Puffy

    A Dialog With The Don Dada

    Today we celebrate what would have been the 44th birthday of hip hop’s G.O.A.T., Christopher George Latore Wallace, better known as The Notorious B.I.G. aka Biggie Smalls. (The day is now an official holiday in Brooklyn.) One of the first big looks for the fledgling rapper came in 1993 when he got the chance to drop lyrics on Puff Daddy’s remix of “Dolly My Baby,” a single off Super Cat’s classic Don Dada album. As a youth of Jamaican descent, Biggie fully overstood what a special opportunity this was to rhyme on a record with a living legend of Jamaican dancehall culture. Sadly Biggie’s career would end four years later, but Super Cat lives on—he will perform May 30 at the Oracabessa Festival in Queens, NY. In honor of two lyrical heavyweights, we pulled this interview from the Boomshots archives. Respect in all aspect. Interview After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Adahzeh “Island Girl” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Adahzeh “Island Girl” Official Music Video

    Rocking With Jamaica’s First All-Female Reggae Ensemble

    From the Maroon heroine Nanny to Louise Bennett and Grace Jones, Jamaican history is filled with powerful women. Still, the reggae music industry has remained a largely male-dominated field—which may explain why keyboardist and vocalist Karissa Palmer always wanted to be part of a reggae band made up solely of women. As far back as 2013 she had the vision for the group that would become Adahzeh—a name that means ‘The King’s daughters” in one of Africa’s hundreds of languages. Enlisting bassist Chevanese Palmer, lead vocalist Kadian Hamilton, drummer Tashana Barnett and guitarist Tara-Dean Williamson, the group, under the guidance of D’Empire management, made a splash last year with “Girls Like We” featuring Tifa. Now they’re back with a new video called “Island Girl,” a proud statement of  self-respect that doubles as a long-distance love story. He lives in NYC; she lives in Jamaica and “the embassy no wan’ fi leggo the visa.” Tune in for some sweet rub-a-dub music plus a happy resolution to the lovers’ dilemma.  Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Kimié Miner “Trouble” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Kimié Miner “Trouble” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    “We’ve All Been In Trouble Before”

    Born in Hawaii, Kimié Miner fell in love with music at an early age. Inspired by the likes of Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu and India Arie, she learned to play guitar and wound up on tour with Barrington Levy at the age of 19. After the tour ended she lived in Jamaica for a few months, building with Mr. Levy in the studio before returning to Hawaii and then on to Hong Kong. “As Hawaiians,” she says, “we have our roots and our routes. We know who we are, and we use that to navigate and explore.” Today Boomshots proudly premieres her video for a new song about the internal struggle within us all. “We want to do well but we all fall off the wagon at some point,” says the artist. “It’s about the realization that we’re not perfect and learning how to deal with that. The only person who can save you is you.” The desolate video was shot as far from the lush island of Hawaii as you can get—amidst the parched sands of California—and features a powerful performance by Archimedes aka Bert the owl, who obviously has a lot on his mind. “This video was something different than anything I’ve done before,” says Kimié (pronounced Kimi-yay). “Shot in the desert at the Bagdad cafe it was a collaborative effort with designer Oday Shakar and Joel Layogan… We’ve all been in trouble before. This song is just about embracing the regret and learning how to move past it.” Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Stephen “Ragga” Marley Reveals “Fruit of Life” Album Art, Release Date, and Tour Schedule

    Stephen “Ragga” Marley Reveals “Fruit of Life” Album Art, Release Date, and Tour Schedule

    The Second Chapter of Revolation Is Upon Us

    Never one to rush perfection, Stephen “Ragga” Marley announced one of the most anticipated release dates in all of reggae music. The long-awaited second installment of his two-part Revelation set will arrive July 22—the final day of a 44-stop U.S tour, which kicks off later this month in Humboldt County, CA. Following in the footsteps of Revelation Part I: The Root of Life (2012), which earned the 2012 Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album on the strength of classic singles like “Jah Army” featuring Damian Marley & Buju Banton and “No Cigarette Smoking” featuring Melanie Fiona as well as “Selassie is the Chapel” featuring Ziggy Marley, Revelation Part II: The Fruit of Life already boasts powerful tracks like “Rockstone” featuring Capleton & Sizzla and “Ghetto Boy” featuring Bounty Killer & Mad Cobra. Whereas The Root of Life is more a traditional roots reggae album, The Fruit of Life will utilize a diversified sonic palette to express the far-reaching impact Jamaican music has had on various genres, especially hip hop.  Produced by Marley, Fruit of Life contains 18 new tracks featuring a variety of  collaborations with the likes of Rick Ross, Pit Bull, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Iggy Azalea, Waka Flocka, Dead Prez, Rakim, DJ Khaled, Busta Rhymes, Wyclef Jean, Shaggy, Black Thought (of The Roots), Bounty Killer, Sizzla, Capleton, Ky-Mani Marley, Jo Mersa and more. Tour Dates After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Jahkoy “Wine”

    HEAR THIS: Jahkoy “Wine”

    Audio After The Jump…

    Jahkoy Pamer was born in Toronto, so even though his music gets filed uner “R&B/Hip Hop” he’s got a touch of the Caribbean vibes in there too. (Maybe that’s what he means by the name Bipolar Sound?) His sunny “Still in Love” video had us feeling some type of way, but it wasn’t till he dropped “Wine” that the Def Jam signee crossed into the Boomshots zone. The rock steady drum pattern sets things up so lovely that when the skanking reggae break comes, it comes as no surprise. By that point his invitation to wine is mere formality. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Prince “Blue Light”

    HEAR THIS: Prince “Blue Light”

    Yep, Prince Did Reggae Too

    A master of diverse musical styles from rock to funk, soul to jazz to dance, rap, and rhythm & blues, Prince’s genius was so profound that his work has left an indelible mark on the next generation of musicians. We’re still getting used to the idea that “The Kid” is dead now, but whether you believe he died of the flu, a drug overdose, or an Illuminati plot, the fact is that his music will live on forever. Our peoples at Caribbean Fever highlighted his little-known foray into reggae music, a musical thing called “Blue Light” off his 1992 Love Symbol album. And you know what? This world-weary tune about making love under an azure glow ain’t bad at all. Shout out to Ultimate Selector for this freshly mastered Youtube stream. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Mighty Crown x Chronixx “Japan Tour Special Mix”

    HEAR THIS: Mighty Crown x Chronixx “Japan Tour Special Mix”

    “We play big tune and we nah have no fear” Leggo…

    This May 26 through 28 Chronixx and the Zincfence Redemption will touch down in Japan for the first time alongside the internationally acclaimed Mighty Crown sound, aka the Far East Rulaz, who are celebrating their 25th anniversary in the business. Founded in 1991 by friends from Yokohama, Japan, Mighty Crown made their name by playing clubs and selling self-produced mix tapes throughout Japan. In that spirit Masta Simon, Sami T and Cojie put together a special mix with Di Steam Minista as a way to “welcome the Rasta youth inna khaki suit” on his first visit to Japan. 2016 will be a big touring year for Chronixx who will also perform in Africa, UK, and Europe.  You already know this one features some wicked duplate specials. Audio & Tour Date After The Jump… (more…)

  • Reasoning with Sly Dunbar: “I’ve Seen All The Changes”

    Reasoning with Sly Dunbar: “I’ve Seen All The Changes”

    The Master Drummer Turns 64 Today

    Perhaps the most celebrated drum and bass duo in history—regardless of genre—Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare were both accomplished studio musicians before they met in the mid 1970s. “You know that record that goes ‘I am the magnificent!’?” says Dunbar, speaking of Dave & Ansel Collins’ 1971 smash “Double Barrel,” the second Jamaican single ever to top the UK pop charts. “I played drums on that when I was 15 years old.”  Robbie, meanwhile, was rocking with the Aggrovators, producer Bunny Lee’s ace session band.  But once the “Rhythm Twins” linked up at Channel One studio on Maxfield Avenue in Kingston, Jamaican music would never sound the same again. Interview After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Ricky Blaze ft. Mr. Easy & Dean Fraser “Dance”

    HEAR THIS: Ricky Blaze ft. Mr. Easy & Dean Fraser “Dance”

    What A Way The Tune Rest Pon Mi Mind!

    Sometimes you hear a song that you just want to share with others. That’s all this is. I stumbled across “Dance,” taken from Ricky Blaze’s latest album, Conquer The Moment, and all that’s been on my mind since hearing it for the first time is that I have to share it. (Patois translation: “What a way the tune rest pon mi mind!”) I’ve been on a texting, and Facebook messaging and Tweeting frenzy over the past couple days to every possible member of my reggae family, trying to make sure this song doesn’t slip through the cracks. Brooklyn-based producer Ricky Blaze has been one of the more creative and consistent talents in the modern reggae and dancehall scene (need we mention Gyptian’s “Hold Yuh”?) and this song perfectly captures his knack for cultivating a unique reggae sound with the aid of influences from a multitude of other genres. The song “Dance” features BK veteran Mr. Easy and saxophone master Dean Fraser. The song doesn’t try too hard. It’s easy, it’s breezy, it’s light, yet it’s sophisticated. If joy could be captured in sonic form, I think that sound would be this song. My only task is to make sure the Boomshots crew, receives that message. Riddim up! Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • Vybz Kartel or Buju Banton: Which Show Would You Attend?

    Vybz Kartel or Buju Banton: Which Show Would You Attend?

    Imagine: Two Big DJs, One Night Only—The Choice Is Yours

    If you’re a reggae and dancehall fan then you know some of the music’s biggest stars are stuck behind bars. While Busy Signal and Jah Cure have happily come home, Vybz Kartel and Buju Banton are still in captivity. And even though The World Boss finds a way to keep the streets supplied with new tunes on a fairly regular basis, we haven’t seen either artist live in YEARS. Just imagine if both artists were released for just one day, to perform a show for their fans. Now—hypothetically speaking—imagine that both shows were happening on the same night (not in the same place, mind you). In other words, if you had to choose between seeing Kartel or Buju live—right now—which show would you attend? That was the question Chiney K posed to a sampling of her fellow Jamaicans. The results were pretty interesting to say the least. Let’s just say which artist you choose reveals a lot about your personality. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Sizzla “Greatest Mother” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Sizzla “Greatest Mother” Official Music Video

    Kalonji Represents For Mama Once Again

    Reggae artists have created many touching musical salutes appropriate for Mother’s Day rotation, but few have represented maternal love as consistently as Sizzla Kalonji. From “Black Woman and Child” to “Thank U Mama” the fiery singjay from August Town has contributed more than his fair share of Mother’s Day classics. Today he premieres a new song for mother. Is his latest also his greatest? Check it and let us know in the comments.
    Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Through A Mother’s Eyes

    Through A Mother’s Eyes

    A Mother’s Eyes Are Windows To God’s Love

    Who can forget the scene in Passion of the Christ, when Mary runs towards baby Jesus who has fallen on the floor and in the same manner runs towards her son as he faces his divine destiny? There is no love like a mother’s love and we look to you the readers of Boomshots Magazine to define motherhood. In this article we posted responses to a simple Mother’s Day prompt, interspersed with some sentimental tunes.

    More After The Jump…

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