Boomshots

Category: Reggae

  • HEAR THIS: John Holt “My Heart Is Gone”

    HEAR THIS: John Holt “My Heart Is Gone”

    Celebrating The Birth of a Legend

    On this day in 1947, Winston “John” Holt was born in Greenwich Farm, Jamaica. His destiny in music was clear before he hit his teenage years, and he soon became a standout at the talent show circuit. His first recordings included “I Cried A Tear” for producer Leslie Kong and “Rum Bumper” a duet with Alton Ellis, for producer Randy Chin. He would of course go on to become a founding member of The Paragons, as well as one of Jamaican music’s most successful and prolific songwriters in his own right. He penned a rich catalog filled with internationally known hits, and yet everyone seems to have their own personal favorite John Holt tune. Before he grew his dreadlocks and starting singing more rebellious songs like “Police in Helicopter,” he was known as a romantic balladeer with legions of female fans. Some consider him a pioneer of the lovers rock style of reggae that later caught on in the UK—where he made his home for many years. Somehow John Holt seemed to particularly familiar with the sadder side of love, as he displayed on songs like “Tonight” and this one, which he first recorded for Coxsone Dodd at Studio One, and then re-versioned for Phil Pratt’s Sunshot label. It hasn’t been quite a full year since John Holt’s death—and there’s something about that first birthday after someone passes away. Those of us who aren’t quite ready to let him go will know exactly what this song is all about. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Chronixx “Ghetto People”

    HEAR THIS: Chronixx “Ghetto People”

    All A We Ghetto People

    It has been a while since we last heard from Chronixx. It’s nice to hear from the yute every now and again as he tells us what he’s up to and what’s on his mind. Namely, teaming up with Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, the mastermind behind the “On The Corner” riddim juggling, with “Ghetto People” as the end result. Dare I say, a proper result. Good to hear from you dread, indeed. Tidy and to the point, “Ghetto People” thrives in its simplicity as it deals with some rather complex issues. Call it a “reggae revival” or call it whatever you will, but now that Jr. Gong is rolling with this movement there’s no way Rasta can lose. Until we hear from you again dread, riddim up! Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Alborosie “Rocky Road” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Alborosie “Rocky Road” Official Music Video

    Puppa Albo On Some Real-Life Shit

     

    Alborosie reflects on the cycle of life and his own mortality in this thought-provoking video, portaying himself in a few years’ time, with grey dreads watching videotapes of the memories of his life. Come to think of it, the last time Boomshots caught up with Puppa Albo he was talking about being a father and contemplating retirement one day. Our bredren Frenchie at Maximum Sound just forwarded us this tune, which was produced, played, arranged, and mixed by Puppa Albo at Shengen Studios, so thankfully the artist shows no signs of slowing down at this moment. Still let’s make sure to apprecilove our artists while they’re here making sweet music. Bless up. Video After the Jump… (more…)
  • WATCH THIS: Fuse ODG “Top of my Charts” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Fuse ODG “Top of my Charts” Official Music Video

    The UK Afro-Beat Star Drops Some Straight Lovers Rock

    Born in Ghana and based in London, Fuse ODG champions a musical wave known as AfroBeat in the UK, but to island ears it sometimes sounds a lot like reggae music. On this particular track—which hits stoees next week—he’s taking it straight to Jamrock by way of West London. After all it was the UK that pioneered the whole Lovers’ Rock movement. The video has a nice block party vibes—special request to all the lovers who know they’re in it to win it. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Take A Sudden Flight Back to The Future

    Take A Sudden Flight Back to The Future

    Protoje & Jesse Royal Bridge the Gap Between 1980s and 2015

    Every now and then, a special tune hits the tympanic membrane, laden with both pearls of wisdom and music history. “Sudden Flight” by Protoje featuring Jesse Royal (from Protoje’s third studio album, Ancient future), lyrically advises the youth to use their God given talents and mind to overcome stress and oppression; instead of  guns. From it’s opening line, La Di Da Di , we don’t join nah party, “Sudden Flight” puts us in a time capsule and shoots us back to 1985 when  Bally’s, Adidas, Gucci suits, Kangol hats, Gold teeth and Rope Chains were in fashion and the Get Fresh Crew were the Kings of  1980’s Hip Hop. The song entitled “La Di Da Di” on Slick Rick’s Album, “The Art of Storytelling,”  had people break dancing and spinning on their head tops. The combination of the narrative poetry and humor of Slick Rick and classic beat boxing of Doug E. Fresh in this song, solidifies its spot as one of the top 10 Classic Hip Hop songs of all time. More After The Jump… (more…)

  • Shaggy Has A Plan to Defeat ISIS

    Shaggy Has A Plan to Defeat ISIS

    The Operation Desert Storm Veteran Is Still Fighting the Good Fight

    “ISIS can go fuck themself,” Shaggy declared in a recent interview with the Miami New Times (and the question was about music, not politics).  “That’s some crazy shit what they’re doing. It’s horrible, man. I can’t see… I don’t get that much hate. I just don’t get that level of evil. I can’t understand it.” And so, after a few more questions about music, Shaggy—aka former field artillery cannon crewman Orville Richard Burrell, USMC—shared what was really on his mind, a strategy for toppling the Islamic State in Syria. Thank him later. Interview 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…)

  • Dada Playlist: 10 Songs Dedicated to Fathers

    Dada Playlist: 10 Songs Dedicated to Fathers

    Boomshots Magazine Presents Multi-genre Playlist for Father’s Day 2015

    In honor of the wonderful fathers who present themselves as role models for their children, Boomshots Magazine brings you the finest selection of tunes dedicated to Dada. This 10 song playlist covers several genres including reggae, hip hop, gospel, dub,  rhythm & blues and jazz. Countdown After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Third World “Yim Mas Gan”

    HEAR THIS: Third World “Yim Mas Gan”

    Reggae Ambassadors Revisit an Amharic Classic

    In the ancient Amharic language of Ethiopia “Igziabeher Yim Mas Gan” roughly translates to “Let H.I.M. Be Praised” (with the letters h-i-m denoting His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I, JAH Rastafari). The Abyssinians cut the original version of this mystical tune back in the 1972. Fast forward to 2015 and the legendary island fusion ensemble Third World aka the Reggae Ambassadors revisit this crucial roots classic with a track produced by Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley. And the beat goes on—itinually. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Stephen Marley ft. Bounty Killer & Cobra “Ghetto Boy” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Stephen Marley ft. Bounty Killer & Cobra “Ghetto Boy” Official Music Video

    Ragga, Killa & Snake Star Inna Brand New Story As Old As Babylon

    Year in, year out, the cycle continues. From Cabrini Green to Cidade de Deus to Tivoli Gardens, somebody is out there manipulating the minds of the ghetto youths and pressing their buttons on a divide-and-rule mission to spread misery and violence and disunity in the community. Like his father before him, Stephen Marley reveals the inner workings of the Babylon system with music as his only weapon and Killa and Cobra as his lyrical henchmen—because that’s what Ghetto Youths do. The visuals pick up where the tune left off. No long talking. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Jah Cure Reveals “The Cure” Album Cover Art

    Jah Cure Reveals “The Cure” Album Cover Art

    First Album for VP Records Set For July 10, 2015 Release

    Ever since last June, when we first heard his certified Boomshot “Life We Live” the Boomshots massive has been looking forward Jah Cure’s sixth studio album The Cure. Then in February came news that the singer had signed with V.P. Records. Today we finally got a first look at the criss album art, a track listing, and best of all, a release date. Less than two months from now, the waiting will be over. Tracklist After The Jump… (more…)