Boomshots

Category: Reggae

  • Anything Goes at DJ Norie’s Anniversary Bash

    Anything Goes at DJ Norie’s Anniversary Bash

    Live Sets From Wayne Wonder, Red Rat, Tarrus Riley & More

    DJ Norie has come a long way since his days on Brooklyn’s Wah Gwan Radio. His weekly show on New York’s top urban radio station, Power 105.1 FM, is one of the city’s leading platforms for reggae and dancehall music. So when he celebrated his anniversary late last week the stars came out. Check out Wayne Wonder breezing through his vast catalog of certified Boomshots—including the song that gave this annual showcase its name. And how long since we saw Red Rat blazing up his hits? He’s still got the girls screaming “Oh Noooo!” for tunes like “Dwayne” and “Tight Up Skirt”—and watch what happens when the Rat bucks up a fluffy gal from the front row. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Romain Virgo “Star Across The Sky” Acoustic Video

    WATCH THIS: Romain Virgo “Star Across The Sky” Acoustic Video

    Soulful reggae crooner slows it down in latest clip

    Since bursting onto the scene in 2007 as the youngest winner of Jamaica’s leading reggae talent search Digicel Rising Stars, Romain Virgo has gone on to dazzle stadiums and dominate charts worldwide. This boy wonder has evolved into a fully fledged ambassador for lovers rock music with a consistently strong, ever-growing catalog of tunes. Virgo recently teamed up with legendary production duo Sly & Robbie for the celestial single “Star Across The Sky” which was featured on their 2014 Grammy nominated album The Reggae Power. Fresh from a successful European winter tour, he took time out to unveil a mellow yet stirring rendition of the same hit song this week, with just a keyboard for company. This guy’s vocal range is insane! Video After the Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Cocoa Tea “Stay In School”

    HEAR THIS: Cocoa Tea “Stay In School”

    Ting A Ling A Ling, School Bell Ah Ring

    ”There is a lack of consciousness from what the music used to be,” says the legendary Cocoa Tea. “it’s becoming what it is not to be.” But rather than criticizing or complaining, the singer is fighting back with word sound and power. “If one of my songs can be remembered and or quoted, and be of inspiration or guidance to anyone, then I shall be forever happy with my contribution musically.” After pursuing work as a jockey and a fisherman, it was the birth of his first child back in the early ’80s that strengthened Cocoa Tea’s decision to launch into music full time. And with this tune, he continues his legacy of teaching the youths consciousness through music. All proceeds from “Stay in School”—to be released by VP Records—will be donated to charity.  Audio After the Jump… (more…)

  • Jacob Miller: Rockers Forever

    Jacob Miller: Rockers Forever

    Thirty Five Years Ago Today Reggae Music Lost A Great Soldier

    On this day in 1980 legendary #reggae singer Jacob “Killer” Miller died in a tragic car accident on Hope Road in Kingston Jamaica. “I was sitting with my father in Hope Road when he heard the news on Sunday,” recalls Rohan Marley. “Jacob and my Father always spend time together on Sundays.” Miller was one of reggae’s greatest performers. His merry, manic brilliance shines through clearly in the crucial 1980 concert doc Heartland Reggae, particularly the performance of “Tired Fe Lick Weed In A Bush” during which he puffs a huge spliff on stage while using his microphone to taunt the cops at the venue before somebody hands him a police cap and he starts chanting “Babylon, Babylon falling down.” Jakes spent just 27 years on earth but the #Rockers music he made with Inner Circle and Augustus Pablo shall live forever. In fact, one of his classic cuts with the Bad Boys of Reggae, “Tenement Yard,” is enjoying a major resurgence 40 years after its release.  Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • Reasoning with Father Metro

    Reasoning with Father Metro

    Metro Media Top Selector Talks Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise Sound Clash on the Sea

    Jimmy Metro, aka Haldane James, took over Metro Media in 1976 after the sound’s original founder, Lou Gooden, emigrated from the island. Building up the sound’s following in the Woodford Park area of central Kin, Jimmy had a great ear for raw talent. He discovered future superstar DJ Peter Metro in 1981 and later Tanto Metro (who would go on to become an international hitmaker as a duo with Devonte) not to mention Zuzu, the late great Massive Dread, Ashman, Chicken Chest, Dickie Ranking (aka Snagga Puss), and Niggah Mikey. The X-factor for the sound was Dominic, a British journalist who fell in love with dancehall culture and became the first bonafide white artist in Jamaican music. The sound soon added a young selector named Skyjuice whose belly and reputation would increase considerably in years to come. Father Metro was able to quit his job at Dynamic studios when the sound got big enough to tour England in 1984. “That really helped us build a foundation overseas,” he told the Jamaica Gleaner. “And we haven’t looked back.” Metro may be experienced overseas, but this coming November they will be playing on the seas when Metro Media clashes Bass Odyssey and Mighty Crown during the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise’s first-ever Sound Clash on the Sea. Boomshots spoke with the dancehall pioneer as his year-to-year sound prepares to make history all over again.  Interview After The Jump… (more…)

  • Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise to Host First Ever Soundclash on the Sea

    Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise to Host First Ever Soundclash on the Sea

    Mighty Crown vs Metro Media vs Bass Odyssey—Some Selector Get Chuck Overboard

    From the moment Jr. Gong first announced the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise, the concept was clearly a game-changer. Bringing an outernational audience of reggae lovers on board a luxury liner with a stellar lineup of reggae and dancehall talent made last year’s maiden voyage such a success that this year the cruise will set off from Miami to Jamaica and back not once but twice. As crucial as the main deck stage shows were, a huge part of the cruise’s unique vibes were the spontaneous sound system freestyle sessions. And this year the sound systems will play an even bigger role. Stone Love Movement and Jammy’$ Super Power will return again—Papa Jammy promises to bring a few surprise guests along this year. Shinehead will return as well, having made a powerful impression with Kingston 12 sound. The UK champion sound Saxon Studio will be making its first appearance on the cruise along with fast-chat DJ legend Papa Levi of “Mi God Mi King” fame. But perhaps the most exciting announcement is that this year’s cruise will include the first-ever Soundclash on the Sea. Which sounds will have to walk the plank? Details After The Jump… (more…)

  • Boris Gardiner Is A Star

    Boris Gardiner Is A Star

    The First Voice Heard on Kendrick Lamar’s New Album Is An Old-School Jamaican Legend

    When Kendrick Lamar’s eagerly anticipated album To Pimp A Butterfly dropped unexpectedly last weekend, it was streamed 9.6 million times the first day alone, breaking the record for the most streams per day in Spotify history. The first voice all those listeners heard, above the delightful sound of crakling vinyl, was Boris Gardiner singing the phrase “Every Nigger Is A Star” over and over to open the song “Wesley’s Theory,” which kicks off K.Dot’s hip-hop masterpiece. But who is Boris Gardiner? Like so many other Jamaican musical innovators, his work is much better known than his name. Let’s rectify that situation right now. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Lady Chann “Slew Dem & Dun” Ft. Diesel D-Power

    HEAR THIS: Lady Chann “Slew Dem & Dun” Ft. Diesel D-Power

    UK Bad Gyal In The Mood For Murderation

    If you ever met Chann you wouldn’t ever believe so much fire could come outta her. How can someone who’s so pleasant in person pick up the mic and just murder everyTING? Not that we’re complaining, mind you. Chann’s nice with the lyrics, and her energy is mad as per usual. This time she teams up with grime veteran Diesel D-Power. #Nang. Audio After the Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Konshens “Jah Never Leave My Side” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Konshens “Jah Never Leave My Side” Official Music Video

    Nah Tell No Lie, Konshens Haffi Give Thanks to the Most High

    As the late great Tenor Saw once sang, life is one big road with lots of signs. It’s tempting to imagine that everything would be easier if you were rich or famous—as if money and fame would solve all the problems in life. But just ask Tenor Saw, the reality is that it’s not easy living one’s life in the spotlight. Not everyone is built for it. On the good days it’s very good, but on the not-so-good days it can feel pretty lonely. Konshens’ latest video reflects on those quiet moments, away from the raving and the madness, when the darkness sets in, solitude, self-doubt, and all those mental obstacles that can be even tougher to overcome than the physical ones. But with God at your side, there’s nothing you cannot achieve. Uzeet?!? Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Jo Mersa “Rock and Swing” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Jo Mersa “Rock and Swing” Official Music Video

    Brand New Visuals From The Young Raggamuffin

    Jo Mersa continues to step up lyrical game as he trods forward amongst his father Ragga and uncle Zilla. Bob Marley’s 23-year-old grandson is emerging as a wicked DJ who’s blazing his own trail with a fresh youthful approach that still respects the family legacy. His new video—shot by dread director Ras Kassa (the man responsible for Jr. Gong’s “Welome to Jamrock” visuals)—intercuts archival footage of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I with glimpses of kids riding skateboards in downtown Kingston. The bass-heavy rub-a-dub riddim with its echo-chamber horns should have the sound systems vibrating while Mersa touches on social issues from rape and pedophilia to dirty politics,  yet still keeps the energy upful. “I wanted to show the alternative of how beautiful life is,” states Mersa, “to love it and appreciate the gift of life. His toughest tune yet couldn’t have arrived a at a better time—just as the Ghetto Youths tour prepares to touch the road in support of Set Up Shop Vol. 2. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Reasoning with Adrian Sherwood: “What doesn’t Evolve Stays in the Realm of Nostalgia.”

    Reasoning with Adrian Sherwood:
    “What doesn’t Evolve Stays in the Realm of Nostalgia.”

    The UK Dub Master Breaks It All Down in this In-Depth Interview

    Dub was born in Jamaica where the bold audio experimentation of pioneers like King Tubby’s, Augustus Pablo, and Lee “Scratch” Perry shook the foundations of recorded music. These ideas spread around the globe and took root in fertile ground, places like the UK where many Caribbean immigrants brought sound system culture with them. Dub-minded youths like Adrian Sherwood began standing outside blues dances watching the walls shake and eventually got a chance to spin a few records himself—a bit of novelty reggae with James Brown and “Funky Nassau”—progressing and learning every day as he restlessly expanded his musical horizons. He would go on to tour as mix engineer for The Clash and The Slits, and found no fewer than four labels—Carib Gems (established in 1975 when he was 17 years of age), Hit Run, 4D, and the legendary On-U Sound. His mind-blowingly mic’d, mixed and mastered recordings with in-house groups like Singers and Players, African Head Charge, New Age Steppers, Creation Rebel, Scratch, and Bim Sherman and more are the stuff of legend. And he’s still at it, having just released a critically acclaimed album in collaboration with Pinch.This conversation took place some two years ago, but it’s still every bit as current as when it happened. Like a great dub track, Sherwood moves from deceptively simple to infinite depth in a flash. Interview After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Kabaka Pyramid “Well Done”

    HEAR THIS: Kabaka Pyramid “Well Done”


    Accurate! As Riverton Dump Blazes, Kabaka Buns Out Overpopulation & Waste Mismanagement.

    “Music is the Weapon of the Future,” Fela Kuti once declared, and he used his power as an artist to bring about immediate political change for the good of the people. Kabaka Pyramid follows in that proud tradition with his latest song, the sarcastically titled “Well Done,” which was produced by Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley. In the tune, Kabaka blazes a fire on Jamaica’s political leaders for selling out the people and leaving the island nation in a serious predicament. “I don’t want it to look like I’m on a all-out attack against the government, but I want people to be aware that they have a say in the governance of the country,” the prolific lyricist said when asked by the Jamaica Observer newspaper. “It might be a harsh statement but I see no inclination that politicians are interested wholeheartedly in the welfare of the people.” The song makes mention of the IMF debt as well as lopsided development deals with Spanish and Chinese interests that Kabaka blames for shortchanging Jamaica. But since smoke from the Riverton dump fire began fouling the air, the waste management debacle has given the song fresh meaning. Kabaka took to Instagram today to make the connection. Audio After The Jump… (more…)