Category: Reggae

  • HEAR THIS: Dennis Brown “No Man Is An Island” PREMIERE

    HEAR THIS: Dennis Brown “No Man Is An Island” PREMIERE

    Unreleased Classic off Fatis Tapes In The Oven Vol. 2

    When a young Dennis Emannuel Brown made his way to Jamaica’s legendary Studio One, he sang songs that laid the foundation for his legacy as the Crown Prince of Reggae. One of the earliest gems he cut for Coxsone Dodd was “No Man Is An Island,” a powerful single that became the title track for his 1972 album of the same name. A quarter century later D. Brown remade the tune for the late great producer Philip Fatis Burrell. Backed by the Firehouse Crew, Dennis Brown sounds older and wiser and he delivers lyrics of truth that have stood the test of time. This crucial mid-’90s update has never been released before, but thanks to producer Kareem Burrell it will now see the light of day on Fatis Tapes In The Oven Vol. 2. With this important reissue series, Remus carries on his father’s legacy while sharing beautiful music with the world. Give thanks.

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  • Etana Restores Visibility to Women In Reggae Music

    Etana Restores Visibility to Women In Reggae Music

    Etana is the 4th Woman to be Nominated for A Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album

    The announcement of Grammy nominees in the Best Reggae Album category, always sparks a lively discussion. This year is no exception as the field includes Black Uhuru’s As The World Turns, Protoje’s A Matter of Time, Sting & Shaggy’s 44 x 876, Ziggy Marley’s Rebellion Rises and Etana’s Reggae Forever. Etana’s nomination is particularly noteworthy as she is the first woman nominated in the the category since 1997, when Sister Carol’s Lyrically Potent earned a nomination. The two other female nominees were Judy Mowatt and Rita Marley. When the Grammy Award ceremony takes place on February 10, will Etana become the first woman to ever win a Grammy Award? More After The Jump

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  • K Queens: Dancehall Royalty

    K Queens: Dancehall Royalty

     

    Dancehall’s Regal Twins Discuss Their Career and Their Collaborative New Single

    Twin sisters, Kaydine and Kerrine Francis, K Queens, have sung in close harmony from a young age. Sharing the stage for over a decade, K Queens have earned dancehall’s highest ratings. Their latest single “Jamdown Ranking” produced by Sugar Bear, on Rayvon’s GTC (Get That Cheddar Entertainment) Label; distributed by Tuff Gong International, is a remake of Althea and Donna (Althea Forrest and Donna Max de Reid)’s “Uptown Ranking.” The song’s “I’m Still in Love” riddim, was originally produced by Joe Gibbs in 1977. Alton Ellis hit song “I’m Still In Love” on this riddim, was later covered by Marcia Aitkens in 1987. In 2002, Sean Paul and Sasha revitalized the song, “I’m Still in Love” on the album, “Dutty Rock.” In the summer of 2018, Jay-Z and Beyonce used Aitken’s version of “I’m Still in Love” in the promotional ad for their second tour. In November 2018, K Queens laid down Up-to-Date lyrics over the Sugar Bear remodeled beat, for the modern, “Jamdown Ranking.” We caught up with the Duo, K Queens to discuss their music over time and their latest musical projects. Interview After The Jump

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  • Kakaba Pyramid Torched the SOB’s Stage with Blazing Lyrics

    Kakaba Pyramid Torched the SOB’s Stage with Blazing Lyrics

    Kabaka Pyramid Kontraband Tour Hit New York City

    On Friday, November 23, New York City fans endured the frigid weather for the highly anticipated, Kabaka Pyramid, Kontraband Tour at SOB’s. New York City renowned selector DJ Gringo of Stateside Revolution and Host of Sirius XM, “The Joint,” warmed up the crowd awaiting the revolutionary artist. Next up, the Bebble Rockers excited the crowd with an electrifying, symphonic rendition of “Make Way” (the song features Pressure Buss Pipe on the Kontraband album), as Kabaka Pyramid joined the stage. More Concert Highlights After The Jump

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  • Dubbin’ with Bulby: Exclusive ‘Master Blaster’ Mixdown

    Dubbin’ with Bulby: Exclusive ‘Master Blaster’ Mixdown

    Legendary Producer and Engineer Dubs Beres, Busy & Kartel Live in the Studio

    A graduate of King Tubby’s Dub University, Colin “Bulby” Yorke has done his teacher proud. Over the course of nearly 30 years in the music industry, Bulby has produced, mixed, and engineered a plethora of certified boomshots—recordings by most of the top artists in dancehall and reggae pantheon—both as part of the Fat Eyes camp and under his own banner. Having worked with the likes of No Doubt and Rihanna as well, it was only right for Bulby to begin releasing albums himself. His solo debut, Epic & Ting, was so well received that he recently dropped a follow-up entitled Master Blaster. During a recent promo run through NYC, Bulby invited Boomshots up to Grey Noise recording studio in Times Square for a very special musical treat. Sitting down next to Reshma B at the mixing board, Bulby ran through an exclusive dub mixdown of three crucial tracks from Master Blaster: “Freedom” featuring Beres Hammond, Marcia Griffiths, J Boog & Lutah Fyah, “Cherry Oh Baby” featuring Busy Signal and Patrice Roberts, and “Cyan Dween Like We” featuring Vybz Kartel alongside Lola Monroe and Candy Gloster. In between tracks, Bulby dropped knowledge about the art of Dub while RGAT witnessed a master at work. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS:  Popcaan: Wine for Me, Official Video

    WATCH THIS: Popcaan: Wine for Me, Official Video

    The Unruly Boss, Drops New Video For “Wine for Me”

     

    Popcaan, Andrae Sutherland, shared new video for the single, “Wine for Me” off his latest project entitled “Forever,” executively produced by Dre Skull of Mixpak Records. The album is currently, one of the top contenders for nominations in the category of Best Reggae Album, for the 2019 Grammy Awards. This artist continues to grow exponentially in terms of his mainstream appeal and global popularity. On December 6, the artist will embark on a “Forever Tour” in the United Kingdom. He will then return to his hometown of St. Thomas, Jamaica to host the first “Unruly Fest” at Lyssons Park on December 22. More After The Jump

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  • An Evening with Stephen Marley… On a Mission

    An Evening with Stephen Marley… On a Mission

    Tonight’s NYC Meet & Greet Will Benefit Ghetto Youths Foundation

    Stephen Marley’s acoustic tour stops in New York City tonight, and the evening at Sony Hall is shaping up be a real “Revelation Party.” Not only will Ragga be performing selections from his newly released album One Take: Acoustic Jams, but following the Nov. 15th stop of the multi-city U.S. tour, “An Evening with Stephen Marley,” the mutiple-Grammy-winning artist, second son of Bob and Rita Marley, will take part in an exclusive Meet and Greet to benefit the Ghetto Youths Foundation’s global mission to provide aid and opportunity. This is your chance to meet Ragga up close and personal. Details After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Wayne Marshall ft. Tessane Chin & Ryan Mark “Glory To God” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Wayne Marshall ft. Tessane Chin & Ryan Mark “Glory To God” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    Marsheezy and Jay Will Tap Into A Higher Power

    After months of having the biggest song  out of Jamaica, Wayne Marshall has released the long-awaited music video for his smash hit “Glory To God.” Marshall’s gospel-infused song which includes vocals from a choir, his sister-in-law Tessanne Chin, and gospel artist Ryan Mark is a departure from his badmon dancehall chunes, and has proved to be his biggest song ever. “We were under pressure to get the visuals ready,” the artist told Boomshots. “My father passed and I had to make the funeral arrangements, so we had to reshuffle our the plans. I knew we needed to have some great visuals to accompany the song which was doing so well in Jamaica and all over.” The song can be heard in churches, from passing cars, and even at dances—which is a rarity for a gospel song. Marshall and director Jay Will collaborated on the concept, which finds Wayne Marshall singing in a full suit of white, with a gritty story that intertwines several different people going through the struggles of life. “The video is basically showcasing the fact that we all have stories deeper than what people perceive on the surface,” says the artist, who says the main theme of the video is forgiveness. “We can’t really judge people,” Marshall adds. “We have to leave all judgment to the creator of all things.” Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Beres Hammond’s Mission: “To Shed Some Happiness In Some Dark Corners Of Your Mind”

    Beres Hammond’s Mission: “To Shed Some Happiness In Some Dark Corners Of Your Mind”

    Jamaica’s Number One Soul Man Speaks On His New Album Never Ending

    There’s an old saying that “Music alone shall live.” With that in mind, the title of Beres Hammond’s latest album rings true, even if the man who makes these amazing songs—as he has done for decades on top of decades—is in fact a mere mortal. The release of a new Beres Hammond album is always cause for celebration, which explains our joyous mood today. One of the greatest singers and songwriters ever to emerge from Jamaica, Mr. Hammond has kept us waiting for six years since his last studio album, One Life, One Love, The wait will be over at midnight tonight with the release of Never Ending, a remarkable 14-track set that ranks with the finest work, from sweet lovers’ rock (“Hold You Till It Hurts”) to truths and rights (“Cry Freedom”) to the delightful jazz-tinged vibes of the title track. The musicianship is first-rate as usual—the finest players of instruments always come together when a true legend is in session—and with Bulby York on the mix how can you lose? During an exclusive interview with the Reggae Girl About Town, Beres spoke about all the singles released so far, including the rousing “Land of Sunshine” and “My Kinda Girl.” For anyone who’s ever wondered exactly what Beres’ type of girl is, Reshma B got the answer in this wide-ranging heart-to-heart conversation. Beres and RGAT also spoke about the song “I’m Alive,” which prompted some interested reflections on the artist’s legacy. “That’s what I think I’m sent here for,” Beres revealed. “To shed some happiness in some dark corners of your mind.” And then, as he often does, Beres shifted from reflective to jovial. “One time somebody asked me, what you want to be remembered as Beres?” He recounted his reply with perfect comic timing. “Mi say, ‘Remembered as? I want you remember me now!’” After a big laugh, Beres added. “If you should ever think of Beres, let’s say Beres not around. Just remember one ball of happiness and joy. A bundle of joy, of course through the music.” Never Ending drops tomorrow. While you wait, check this very special reasoning. “We nah talk no foolishness!” Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley “Autumn Leaves” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley “Autumn Leaves” Official Music Video

    Gongzilla In Sinatra Mode

    As the days get shorter, the weather becomes cooler, the leaves on trees begin to turn orange and red, it is clear that fall is announcing it’s imminent arrival. Coinciding with the changing season Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley dropped an appropriately titled video for the Stony Hill cut “Autumn Leaves.” Directed by Mark Pellington, the video is full of powerful images of people young and old, interpretive dancers, a string orchestra, and Marley dressed in all white that work together to convey a feeling of both melancholy and hopefulness that fits well with the songs message of navigating the ups and down of love with Zilla singing “don’t give up on me.” With its prominent string arrangement, no bass and no one drop, the song is an example of a growing trend of music that challenges the very definition of what a reggae tune sounds like. Video After The Jump…
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  • Hold Tight Party Rocks NYC

    Hold Tight Party Rocks NYC

    “Alpha Lion” Jason Panton Hosts a new Reggae, Dancehall, R&B Event

    Co-Founder of Dubwise Jamaica (along w/ International selector Yaadcore and Reggae/Hip Hop Artist, Protoje) and innovator in music, fashion and art, Jason Panton held a toe-to-toe, bursting-at-the-seams, “Hold Tight New York City” event at Lover’s Rock this past Saturday, September 29. The Nova Southeastern University alumnus has mastered the skill of showcasing talent and hosting cultural events. With Dubwise sessions in California, Miami, Trinidad and Tobago and New York,  Panton is also a selector himself with an ear for emerging talent. Panton held an event in New York for his birthday, with a mix of musical genres including reggae, dancehall and rhythm and blues. We caught up with him to not only to congratulate him but also to find out more about the cultivation of this successful event. Interview After The Jump

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  • WATCH THIS: Addis Pablo ft. Shanique Marie “From Morning” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Addis Pablo ft. Shanique Marie “From Morning” Official Music Video

    Boomshots Premieres A Hot Dub Collaboration

    We last met up with Addis Pablo in 2017, at the Greensleeves Records 40th Anniversary on his dad, Augustus Pablo’s birthday, June 21.  He spoke of how his dad taught him all the basic chords and melodies and how he was working very hard to become his “own creative force.” Since then Addis Pablo paid tribute to his father in 2018, alongside his sister, Isis Swaby at the Apple Store New York in Williamsburg, drawing a diverse crowd of VP Records executives and “The Nomads.” Now he releases the visual for “From Morning,” a collaboration with Shanique Marie, and a single off his Majestic Melodies EP.   Interview and Video After The Jump

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