Boomshots

Category: Reggae

  • Reggae Grammy Nominees Announced

    Old School Legends Dominate The Best Reggae Album Category

    In a year when Jamaica celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence, legends of roots rock reggae took four of five nomination for the Best Reggae Album Grammy Award—reaffirming the powerful legacy of Jamaica’s musical legacy even as it left its future clouded in relative obscurity. Despite outstanding releases by Busy Signal (Reggae Music Again), Mr. Vegas (Sweet Jamaica), Vybz Kartel (Kingston Story), Konshens (Mental Maintenance) and Romain Virgo (The System)—to name a few glaring oversights—the only reggae artist under the age of 50 to make the cut this year was Sean Paul, whose album Tomahawk Technique stands as the sole nominee representing the dancehall genre. Full List of Nominees After The Jump… (more…)

  • Bob Marley Class Will Be In Session at NYU

    Sign Up This Week If You’re Ready For Some Higher Education
    Remember “Babylon System,” that cut off Bob Marley’s Survival album, in which the Tuff Gong sings about how the downpressor man is forever “Building church and university / Deceiving the people continually /Graduatin’ thieves and murderers / Suckin’ the blood of the sufferers.” Well chances are he wasn’t singing about the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts—and he definitely wasn’t singing about Vivien Goldman, aka the @PunkProfessor. She is one of the few Marley experts who actually spent significant time with Bob, both in her native London and in Jamaica. She’s also the author of The Book of Exodus, a definitive study of one of Marley’s most seminal works. She’s even gotten props from Bunny Wailer. Yes, the Honorable Neville Livingstone called her an “esteemed journalist of this time.” So if any university prof is gonna “tell the children the truth,” she’s a good bet. Goldman will be teaching a course on Bob Marley starting next month, and it’s open to all students—not just NYU enrolees. But the deadline to sign up is at the end of this week, so don’t sleep! This Monday she passed through the StrictlyBoomshots show on Radio Lily.com to drop some knowledge on Marley and post-colonialism. Those who have ears, let them hear. [Photograph by Kate Simon] Audio and Registration Links After The Jump…

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  • HEAR THIS: Snoop Lion “Here Comes The King” ft. Angela Hunte

    The Lion’s Latest Reincarnation With A Positive Vibration
    Berhane’s brand new musical biscuit blends distressed dubstep bass tones with a steppers drumbeat and royal melodies from the empress Angela Hunte—all courtesy of the Major Lazer posse. When the Lion roars the whole jungle trembles. UPDATE: Snoop Lion has inked a deal with RCA Sony to release the album Reincarnated in Spring 2013. “Major Lazer and I had a special opportunity to focus on recording REINCARNATED from top-to-bottom with no interruptions in Jamaica. From my time spent with the people and in the streets, these songs are based on peace, love, and the struggle.” said Snoop Lion. “‘Here Comes The King’ is a taste of what’s to come off that REINCARNATED album and movie. It’s going to be an exciting 2013. Bless up.” Audio After The Jump…

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  • HEAR THIS: Inner Circle & Peetah Morgan “Broken Hearted”

    Brand New Lovers Rock Selection from the album Inner Circle Dubets
    Ever since the tragic death of Jacob “Killer” Miller in a 1980 car crash, the legendary Jamaican band Inner Circle has worked with a range of vocalists. But on their upcoming album Dubets, the Bad Boys of Reggae collaborate with a range of great vocalists including the reggae empress Marcia Griffiths, Mr. Rock Steady himself Ken Boothe, Ali Campbell of UB40, and not one but two members of the mighty Morgan Heritage, Gramps and Peetah. Boomshots is proud to premiere the first song off the album, Peetah Morgan interpreting Jimmy Ruffin’s Motown classic “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?” Sad song + sweet sounds = Total niceness.  Audio & Full Tracklist After The Jump…

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  • Win Tickets To See Kymani Marley, Third World, and Maxi Priest Live

    Jamaica At 50 Brings Roots Rock Reggae To New Jersey

    Tomorrow night the New Jersey massive will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jamaican independence in fine style with a big reggae show at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. On the bandstand will be Third World, one of the longest-reigning reggae groups of all time; Grammy-nominated British superstar Maxi Priest, whose sexy, soulful vocal style blends a hardcore reggae vibe with mainstream jazz, pop and R&B influences; and new generation dancehall artist Ky-Mani Marley, who follows in the footsteps of his legendary father, Bob Marley, with an urban sound that’s deeply rooted in both reggae and hip hop culture. Contest Details After The Jump… (more…)

  • Vybz Kartel Is Granted J$500,000 Bail

    Despite The Judge’s Decision, The Werlboss Is Still Not Free

    After hitting major setbacks and having his trial postponed for next year, things are finally looking up for Vybz Kartel.

    Well, on at least one of his two murder charges, that is.

    Today, Justice Bertram Morrison approved a bail application that was previously filed by the Werlboss’s father-and-son attorney duo, Tom and Christian Tavares-Finson. The J$500,000 bail (approximately $5,500 U.S.) was granted on the case Kartel is fighting for the murder of Barrington Burton, a businessman from St. Catherine, Jamaica. That case will be heard December 3, but Kartel is still not a free man. Find Out Why After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Rihanna “Diamonds” Reggae Remix

    J Vibe Gives RiRi a New Riddim To Ride


    You already heard Rihanna’s reggae-flavored track “No Love Allowed” from her seventh album, Unapologetic. Now J Vibe provides a tasty one-drop remix of the album’s lead single, “Diamonds,” that sounds flawless and lets Rihanna shine even brighter. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • HYPE TV Top 20: Christopher Martin Takes The Lead

    Mr. Martin Keeps It Chill As He Steps Up To That No. 1 Spot
     

    “Release your stress and relax,” Christopher Martin sings his way to the top of charts this week with his video for “Chill Spot.” 15 weeks on the charts and Martin has slowly made his way up but lets hope he can hold a stance because RDX’s “Jump,” may have fallen a few spots down but he held the number 1 spot for two weeks in a row. And not to mention, Vybz Kartel and I-Octane are not too far behind either! Full Countdown After The Jump…

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  • WATCH THIS: Gyptian “Overtime” Video

    Gyppy Lays Down On The Couch And Releases All His Stress

    Gyptian is a hard working man who’s currently accepting applications for girls who fit the position. He’s more than willing to offer on-the-job training to the right candidate. But all those long hours must be getting to him. Why else would he pay a visit to his hot psychotherapist? Let’s hope he finds a way to release the tension. Video After The Jump…
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  • WATCH THIS: Busy Signal Press Conference

    “6 Months Felt Like 6 Million Years” Says Busy In His First Public Appearance Since Returning From Prison

    Last night Busy Signal made his first public since returning home to Jamaica after serving a six-month prison sentence in the United States. The reggae star was joined by his close friend and manager Shane Brown as well as other industry heavyweights. It’s good to have Busy back in the game. And he certainly seems happy to be home. Video After The Jump…
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  • David Rodigan Resigns From KISS FM After 22 Years

    Legendary Radio Broadcaster Steps Down, Citing “Marginalization of Reggae Music”

    “I write this today to inform you that I have resigned from my position as a broadcaster on KISS FM,” David Rodigan said today in a statement published on his official website. Rodigan has been a fixture on KISS FM since the London pirate station became a legit broadcaster. But the station’s recent decision to move his reggae show to a midnight slot has pushed him past the breaking point. “I’ve been with the station for 22 years, shared some wonderful times with many fantastic artists and members of staff and it’s with great sadness that I’ve come to this decision,” the reggae radio pioneer said. “Due to their continued marginalisation of reggae music into the twilight zone of radio scheduling, it has left me no option but to make a stand for my passion and the music I love so dearly.” The real question now is—what will be his next move? Full Statement And Video After The Jump…

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  • HEAR THIS: Rihanna “No Love Allowed”

    RiRi Reps Her Island Roots On This Reggae-Flavored Cut
    What’s your favorite cut off Unapologetic? We’re loving the reggae tune of course. From “Pon Di Replay” and “No No No” (featuring Vybz Kartel) up through “Rude Boy” and “Man Down” Rihanna has always represented for the reggae massive. And her latest album is no exception (Peep the random “chalice” shout-out on the album cover). “How could you murder us?” Rihanna asks on this dramatic song, which was written by Elijah Blake—the man responsible for Usher’s No. 1 hit “Climax”—and produced by No I.D. Audio After The Jump…

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