Boomshots

Category: Video

  • WATCH THIS: Bay-C x Xyclone “Get Inna The Groove” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Bay-C x Xyclone “Get Inna The Groove” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    “Put the Dance Back Inna Dancehall”

    When Bay-C of the millennial dancehall supergroup T.O.K and veteran DJ Xyclone of the Red Square crew topped the iTunes Reggae chart last week with a #1 debut, it’s safe to say that their fun, energetic collaborative EP Flawless Victory exceeded even their own bold expectations. “I’m very elated,” says Xyclone, whose previous track record of success earned him the moniker “charting king.” When Xyclone reached out to Bay-C, the seasoned hitmaker jumped at the chance to collaborate. “From the T.O.K days until now I’ve always been one to watch and see who ah make moves inna the streets,” Bay-C told Boomshots. “I saw that Xyclone ah do him thing for quite some time and silently ah conquer the game.” They joined forces to make a straight-up Dancehall project at a time when the genre was ready for a big victory. Self-proclaimed pundits and even some producers have been quick to write the genre off while experimenting with the fusion of Afrobeats and Trap. Moreover, this particular victory is taking place during a week when the Bob Marley bio-pic One Love is the #1 movie in the world. “I think it was very important for us to send a message that we still have people out there who support Dancehall,” Xyclone declares. Today at 12 noon EST, Boomshots proudly premieres the first music video from one of the hottest dancehall projects of the new year. Shot in the streets of Kingston, “Get Inna The Groove” was produced by Dee Master and features the choreographic creativity of Pata Skeng. Peep the vibrant visuals below and check out the reasoning with Bay-C and Xyclone aka the “charting king.”  Video After The Jump…  

    (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Stephen and Damian Marley Talk Traffic Jam Tour & Brotherly Love

    WATCH THIS: Stephen and Damian Marley Talk Traffic Jam Tour & Brotherly Love

    “Real Reggae Yuh A Look For, Yuh Know Where Fi Find Us”

    Raggamuffin and Jr. Gong have been performing together for a long while, but this year’s Traffic Jam Tour is the first time they’ve officially touched the road as co-headliners. Boomshots visited their Miami rehearsal studio for an exclusive behind the scene video, where the brothers got ready with their band and explained the origins of “The Traffic Jam,” the song that started as a freestyle dubplate, evolved into an interlude on the Mind Control album, and has now inspired the tour’s name. “The bond between Stephen and Damian runs deeper than music, although they grew up in different households,” writes Reshma B in a new feature for Rolling Stone. “Steve is a big brother who really check on you when you’re little,” says Damian, who is Bob Marley’s youngest child. Stephen used to pick him up from school. “We come from tie shoelace,” Damian remembers, “how fi play football and ride bicycle, up to music too.” Check out the full story over at Rolling Stone, and check out Boomshots behind-the-scenes video below. Video After The Jump…  

    (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: King Cruff x Runkus “FallBack” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: King Cruff x Runkus “FallBack” Official Music Video

    “From Yuh Say Yuh Stand In Love You Never Can Trip”

    “Remember that the sword has a double edge,” King Cruff rapped on his 2022 breakout hit “Samurai Chop.” Raised in Jamaica and based in Toronto, Cruff was born Solomon Marley-Spence—his mother is Stephanie Marley, daughter of Bob and Rita. Yet despite his royal reggae lineage, Cruff’s creative focus is future fast forward. Along with Kendrick Lamar, André 3000 and MF Doom, Cruff counts new-generation Jamaican stars like Chronixx and Runkus as inspirations. So it was only natural for him to link Runkus—the similarly versatile son of dancehall legend Determine—on his latest collab “FallBack.” (Boomshots been rocking with Runkus for some time now—he first popped onto our radar at a Reshma B Chains pop-up shop alongside Popcaan.) Springing forth from Cruff’s forthcoming project intriguingly titled The Ackee Metaphor Part II, “FallBack” is one of the year’s most exciting collaborations. The hard-driving riddim was crafted by Jordan McLure and David Hayle of Kingston’s own Chimney Records and Banx & Ranx, a Montreal-based duo comprising Soké and KNY, who are best known for world-pop bangers like “Answer Phone.” Analyzing the creative alchemy is fun after the fact, but if the shit don’t slap nothing else matters. Press play to overstand why this one is a certified BOOMSHOT. Video After The Jump… 

    (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Dukes of Roots ft. Natiruts “Try Happy” Official Music Video Premiere

    WATCH THIS: Dukes of Roots ft. Natiruts “Try Happy” Official Music Video Premiere

    “Life’s Better With A Smile On Your Face”

    As Bunny Wailer once observed “there’s no stems, leaves, or branches without the roots.” So it makes perfect sense for two global reggae ensembles—Dukes of Roots, representing Africa and Jamaica, and Natiruts, reppin’ Brazil—to join forces on “Try Happy.” Natiruts, of course are one of the world’s most respected reggae bands, and while Dukes of Roots may be a new name, its singers and players are well known, inlcuding the legendary bass player George “Fully” Fullwood, Congolese singer Mermans Mosengo, musical brothers Sean and Courtney Diedrick on keyboards and drums respectively, and Rod Walkey on guitar. Recorded in Brazil back in 2022, “Try Happy” was produced by Sean “Pow” Diedrick, the Jamaican-born keyboard maestro who tours the world with Damian Marley along with his brother, master drummer Courtney “Bam” Diedrick. Coming on the heels of  “John Punch” featuring the great Darius Rucker, and “Pressure Drop,” a tribute to the late great Toots Hibbert that also features living legend Tarrus Riley, the Dukes’ upful single has all the makings of a modern classic. Boomshots is proud to premiere the official music video, directed by our bredren Kieran Khan.  Check the vibes and do remember, “either way we gonna be okay.” Video After The Jump…

    (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Jack Johnson x Lee “Scratch” Perry “Traffic in the Sky” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Jack Johnson x Lee “Scratch” Perry “Traffic in the Sky” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    From The Album In Between Dub

    Jack Johnson is not a reggae musician, but growing up in Hawaii he’s been immersed in the sound and the sensibility as long as he can remember. “Reggae music was kinda like mainstream here,” he recalls. “That was something that was always around. When you jump in someone’s truck to go drive or go surf it was mostly reggae records playing.” On June 2 the pro surfer turned multiplatinum recording artist, film maker, and environmental activist will release In Between Dub, a selection of tracks drawn from Johnson’s two decade-deep catalog, served up “with a dub twist.” While Johnson never aimed to play reggae music, he recognizes its influence on his folk rock aesthetic. “I always identified the tones that I’m shooting for,” he reflects. “On all my albums we kind of go for a nice round bass sound.” When you check it deeply, Johnson did once accompany the legendary Jimmy Cliff performing “The Harder They Come” at a European music festival. Johnson and Ben Harper also joined backed Hibbert while performing “Pressure Drop” on Saturday Night Live. And Johnson will make a guest appearance on Stephen Marley’s forthcoming solo album. So perhaps it was not such a crazy notion for him to reach out to dub visionary Lee “Scratch” Perry in 2020 to work on a kind of greatest hits in dub project. “It didn’t feel like it would be going outside of our natural zone,” he says. “I felt it would be interesting to hear the songs dubbed out even if they’re not straight reggae. I felt they might fit into that pretty nice.” Boomshots is proud to premiere the dubbed-out visuals for “Traffic in the Sky,” a gentle acoustic tune from Johnson’s 2003 album On & On, which Scratch transforms into a spongy slice of digital dub sport. The video of Scratch was culled from actual studio footage sent by his wife after his passing. Run it!  Video After the Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Kelly Shane x Busy Signal “Ain’t That Loving You” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Kelly Shane x Busy Signal “Ain’t That Loving You” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    Tanya’s Dawta Sings With The Turf Prez

    Kelly Shane has taken the world by surprise—but looking back on it now, it all makes sense. As the child of one of Jamaica’s greatest singer-songwriters, Kelly grew up surrounded by great music. Touring with her mother Tanya Stephens during school vacations and later working as her personal assistant, Kelly absorbed all sorts of powerful vibes. As a professionally trained makeup artist, she worked on video shoots, fashion shows, and ad campaigns, but never stepped into the spotlight herself. Our first glimpse of Kelly’s vocal and writing talents was “So Damaged,” a heartfelt duet with her mother on Tanya’s latest album, Some Kinda Madness. Kelly also credits her grandmother as a major influence. “As the owner of the radio and the house, her favorite music was mostly played,” says the young singer. “Alton Ellis and the entire British-Jamaican music movement was a big part of the soundtrack of my life.” So it’s only natural that Kelly’s first release should be a cover version of a poignant love ballad popularized in reggae circles by Mr. Soul of Jamaica. This particular tune became even more personal when Kelly recorded it. “At the time I was seeing someone that was very hesitant to love again,” she says. “So it felt like I was speaking my own words, trying to convince them to take a chance on me. Busy’s verse also summed up how they were feeling too—so when I heard it I cried a lot.” Collaborating with one of Jamaica’s most respected deejays ain’t a bad way to kick off a young career. “To be very honest, I didn’t think he would do it,” Kelly says of Busy. “This is my first song and it felt like I was really asking him to take a chance on me. I didn’t feel deserving of having him on a song, but I had him on a song—with two verses that I really really loved.” Boomshots is proud to premiere the very first music video from a rising star. Hello world! Get familiar with Kelly Shane. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Yaadcore x Damage Musiq “Genuine” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Yaadcore x Damage Musiq “Genuine” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    “To Build the Confidence of the Black Man”

    Like all great selectors, Yaadcore has a gift for speaking the right words and playing the right sound at the perfect moment. Bringing all of those strengths together to step up as a deejay is a natural progression. From Daddy U Roy and Super Cat to Tony Matterhorn and Charly Black, top selectors become top artists—all they need is a top tune. A “Genuine” tune. When Yaadcore linked with Damage Musiq, producer of new generation dancehall anthems like “Rags to Riches,” they created something special. “Was a joy working with Damage,” says the artist. “We actually go way bac from high school days and we were in a sound system together as well! Proud to see the impact he has made in dancehall space.” The impact of their song “Genuine” will be mighty indeed. “The song is not about discrimination,” Yaadcore explains, “but to build the confidence of the Black man.” Boomshots is proud to premiere these powerful visuals, collaborating with Yaadcore to seal up Black History Month—and Reggae Month—with a banger. Watch as the artist serves as an angel on a young man’s shoulder, reminding him to put down the bleaching cream and to lift up his conscience as he goes through the daily struggles of life. “When I look and see the Black man being misled every day to feel that light skin color makes you a better person or makes more people like you is really the inspiration for this song,” Yaadcore explains. “Wanting to see I&I brothers and sisters to know their true power within their melanin as well as to discourage the ones that are not doing it but face the temptation every day being surrounded by this.”  Video After The Jump…

    (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Coolie Ranx “Keep Fighting” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Coolie Ranx “Keep Fighting” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    Brand new visualizer from the UK/BK/GTA Legend

     

    Ask around Brooklyn, and the real heads will tell you about Coolie Ranx who did his thing in the dancehall scene during the 90s, dropping rare gems like the 12-inch single “Roughneck” plus some choice BBC HiFi dubplate specials. Ask around London and they’ll mention Coolie Ranx who buss many a dance with the legendary Saxon Sound. Ask around Grand Theft Auto fans and they’ll tell you about Little Jacob, one of the legendary Yardie gangsta characters (alongside his bigger bredda Real Badman aka Seeborn RIP). Ask around the ska scene, and the man is a bonafide legend—rocking stages as the front man for the Toasters and The Pilfers before going solo. Today Boomshots proudly premiers the latest skacore anthem from Coolie Ranx. The song is called “Keep Fighting.” Sounds like the right song at the right time. So check out the cinematic visuals right now. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Kabaka Pyramid and Damian Marley Speak On ‘The Kalling’ Grammy

    Kabaka Pyramid and Damian Marley Speak On ‘The Kalling’ Grammy

    Tears of Joy, and Nuff Inspiration

    “Rastafari Live.” On his track “Grateful,” Kabaka said “First all of me giving thanks to the highest creator,” and when the big moment came that’s exactly what he did. Walking to the Grammy Awards stage with his mother at his side and surrounded by his Bebble Rock crew, Kabaka’s expression of faith in Jah followed an expressiong of sheer disbelief that this moment was real. But it was! Kabaka’s album The Kalling had just won Best Reggae Album, rising to the top of an outstanding field of all-Jamaican nominees that included Koffee, Sean Paul, Shaggy, and Protoje. “We’re just some kids from Kingston, Jamaica,” Kabaka said during an emotional acceptance speech, bigging up his team, the album’s producer Damian “Jr Gong” Marley—who also features on the album, along with Stephen Marley, Buju Banton, Tifa, Black Am I, Jemere Morgan, and Protoje—and sending a special livication. “This one is for Jo Mersa Marley who we lost in December.” The significance of the award—bestowed one day before Bob Marley’s 78th birthday—was not lost on the album’s producer. “Kabaka is the first younger, up and coming artist we’ve worked with to help reach that place,” said Damian Marley who also produced Kabaka’s previous album Kontraband. This was Jr. Gong’s second nomination as a producer, as he also helmed Third World’s nominated album More Work To Be Done. “It’s kinda historical in that way where it’s the first album within the family circle that is not a family member who has really reached that status,” Jr. Gong added. “It’s somewhat a continuation of Gong’s vision—having a label that is a force to be reckoned with in the genre that’s not just about him individually but moreso a collective.” Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Sizzla “Praise Ye Jah” 25th Anniversary Mixtape

    Sizzla “Praise Ye Jah” 25th Anniversary Mixtape

    Celebrating a Classic Album, Live From Judgment Yard

    “I did behold!” It’s been a quarter of a century since Sizzla Kalonji’s anthem “Praise Ye Jah” first rang out of sound systems all across Jamaica and electrified the worldwide dancehall reggae massive with his revolutionary sound and energy. When the teen prodigy born Miguel Collins linked up with legendary producer Philip “Fatis” Burrell and his Xterminator crew—including saxophonist and musical director Dean Fraser, Sly & Robbie, and a veteran session band known as the Firehouse Crew—musical history was made. Fast forward to 2023 and Fatis’ son Kareem “Remus” Burrell is carrying on the family legacy with XTM Nation. Today XMT is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Sizzla’s landmark album ‘Praise Ye Jah’ by bringing the vibes to a new generation with XTM’s “Praise Ye Jah” mixtape featuring exclusive dubplates by the likes of Tarrus Riley, Spragga Benz, Kabaka Pyramid, Pressure Buss Pipe, Protoje, Lila Ike, and more. The Boomshots crew linked up with XTM and rolled to August Town for an exclusive reasoning with the man they call Dada. He spoke about his memories of working with Fatis, his respect for Remus, and his unique vision for his purpose in life. Sizzla has invested the proceeds of a successful music career, building up his Judgment Yard community, providing a working studio, library, and other economic opportunities, and supporting the Sizzla Youth Foundation. This man’s motivation goes way beyond industry accolades. Time to put some respect on Sizzla’s name. Mixtape & Mini-Doc After The Jump…  (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Baby Cham x Bounty Killer “BLOOD CLXXT” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Baby Cham x Bounty Killer “BLOOD CLXXT” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    Nobody Nah Talk, So Madhouse Haffi Cuss BLOOD CLXXT 

    The term “BLOOD CLXXT” has a rich and complex history in the Jamaican vernacular. “You can’t get more authentic Jamaican than blood claat,” says dancehall star Baby Cham. “Blood claat is the only word we use for joy, frustrations, stress, happiness.” Officially considered a profanity on the island, the word can get an artist in a whole heap of trouble if they utter it onstage. But given the mood of the times all over the world, there was no other word to sum of the vibes of moment. And so of course the dancehall super-producer Dave Kelly chose the word as the title of the first single from Baby Cham and Bounty Killer’s highly anticipated collaborative EP Time Bomb on the legendary Madhouse Records imprint. Boomshots is proud to premiere the official video for the tune today, along with “Buss The Dance,” a video recap of the big Madhouse tribute which took place last week at Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay. Video After The Jump…  (more…)

  • Tanya Stephens & Patra Reason About Their New Collaboration “50”

    Tanya Stephens & Patra Reason About Their New Collaboration “50”

    When Two Legends Connect

    As a wise woman once said, “Nothing before the time.” Two of Jamaica’s most respected recording artists—Tanya Stephens and Patra—recently joined forces for the first time on a new song called “50.” The result? “Revolutionized big woman shenanigans.” Their historic collaboration will be featured on Tanya’s 10th studio album Some Kinda Madness, which launches in September 2022 via Tad’s Records. In this exclusive Boomshots interview, the dancehall legends speak with Reshma B about their lives and careers as strong women in the music industry, and why everything gets better with age.  Video After The Jump…  (more…)