Boomshots

Category: Video

  • WATCH THIS: Lady Bee & Noise Cans ft. Mr. Vegas “Bucka” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Lady Bee & Noise Cans ft. Mr. Vegas “Bucka” Official Music Video

    Mr. Vegas Puts the “V” in “Versatility”

    Clifford Smith, better known to reggae and dancehall fans worldwide as Mr. Vegas, put the V in versatility. Earlier this year, he released the critically acclaimed Lovers Rock and Soul album, an excursion into vintage reggae. After that he dropped a classic ’80s-style dancehall track (set to King Jammy’$ “Magic Moment” riddim) with a gospel message called “Jesus Train.” Now, on his birthday, we present something completely different. Collaborating with Lady Bee and the mysterious Gombey-masked frontman of Noisecans, a Bermuda-based hybrid of EDM, trap, reggae, dancehall, and carnival sounds, the year-to-year dancehall star reworks one of his earliest hits, “Hot Gal Today,” a duet with Sean Paul on Steelie & Clevie’s immortal “Street Sweeper” riddim, Vegas slows it down. from the label Dim Mak Records. The anonymous frontman of the electronic dance act NOISE CANS talks his Bermudan origins, his new EP Bucka. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Lucas DiPasquale ft. Popcaan “No Talking” Video Shoot Behind-The-Scenes

    WATCH THIS: Lucas DiPasquale ft. Popcaan “No Talking” Video Shoot Behind-The-Scenes

    Video After The Jump…

    Growing up in Markham, Ontario, which lies within the greater Toronto metropolitan area Lucas DiPasquale was exposed to a certain amount of Caribbean culture and Jamaica patois without even trying. But when he posted his “Popcaan mashup” on YouTube back in April 2014, few understood how a skinny white kid could perfectly master the Unruly Boss’s slippery slang, and sing it back with such sensitivity while accompanying himself on acoustic guitar. Fast forward one year and the yute has gotten himself a major label record deal. Like Omi, he’s careful to point out that he’s “not a reggae artist,” even though “Do It Like,” the first single from his Post-Secondary EP, featured Konshens, Stylo G & Kardinal Offishall. “When Popcaan invited me to perform with him in Jamaica it was just unreal,” he told Reshma B when the Boomshots crew caught up with him in NYC earlier this year. “But I have my own style and my own singing voice that I want to show the world.” Lucas links up with the Bad Chargie once more on his single “No Talking” and Boomshots has the exclusive behind-the-scenes footage. No long talking—run it! Video After The Jump…
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  • HEAR THIS: Super Cat “Ever Ready”

    HEAR THIS: Super Cat “Ever Ready”

    In Comes A Classical Wild Apache Selection Produced By Jah Thomas

    A few years ago the Boomshots massive bucked up Jah Thomas chilling backstage at Reggae Sumfest 2012. The foundation reggae DJ and pioneering producer said he was the “happiest man on the planet” because his production, “Dance in New York” by Super Cat, had recently been sampled by Salaam Remi for the hit Nas tune “The Don.” [Check the full story behind the making of that song HERE.] During the interview Jah Thomas casually mentioned that he still had some unreleased Super Cat joints on tape. This came as a revelation to Wild Apache fans who haven’t a new Cat tune since 19-how-long… Well, good news: one of those 1984 Midnight Rock masterworks has now surfaced on the Internet. Give thanks & praise. Audio & Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Album Review: Iba Mahr’s “Diamond Sox” LP Inspires Hope For Reggae’s Future

    Album Review: Iba Mahr’s “Diamond Sox” LP Inspires Hope For Reggae’s Future

    Sighting the Greatness of Iba Mahr From Afar

    I consider myself spoiled by the reggae age in which I was raised. Bob Marley & The Wailers LPs, Peter Tosh LPs, 45s on the Volcano and Joe Gibbs labels set a pretty high bar with the way their music perfected the reggae sound. The excellence of Junjo’s and Joe Gibbs’ productions—and the way they served as a bridge between the reggae and  dancehall age that was to come—cannot be overstated. Their musical foresight was nothing short of miraculous. But in this season of reggae music’s evolution, the standard that I’m accustomed to is an increasingly hard thing to find. Full Review and Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Spice “Needle Eye” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Spice “Needle Eye” Official Music Video

    The Mad Gyal’s Fairy Godmother Hooks Her Up To Bruk Out

    Spice’s latest visuals are a dancehall Cinderella story, with one major difference: in the traditional fairy tale, Cinderalla uses a needle and thread to stitch herself a dress. In Spice’s version the needle eye has a whole different meaning. (Word to Shabba Ranks.) Just like in the Disney movie, those wicked stepsisters head out to the dance, leaving Spice at home with no bashment gear. But never fear—her fairy godmother hooks her up and Spice heads straight to the session to flop those stepsisters and take the man they’ve got their eyes on. (The man in question is played by Spice’s real-life man, Nicholas Lall). Shot entirely in Paris, France, the “Needle Eye” video delivers a powerful dose of eye candy. All the classic dancehall themes are there—the speaker boxes, flaming torches, multicolored wigs, and headtop wining—but with a fresh, playful twist that keeps things extra-Spicey.  Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Christopher Martin “Hideaway” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Christopher Martin “Hideaway” Official Music Video

    Martin Channels Jimmy Cliff In New Music From The Motion Picture Destiny

    Christopher Martin has always has been propelled by talent rather than hype. Since making his name on Digicel Rising Stars in 2005, the singer has amassed a considerable catalog of quality original tracks, from “Vibes Is Right” to “Cheaters Prayer” and his recent EP Stepping Razor. Earlier this year he made his big-screen debut as the romatic lead in the outstanding new film Destiny, a cinematic showcase for the island Jamaica in all its beauty. Produced and directed by Toronto-based Jeremy Whittaker, Destiny tells the tale of Lisa Pullen, played by the gorgeous Karian Sang, who journeys to Jamaica to sell inherited land acquired through inheritance leads to much more, as Lisa not only uncovers truths about her family’s past, but also finds herself falling in love in the process. The soundtrack to the film is blockbuster in its own right, released last month on Tuff Gong Records and produced by legendary reggae music producer Clive Hunt with Dwain ‘Wiya’ Campbell for Grasshopper Music Entertainment. Busy Signal, Tifa, and Spice appear on the album as well Garnet Silk Jr and Parisian reggae artist Bazil. But our favorite cut is this rub-a-dub lovers’ selection from Mr. Martin himself, who sounds uncannily like another legendary Jamaican actor/singer, Mr. Harder They Come himself, Jimmy Cliff. Don’t believe it? Just watch for yourself. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Dexta Daps “Slavery” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Dexta Daps “Slavery” Official Music Video

    The Dappa Slappa Is Missing That Glue Sincerely

    Dexta Daps is a youth who sings for girls and gallis—full stop. And when he deals with the matter, he doesn’t go sideways or screech around corners—he addresses it straight and plain. Sure, this gifted singer/songwriter serves up some sweet and tender melodies—and this sticky-sweet slow jam, produced by the masterminds at Daseca, ranks up there as one of his sweetest. But let’s not beat about the bush. When he says he missed this girl, he’s not just thinking of long walks on the beach or evenings at home to “Netflix and chill.” He misses her f*ck. As with his breakout hit “7Eleven,” Daps keeps it 100 on this tune, a winning formula for his fervent female fanbase. “Me friends ah laugh and say me pussy-whip,” Daps sings. “Pussy whip me like slavery!”  Check him profiling in a Rolls Royce with his honey dip in this criss new video. Video After the Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Jamie xx ft. Young Thug & Popcaan “I Know There’s Gonna Be (Good Times)” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Jamie xx ft. Young Thug & Popcaan “I Know There’s Gonna Be (Good Times)” Official Music Video

    Unruly Boss Kick Ooout Far Ooout

    You know a dancehall artist’s career is starting to bubble when he or she starts getting those outernatinoal looks. Last year Popcaan had the “Kisses For Breakfast” collab with Melissa Steel that was all over pop radio in the UK. This year he’s featured on Jamie XX’s “Good Times” single alongside Young Thug. The video for the song just dropped today, and although Jamie, Thugger, and Papi never appear in the same shot, all appear to be enjoying themselves in their own unique way (who knew Popcaan was into pre-dawn roottop hoverboarding?) Plus the girls floating in a pool are always a nice addition. Mass Appeal says this joint is the song of the summer—I just hope we haven’t seen the last of Popcaan’s Hoverboard, which doesn’t get near enough screentime. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Daniel Bambaata Marley “Waiting for the War” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Daniel Bambaata Marley “Waiting for the War” Official Music Video

    “We’re The Last of the Mohicans, Last of a Dying Breed”

    If you ain’t up on Daniel Bambaata Marley yet, time to play catch-up. His first release, “My Girl,” a combination with his cousin Jo Mersa, touched the road in 2010. He sang the rootsy love song “Treat You Right” on Ghetto Youths International’s first Set Up Shop compilation. More recently, his track “Free It Up” was a standout on Inner Circle’s “Tenement Yard” juggling. Boomshots now presents the video for his latest release, “Waiting for the War.” like his name itself, this tune reflects two mighty musical legacies. Rooted in the reggae his grandfather Bob first spread around the world, the song explodes (tick-tick-boom) into a fusillade of bars that bounce between dancehall and hip hop cadences that would bring a smile to the face of the Universal Zulu Nation founder. As the eldest son of Ziggy Marley, Daniel is wary not to be pigeon-holed as some sort of carbon copy. No danger of that—he’s inherited his father’s taste for restless musical experimentation, and for a second-generation Jamaican youth raised in Miami it’s only fitting that Daniel embodies a complex of cultural influences. “False prophets are prophesying on some shit they’ll never see / While watching television wondering who’s watching me,” Daniel rhymes on the gritty track, which presents a surprisingly bleak world view for a 25-year-old. “My aim is to love,” he asserts in the same verse before noting that “We’re the last of the Mohicans, the last of a dying breed.” Welcome to the new age. Video After the Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: New Kingston ft. Wailing Souls “Protect Me” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: New Kingston ft. Wailing Souls “Protect Me” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    Three Brothers Making Real Reggae Music Straight Outta BK

    Growing up as the sons of renowned drummer, producer, and studio owner Courtney Panton, the members of New Kingston—Tahir, Steve and Courtney Panton, Jr.—were immersed in all aspects of reggae music creation and the livity that goes with it for as long as they remember. So it should be no surprise that the Brooklyn-based trio have quickly distinguished themselves as one of reggae’s freshest new bands on the international scene. Boomshots is proud to premiere their latest music video off the album Kingston City, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard reggae chart. The song is called “Protect Me,” featuring The Wailing Souls on a wicked re-lick of their classic “Firehouse Rock,” updated inna 2015 BK stylee. Be sure to check the tour dates below for a chance to experience New Kingston live and direct. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Collie Buddz Talks “Blue Dreamz” EP and Herbal Inspiration

    Collie Buddz Talks “Blue Dreamz” EP and Herbal Inspiration

    “When I’m home I really don’t smoke,” says Bermuda’s Biggest Dancehall Star

    Collie Buddz rolled through NYC this Labor Day weekend to celebrate the release of his new EP Blue Dreamz. The Bermuda-born DJ said he recorded most of the new EP during a recent trip to Jamaica. The title track, produced by Johnny Wonder on his brand new “Ice Cold” riddim, refers to a popular strain of high-grade ganja that Collie discovered during a tour stop in Northern California. Although herb laws are reforming all over the world, Collie says that in his native Bermuda the wisdom weed is still far from legal. “When I’m home I really don’t smoke,” says the artist who first blew up off the ganja tune “Come Around.” The final track of the album is called “Prescription” and refers to a day when the healing of the nation will be available to all. Check out Collie Buddz reasoning with Reshma B about the new EP as well as some real talk about reggae and race and the inspiration behind his classic cut “Blind to You” (Haters).  Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Reasoning with Hot 97 On Da Reggae and Soca Tip: “People Expect to Hear New Reggae on Hot 97”

    Reasoning with Hot 97 On Da Reggae
    and Soca Tip: “People Expect to Hear New Reggae on Hot 97”

    This Year They Almost Called It “On Da Reggae Soca and AfroBeat Tip”

    Hot 97’s annual On Da Reggae Tip concert has become the must-see kickoff event for NYC’s Labor Day Weekend every year. But in recent years they’ve added the word “Soca” to the title, reflecting the full range of Caribbean music in NYC. “Because you have so many big Jamaican names that can’t travel that’s hurt the music on this side,” says Ebro of Hot 97. “You’ve seen a rise in soca… We were even tossing around the idea of even adding AfroBeat to the show. You’re seeing them embracing other types of music.”  The 2015 edition, set for Friday September 4th on Governor’s Island, is already Sold Out—with soca boss Machel Montano holding it down for the Trini massive. Reshma B talks to the Hot 97 morning crew: Ebro, Rosenberg & Laura Stylez, as they discuss the current state of reggae, dancehall, and Afro-beat music and look back on some of the highlights of past ODRT shows—from Supercat’s surprise appearance to Spice wining on Rosenberg—and of course look forward to this year’s performances by Machel Montano, Barrington Levy, Gyptian, Assassin, Kranium, Konshens, Collie Buddz and more. Video After The Jump… (more…)