Boomshots

Category: Video

  • WATCH THIS: Kabaka Pyramid “Nice Up Di Dance” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Kabaka Pyramid “Nice Up Di Dance” Official Music Video

    Nice Up Di Dance

    When I asked Clement S. Dodd, the founding father of the Jamaican music industry, which of his many recordings he was proudest of, the producer known as Sir Coxsone paused and stroked his white-whiskered chin. ”There is so much, getting back to ‘One Love’ and ‘Simmer Down,’ ” he said, mentioning two of The Wailers’ first big hits, recorded when a short-haired teenager named Bob Marley was living in a room behind Dodd’s studio. From legendary reggae bands like the Wailers and Burning Spear to the Skatalites, Studio One became Jamaica’s answer to Motown. Of all the great tracks he produced, Mr. Dodd finally selected his favorite. ”Real Rock,” he said, then began laughing. ”Oh God. ‘Real Rock’ really strong. It’s on top.”

    Originally recorded by the ace Studio One reggae band known as Sound Dimension, the “Real Rock” rhythm track that has been used for countless classic tunes, from Willi Williams’ “Armagideon Time” (1977) to Dennis Brown’s “Stop The Fussing and Fighting” (1977). None was more entertaining than Michigan & Smiley’s “Nice Up The Dance.” Papa Michigan & General Smiley’s rollicking combination brings the joys of a live dancehall session to life. It takes a certain caliber of artist to handle a rhythm like the “Real Rock.” So when producer Jeremy Harding was challenged to remake the Michigan & Smiley 1979 classic for the forthcoming VP Records project Dancehall Anthems, there was really only one logical choice—Kabaka Pyramid. An ace lyricist equally adept at classic roots reggae, hip-hop, and dancehall, Kabaka does full justice to Michigan & Smiley’s original while infusing its classic verses with his own unique energy and verbal wizardry. Video After The Jump…
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  • Koffee Opens Up About “Lockdown”

    Koffee Opens Up About “Lockdown”

    “Where Will We GO?”

    There’s still a lot of time left in Summer 2020, but on this last day of July we are declaring Koffee’s “Lockdown” Boomshots official 2020 Summer anthem. Produced by Dane “Raygad” Ray from the Unruly camp, the song finds Koffee asking all of the questions everybody in the world is asking themselves right now. What will the future be like “when the quaratine thing done and everybody touch road?” As soon as we heard this tune we knew it was outta here! (That was way before we saw the video with cameos from Popcaan and Dre Island.) More than just a Covid-era contemplation, “Lockdown” is also a poignant love song that speaks to the challenges of romance during a time of viral pandemic. As such, it represents a milestone in Koffee’s catalog. At the ripe old age of 20, the youngest Reggae Grammy winner in history has given us her first love song—and without overthinking it one bit, she might just have given us a follow-up to rival her breakthrough smash “Toast.” When you hear Koffee sing “if you love me, you should let me…” it’s clear she is in her feelings on this one. Of course everybody wants to know who this song was inspired by, but all we can say about that is just cool. In her first interview since “Lockdown” dropped, Koffee tapped in with Reshma B via Instagram Live and spoke about the inspiration behind the tune.  Video After The Jump… 

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  • WATCH THIS: Tarrus Riley “Fresh Prince of JA” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Tarrus Riley “Fresh Prince of JA” Official Music Video

    Pandemic Got You Feeling Blue? T-4000 To The Rescue!

    Versatility is Tarrus Riley’s middle name. Just the other day he previewed a soul-stirring acoustic prayer called “Remember Me” that was inspired by the trying times all of us have been going through amidst this dreadful pandemic. That was a glimpse of Tarrus in Singy Singy mode, the world-class songwriter, Jimmy Riley big son. Today he’s flipping the script to T-4000 mode, Tarrus hip hop alter ego, with “Fresh Prince of JA“ off the Money Matters / Dutty Rock productions juggling of the same name. This tune will have you rewinding back forward to 1992 when Will Smith was taking over the television as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Check out Tarrus’ take on Will Smith’s funky fresh theme song, with a beat riddim produced by News, son of dancehall legend Papa Michigan (who also makes a cameo in the video). The visuals are giving us some serious Tippa Lee and Rappa Robert vibes. Even when times are dread—especially when they are—we all need to have some fun now and then. Video After The Jump… 

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  • WATCH THIS: Bob Marley “No Woman No Cry” 2020 Visuals

    WATCH THIS: Bob Marley “No Woman No Cry” 2020 Visuals

    A Fresh Look at a Classic Tune

    Amidst outbreaks of viral pandemic and police brutality, the best thing anyone can say about 2020 is that it’s the year of Bob Marley’s 75th Birthday Celebration. And while the year has been terrible and dreadful, Bob Marley’s music has offered much-needed inspiration. The Tuff Gong’s 1984 greatest hits collection Legend has topped the charts every week since mid January when it knocked Stick Figure out of the top spot. What more relevant soundtrack for these trying times than Bob Marley. Today is July 1, International Reggae Day, and what better way to celebrate than by rediscovering one of Marley’s classic songs, “No Woman No Cry”? Today Boomshots and VIBE proudly present a brand new official music video, directed by Kristian Mercado Figueroa and shot in Jamaica and New York City. The poignant, verite visual tells the tale of a family divided by geography yet connected by love and a shared commitment to providing a better life for their youths. In Jamaica, a strong and loving Mother strives to look after her children while their Father works tirelessly as a cab driver in New York City, grooving to Bob Marley while he prepares a barrel to send home. Video After The Jump…
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  • Buju Banton Covers VIBE x Boomshots Collab

    Buju Banton Covers VIBE x Boomshots Collab

    A VIBE x Boomshots Collab: Redemption Songs
    Jamaica’s Undefeated Champion Returns

    “Forward ever,” the late great Jacob “Killer” Miller used to sing. “And backward never.” Reggae music has always been about forward motion, the movement of Jah people, up from downpression and forward to Holy Mount Zion, because freedom is a must. Still, every once in awhile, it doesn’t hurt to take a glance over your shoulder, if only to take the measure of one’s progress. Just to remember the long walk, and to make sure that history is not a mystery. Some stories have got to be told. Story Continues After The Jump…  (more…)

  • Buju Banton and Stephen Marley Speak on “Duppy Conqueror (Yes Mi Friend)”

    Buju Banton and Stephen Marley Speak on “Duppy Conqueror (Yes Mi Friend)”

    A Celebration of Real Friendship, 50 Years After The Wailers Original

    “Yes me friend, we deh pon street again.” 50 years after The Wailers’ original “Duppy Conqueror,” Stephen Marley and Buju Banton lift up their voices and join together in one harmony to create a crucial selection off Buju’s highly anticipated new album ‘Upside Down.’ After watching them perform the song together for the first time on the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise, Reshma B reasoned with Ragga about the story behind the song. A few monthe later she caught up with Buju at Gargamel Studios in Kingston to hear his perspective on this powerful new song with a timeless vibration. Let the reasoning begin. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Chronixx ft. Kabaka Pyramid “Same Prayer” Official Visuals PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Chronixx ft. Kabaka Pyramid “Same Prayer” Official Visuals PREMIERE

    “Look deep within ourselves”

    Do not be deceived by the gorgeous vistas of Jamaican mountainscape displayed in the visuals for “Same Prayer.” This subtly crafted song is more concerned with navigating the treacherous terrain of humanity’s inner landscape than enjoying the view outside. And it’s definitely not all zen, yoga, and spirulina. “There’s so much good in the world,” Chronixx sings, “And still evil a lurk.” The song finds him beseeching the Almighty (JAH) to protect him and his loved ones (I and I) “from the ones who nuh care ’bout the fact we share the same air / and the blood that we bleed is alike.” In other words, it’s a song for this exact moment. When people are dying every day and nobody seems to have the answers. A time when we all do what we need to do. Seen? By the end of the third verse, Chronixx is  crying a river of tears and hoping Jah Jah hears. Then it’s time to touch the road—”Tuck it inna me waist and start up the bike.” Today Boomshots and VIBE proudly premiere the official visuals for “Same Prayer.”  Video After The Jump…

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  • WATCH THIS: Kemikal “Gwaan” Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Kemikal “Gwaan” Music Video PREMIERE

    Enigmatic Equiknoxx DJ brings “Gal power from the man dem” 

    We always take time out to check the vibes from Equiknoxx co-founders Gavin “Gavsborg” Blair and Jordan “Time Cow” Chung. Today we’re proud to premiere a brand new release from Kemikal, an enigmatic artist whom Gavsborg describes as “a lab experiment between Big Pun mixed with Tiger.” Take a moment to let that sink in. OK? Good. Part of the Equiknoxx crew since the 2010s, Kemikal has scored hits superficially with the Polish dancehall community such as “La La La” on the Jim Screechie Riddim. He also recorded cuts on classic Equiknoxx riddims such as: Kamera Trick, White Label, Wash Belly, Gypsy Time as well as collaborating with the likes of Alozade, Chico, J.O.E & T.O.K. Now that you’re up to speed, pree the brand new sup’m called “Gwaan.” Contempt for “peeping toms” and “the male gaze” might seem unlikely within dancehall, but “Gwaan” says freedom of female expression is a must. No social media body shaming round yah so! Video After The Jump…  (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Sean Paul “Back It Up Deh” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Sean Paul “Back It Up Deh” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    Peep SP’s IGTV Interview With Reshma B

    As the first—and only—dancehall artist to appear on the cover of VIBE magazine, Sean Paul has been making history and breaking down musical barriers throughout his career. The Grammy-winning hitmaker has collaborated with some of the biggest stars in urban music, from Beyoncé and Rihanna to DMX and Busta Rhymes, but his come-up was driven by raw uncut dancehall straight off the streets of Jamaica. After more than 20 years in the game, Sean is still going strong, dropping his dutty flow alongside the likes of Stefflon Don, Jhene Aiko, and Dua Lipa. But he’s not just the go-to for a hot yardstyle 16, he’s also an accomplished producer. Sean’s Dutty Rock Productions label has released riddims like “Rope,” “Gang Gang,” “No Caption,” and “Callaloo.” Today VIBE premieres Sean’s latest production, “Back It Up Deh,” a song that pays tribute to the dancehall queens who bust moves when the riddim drops. “I used to want to go to see what the ladies was wearing,” Sean Paul recalled in an exclusive interview with Reshma B. “It was just very sensual outfitting. And then the dancing, it was so free. That’s what I really loved about the culture as a kid. You got involved.” Although street dances are on pause during these quarantine times, Sean’s latest release, and the high-energy video might just have you backing it up while you shelter in place. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Top Shotta: Video Director Kieran Khan

    Top Shotta: Video Director Kieran Khan

    “Success is no accident”

    Born in Guayana, raised in the Bronx, and now based in Toronto, Kieran Khan has built a reputation as one of the most in-demand video directors on today’s dancehall scene. The umbe and hard-working visual craftsman is fond of quoting football legend Pele, who once said, “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” When Kieran suddenly found himself catapulted into success as the official videographer to international stars like Sean Paul and Cardi B, it was a moment that had been over a decade in the making, but which unfolded in the blink of an eye. Ten years of focus, perseverance, sacrifice, learning on the fly and prompt turnaround, combined with his down-to-earth, charismatic persona has finally paid off. But Khan’s work ethic continues to be his driving force. Consistently rising to the occasion even under strenuous circumstances, Khan has learned that dreams can come true in the blink of an eye. Fresh off the release of his latest collaboration with Sean Paul, “Back It Up Deh,” Boomshots asked Kieran to share some of the stories behind his most memorable productions. Check out the first edition of our new series, focusing on the visual artists who bring the music to life, “Top Shotta.” Videos After The Jump…
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  • WATCH THIS: Etana “Truly” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Etana “Truly” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    “First Time I Saw Your Eyes…”

    The first we heard Etana sing we knew she had a special gift. This was back in the mid2000s when the young vocalist had stepped out from her role providing harmonies for Richie Spice to sing her own songs. Etana had stopped by the NYC offices of VIBE magazine to drop off her new video for a powerful song called “Wrong Address” and decided to bless us with an acapella performance. Wow. The sheer power of her delivery left no doubt in anyone’s mind that we were truly in the presence of greatness. Since then we’ve watched the rest of the world catch onto what we understood that day. Etana has grown into a world-renowned recording artist who made history for women in reggae with her 2018 Grammy nomination. So it gives Boomshots a great sense of satisfaction to present the world premiere of Etana’s new music video today. “‘Truly’ was written to inspire more strength in Love,” the singer says. “This one takes my mind into a place where love is deep and sweet.” As Etana lets her voice fly over a warm & easy lovers rock groove the result is magic—and the visuals match the vibe perfectly. Ready for some real Lovers Rock? Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Morgan Heritage “Beach & Country” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Morgan Heritage “Beach & Country” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    Total Niceness From São Vicente, Cape Verde

    “I listen to my favorite song on the radio, in my little cottage on the beach,” as the unmistakable voice of Peter Morgan rings out on the new single from Morgan Heritage, “Beach & Country.” The Grammy-winning family describes Beach & Country as “a song to take away musically anytime of the year to a tropical oasis. Music has a way to contribute to our emotions and we hope our new single takes everyone on a journey down memory lane for those that don’t live in a tropical destination.” The tune was produced by Jugglerz, Haegi and Morgan Heritage, while the video was filmed on location in Sao Vicente, Cape Verde and directed by Mojo Morgan & Adilson Ramos. Today Boomshots proudly premieres these sunny visuals for the new single from Morgan Heritage’s anticipated Loyalty album, due to be released August 2 on the Morgan Family’s CTBC Music Group imprint in association with Membran and Empire. Check the vibes. Video After The Jump…
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