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  • HEAR THIS: Major Lazer ft. Johnny Osbourne & Flux Pavillion “Jah No Partial”

    Ooh What A La La—Flux Pavillion In Yuh Area

    Major Lazer signed up UK dubstep demigod Flux Pavillion—the same dude who was sampled on Watch The Throne—to hook up the earthshaking basslines on the latest Major Lazer release. This tune was inspired by a classic Johnny Osbourne selection. Now we get to hear the fullness. Judge it without partiality.

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  • WATCH THIS: How To Mix A Blackwell Rum Cocktail

    The ReggaeGirlAboutTown Makes A Big Splash At The UK Rumfest 

    Reshma B passed through the UK Rumfest in London last week and headed straight for the Blackwell Rum shack. Yes that’s right—Chris Blackwell himself, the man who founded Island Records and signed Bob Marley—now has his own brand of rum (and it’s actually quite tasty). At the Rumfest, master mixologist Jay Zinzan showed RGAT the finer points of mixing signature rum cocktails like the Goldeneye and the Blackwell Stormy. So check the video, practice your wrist action, then grab yourself a few bottles of Blackwell Rum and start mixing up a storm. Video after the jump…
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  • HEAR THIS: More Spiritual Riddim Mix

    Download Mr. Williamz Blazing New Track “Herbzman”

    Our first taste of the Green Lion Crew’s easy-skankin’ More Spiritual Riddim came via a maad tune called “We Run England” by Mr. Williamz. His hilariously outrageous lyrics about the Queen giving him a foot massage had us wanting more. Now comes this tasty preview of the full riddim featuring Perfect, Kabaka Pyramid, YT, Million Stylez & some crazy intros by the original pioneer Joe Lickshot of Youthman Promotions crew. Get familiar with this big new juggling, and download a free preview of Mr. Williamz second tune on the riddim before the thing drops on Soul of the Lion Records. Audio and Download Link After the Jump…
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  • HEAR THIS: Wickerman “Gone Tomorrow”

    A Tribute to Captain Barkey—Gone But Not Forgotten

    One of the most under-rated duos in the dancehall business, Captain Barkey and Wickerman are veteran entertainers who could always be counted on to deliver powerful tunes year in and year out. And of course now that we can’t see them live anymore, folks seem to have a newfound appreciation for their talents. (As the old saying goes, you never miss your water till the well runs dry.) Since Barkey’s tragic murder last weekend, the whole dancehall diaspora has been plunged into mourning and sadness with everybody asking “Why?” but nobody moreso than his longtime sparring partner Wickerman. Last night Wicker was locked up inside Kingston’s Truckback Studios putting the finished touhes on this heartfelt tribute to his bredren. Boomshots presents it with deep condolences to all Barkey’s friends, family, and fans. Anybody who’s lost somebody will be able to relate to this one. Audio after the jump…
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  • WATCH THIS: Leftside Feat. Sean Paul “Want Yuh Body Flip”

    Leftside Enlists Sean Paul For The Remix Of His Ever Popular “Want Yuh Body”

    Leftside links up with the Dancehall massive himself Sean Paul to lend his talents to an already blazing track. The pair took their talents to south beach and did what they do best, not to mention being surrounded by a bevy of beauties in the process. The song is infectious and you’ll find yourself humming this tune in no time – Peep the vid after the jump. (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Johnny Osbourne “Mr. Marshall”

    Check Out Where Major Lazer Got The Vocals For Their Soon To Be Released Single “Jah No Partial”

    While we anxiously await the release of Major Lazer’s new single (set to drop Monday 22nd October), we thought it would be nice to take a listen to the song that inspired it all. Johnny Osbourne’s 1980’s classic “Mr. Marshall” chronicled the daily struggle with police violence in the ghetto.  Take a trip down memory lane after then jump. (more…)

  • Watch This: Bitty McLean & Josey Wales “Running Over”

    Bitty McLean And The Outlaw Josey Wales Link Up Over A Sly + Robbie Production

    We’re excited to announce the soon-to-be released “Running Over” single by Bitty McLean featuring non other than “The Outlaw” himself Josey Wales, and if you think that wasn’t enough the track is produced the legendary foundation duo Sly & Robbie. The will also be released on a 12 inch 45RPM “Disco 45” single on 180g vinyl with a heavy cardboard picture sleeve, with a discomix version of this cover of Freddy McKay’s hit with foundation dancehall legend Josey Wales.  The riddim was built by sampling Black Uhuru’s “Shine Eye Girl,” however for Bitty’s upcoming album another version of the riddim will be used which was recorded recently in Kingston with the Taxi crew. Check out the trailer after the jump. (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Mr. Vegas “Rise Again” And “Bare Tingz” World Exclusive

    Vegas Show Us He Will Rise And Be Stronger Than Before

    October has been a trying month for Dancehall artist Mr. Vegas. Since news of his then girlfriend’s infidelity broke Vegas has weathered the storm and even though after publicly voicing his feelings on the matter he has shown a resilience not easily matched by many in the same situation. The times are still tough for Mr. Vegas, but  he has latched on to the one thing that has always brought him happiness, his music, which has proven to be a great asset is his healing process and now with a new sense of purpose he has been knocking down hours in the studio. Fresh off the press Vegas blessed Boomshots with two new cuts, “Rise Again” an acoustic version based on the one he recently performed at the Rockhouse Foundation benefit in New York City. and a special bonus track “Bare Tingz” both guaranteed to get heavy rotation. Audio After the Jump (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Mavado “Disrespect”

    Gully Gad Spits Fire On The Face Off Riddim

    This morning Di Genius dropped his Face Off riddim, featuring a blend of badman and bedroom tunes. No question which category Mavado’s “Disrespect” falls into. The opening line offers a hint: “Yo Ragga, some bwoy ah labba, man a mek dem blood run like agua.”  Audio After The Jump

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  • HEAR THIS: Cocoa Tea Pon Radio Lily

    Cocoa Calls In To The Strictly Boomshots Show

    We don’t usually do phoners on the Strictly Boomshots show—but we made an exception for Cocoa Tea. The fisherman from Clarendon has caught more than a few classics in the stormy seas of reggae music. Think about all the eras this classical reggae dancehall superstar spans—from Junjo to Jammys to  Music Works to Bobby Digital to Xterminator and most recently his own Roaring Lion productions—we’re talking hits pon top of hits. Long story short, the Miss Lily’s fam was more than happy to have Cocoa ring up this Monday. We reasoned about his forthcoming album Ina Di Red, and his big collabo with D’Angel—which has folks speculating whether he’s really resting in her nest. (For the record he has the utmost respect for her DJ skills, as for the rest of the rumors… draw your own conclusions.) He even dropped some science on Christopher Come-Rob-Us, broke down the true meaning of “dancehall,” and made a plea to free up his bredren Buju Banton. You don’t want to miss this one. Interview And Live Session After The Jump…

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  • Letter From Kingston: Digging On Beat Street

    Sevens Clash Goes Shopping At Augustus Pablo’s Old Record Shop

    Today, Beat Street is a shadow of its former self. A long, slow rate of attrition initiated by the digital drift of the music industry, and assisted by governmental neglect, has gradually gutted what was once a vibrant scene. With a disappearing domestic market and unable to subsist solely on the occasional pilgrimage by fanatics from abroad, stores are being shuttered one by one. Pablo passed away in 1999 at the age of 44 due to complications from a rare nerve disorder, but the family maintains ownership, and Rockers International stands defiant in the face of the changing tide. They are truly one of the last of a dying breed.  (more…)

  • Buju Banton Jurors Would Say “Not Guilty” On Gun Charge

    The Banton Faces Resentencing Later This Month—But Will Justice Be Served?

    The Broward/Palm Beach New Times is reporting that at least four of the jurors who served on Buju Banton’s drug case would have found him not guilty of gun charges. Chris Sweeney’s latest blog post is a must-read: “Terri Wright has been called to serve jury duty seven times,” Sweeney writes. “But none of the cases compares to the federal drug and gun trial of reggae singer Buju Banton. That one “took the cake,” as she puts it. She still talks to coworkers about the murky back story of the federal snitch, Alex Johnson, and says she couldn’t sleep at night when deliberating.” The Half That’s Never Been Told After The Jump… (more…)