Boomshots

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  • HEAR THIS: Laza Morgan “We Rep JA”

    Laza Representing To The Fullest

    The man who brought us “One By One” last summer is back with another banger. “We Rep JA” is the name of the tune on the Rep JA riddim, but the music is just the beginning. RepJA is also a Caribbean Streetwear lifestyle brand with a simple message: “Dem Nuh Bad Like We!!!.” Check their tumblr for a glimpse of their designs and pree the tune after the jump.
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  • What a BAM BAM!

    Brooklyn Academy of Music Hosts “Do The Reggae” Flim Festival Starting Today

    Written by Amy Wachtel (@NightNurse1Love)

    Reggae fans in the New York-Tri-State area will want to forget about the beach or any outdoor activities this weekend, and head over to BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) where they can hole up with some of the wickedest Reggae flims—er, films—ever made. Billed as “Do The Reggae,” BAMcinematek will present a 14-film series celebrating Jamaica’s music and the 50th Anniversary of the Land of Wood and Water’s Independence. (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Bob Marley “Redemption Song” Acoustic

    “Emancipate Yourselves From Mental Slavery” And Let Every Day Be Emancipation Day

    On this day in 1838, Queen Victoria’s Slavery Abolition Act ended slavery throughout the British Empire—decades before President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation abolishing slavery in the United States. Governmental decrees are all well and good, but as Bob Marley reminds us in his timeless classic “Redemption Song,” “none but ourselves can free our minds.” As Jamaica approaches its 50th year of independence, the Gong’s words ring truer than ever. Video after the jump. (more…)

  • Top 10 Sluggy Ranks Selections

    A Full Clip Of Certified Boomshots From The Late Great Dancehall Singer

    One of the greatest vocalists of the New York dancehall scene, Sluggy Ranks, died this past weekend at the age of 44 following a car crash in Kingston. Born Andrew Gregory in Jamaica, Sluggy moved to Brooklyn as a youth and soon began recording for local producers, releasing numerous classic tracks on the Jah Life, Witty’s, Park Heights, Shelly’s, Digital English, Tan Yah, and Wild Apache labels throughout the 1980s and ’90s. He eventually became a foundation artist within the NYC reggae community. A mainstay at Don One dub studio, Sluggy was known for hard-edged yet conscious lyrics and his trademark “EEE” ad-lib. Although he could charge top dollar to put his voice on dubplate, Sluggy was always willing to work with a small sound to help another “Ghetto Youth Buss.” Anytime he took up the mic in a live dancehall session, excitement was sure to follow. According to his obituary on Billboard.biz, he adopted the name Sluggy Ranks as a means of “shooting the slugs of destruction, murder and chaos with righteousness, unity and forgiveness.” Let’s take a look back at the man’s musical legacy. Rest In Power Mr. Slug.

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  • WATCH THIS: Snoop Lion Pon Radio Lily

    The Artist Formerly Known As Snoop Dogg Passes Through The Strictly Boomshots Show

    After his big “Reincarnated” Press Conference at Miss Lily’s Restaurant, Snoop passed through RadioLily.com to reason about his new reggae album, his epic trip to Jamaica, what he saw when he visited Tivoli Gardens, and who’s got the best weed—Jamaica or California? (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Snoop Lion “Reincarnated” Documentary Trailer

    New Film Tells The Story Of How Snoop Dogg Became Snoop Lion

    Yesterday was a big day for Snoop Dogg Lion, and for reggae music. One of the biggest icons in hip-hop history called a press conference to discuss his first-ever reggae album, titled Reincarnated. But the record—produced by Diplo and the Major Lazer posse—is only the beginning. Snoop’s epic trip to Jamaica and his transformation from Snoop Dogg, hardcore rap star to Snoop Lion, Rasta reggae singer is chronicled in a documentary film produced by VICE Media that will premiere this fall at the Toronto Film Festival. Check out the official trailer after the jump. (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Orange Hill ft. Vybz Kartel “Pon Time”

    Brand New Video Gives Werlboss The Grand Theft Auto Treatment

    When Dr. Dre played Coachella this summer, Tupac couldn’t make it so they brought out a hologram. It’s 2012 after all. So it’s no surprise Orange Hill wanted to highlight their tune with Vybz Kartel they stayed “Up 2 Di Time” and went the CGI route as well. Replete with helicopyers, speed boats, and bloodthirsty ninjas, the clip for “Pon Time” looks like a new episode of Grand Theft Auto (shout to Coolie and Seeborn!) except the beats are even crazier.
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  • Interview: Wayne Marshall Talks “Go Hard,” Ghetto Youths Link

    Mr. “Go Hard” Steps Off Stage at London’s Indig02 & Chops It Up With Reshma B

    This past weekend, Damian Marley and the Ghetto Youths International crew set up shop in London, England to kick off the Respect Jamaica 50 shows at the Indig02. After blazing the stage, Wayne Marshall took a moment to kick it with the Reggae Girl About Town. Reshma B asks Wayne about his big new posse cut “Go Hard” and how he really got Kartel on the track. (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Christopher Ellis ft. Bay-C “Don’t Change Your Number”

    Here  Comes A Brand New Sound From The Ghetto Youths Crew

    Last night at London’s IndigO2, Christopher Ellis premiered this track live. “I’m a reggae singer,” said Alton’s song from the stage, “I sing one-drop reggae. But this is something different.” Bay-C from TOK adds just enough dancehall flavor to keep the tune from drifting too far afield. All we know is it sounds like hit. (more…)

  • Interview: Damian Marley At Reggae Sumfest

    Gong To The Zilla Blazes Sumfest On His Birthday, Then Chops It Up With The Reggae Girl About Town

    After mashing up the final night of Reggae Sumfest 2012, Junior Gong tells Reshma B all about the new Ghetto Youths movement. Video after the jump.
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  • WATCH THIS: Konshens Live Pon Radio Lily

    Fresh Off Reggae Sumfest, Konshens Passes Through Miss Lily’s And Makes The Gal Dem Bubble

    Fresh off a breakthrough performance at Reggae Sumfest’s Dancehall Night, Konshens Sojah jets off to NYC to nice up the #StrictlyBoomshots show. Max Glazer on the wheels; video by the man called Gizmo.
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  • HEAR THIS: Vybz Kartel “Dem Bwoy”

    Brand New Release From Di War Teacha

    Even if he isn’t voicing new tunes behind bars, Vybz Kartel has to be Jamaica’s most prolific inmate ever. We just got hold of ZJLiquid’s steady-bubbling ILabash Riddim and we’ve had “Dem Bwoy” on repeat ever since. Take a listen and you’ll see why you need this on your iTunes playlist now.
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