Happy Birthday To The King of Kings
Exactly 120 years ago today, Tafari Makonnen was born in the Harar province of Ethiopia. He would go on to become His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie, Emperor of Ethiopia, still revered by the Rastafarian movement and countless reggae songs as the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah. In short, a Black God incarnate. When Emperor Selassie visited Jamaica On April 21, 1966 he was greeted like a messiah. Video after the jump. (more…)
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WATCH THIS: H.I.M. Haile Selassie’s Official State Visit To Jamaica
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HEAR THIS: Wayne Marshall ft. Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Aidonia, Assassin, I-Octane, Bounty Killer & Vybz Kartel “Go Hard”
Ghetto Youths Presents The Maddest Collaboration Of The Summer—Seven The Hard Way
Ever since it premiered in Jamaica a week or so ago, the first single from Wayne Marshall’s album on the Marley brothers’ Ghetto Youths imprint has had the place in a frenzy. Baby G and Teetimus on the riddim; Wayne Marshall and friends on the mic. Everybody on here is spitting fire, but Jr. Gong truly goes H.A.M. on his verse. Still trying to figure out how they got Kartel on there?! But one thing’s very clear: the Ghetto Youths movement is strong. (more…) -
HEAR THIS: Kes The Band “Tuesday on the Rocks”
Rockin’ In Stereo, Stereo, Stereo
Our favorite new band out of Trinidad just dropped something extra-sweet on the rock-steady Gal Season Riddim. Pass that 1919.
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Interview: Shabba Speaks on Sumfest, Bigs Up Kartel
The Dancehall Emperor Speaks On Why He’s Been Away From JA, And Says “Free Up The Vybz”
Shabba Ranks’ headlining performance at the 20th anniversary edition of Reggae Sumfest in the early hours of Saturday morning is front page news in Jamaica today. Shortly after tearing up the stage in MoBay, the “Dancehall Emperor” blessed Boomshots.com with this exclusive interview. He tells Reshma B why he hasn’t performed in Jamaica for 11 years, how he keeps his body in shape, and shares a few words of encouragement for his fellow dancehall artists. Video after the jump… (more…) -
Interview: Tommy Lee Mashes Up Sumfest “Like A Monster”
The Hottest New Name In Dancehall Chops It Up With The Reggae Girl About Town
Right after mashing up Dancehall Night at Reggae Sumfest, MoBay native Tommy Lee sat down with Reshma B for a quick interview. “How did it feel performing tonight?” she asked him. “Wonderful. Feel like a monster.” Check the video after the jump to hear how Tommy Lee keeps in touch with Vybz Kartel, and how he’s working to keep the Gaza alive. (more…) -
HEAR THIS: Snoop Lion “La La La”
Major Lazer Leaks The First Single From Snoop’s Reggae Album Reincarnated
If you didn’t know that Snoop was a reggae head, then you just haven’t been paying attention. But after linking with Diplo and taking a trip to Jamaica Snoop made up his mind to record his first reggae album. Now after all the talk comes our first listen to Snoop Dogg’s new reggae alter-ego, “Snoop Lion” in this rootsy rub-a-dub duet with Jovi Rockwell. So can you teach an old Dogg new tricks? Let’s find out…
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HEAR THIS: Tommy Lee “Tom & Jerry”
No Cartoon Thing
Last night PG-13 representer Tommy Lee mashed up Reggae Sumfest with a copy of Vybz Kartel’s new book in his hand. This morning we received this UIM production from Johnny Wonder at 21st Hapilos. Coincidence? (more…) -
Final Reggae Sumfest 2012 Lineup
Shabba Ranks, Junior Gong, Beenie Man, Lady Saw, R. Kelly, Trey Songz, Bunny Wailer, U Roy, and More…
After months of waiting and anticipating, the 20th anniversary edition of “The Greatest Reggae Show on Earth” is all set to kick off in Montego Bay tomorrow night. Check out the full lineup and promo videos after the jump… (more…)
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Shabba Ranks Arrives In Jamaica For Reggae Sumfest
The Ranks Gets A Heroes Welcome As He Steps Off The Plane
It’s been a long time since Shabba Ranks touched the stage in Jamaica, so when the “Dancehall Emperor” touched down in MoBay for the 20th anniveersary staging of Reggae Sumfest, he got a hero’s welcome. It’s only right. Check the video after the jump.
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HEAR THIS: Beenie Man ft. Beres Hammond “Pull Up Selecta”
The Doctor And Beres Connect For An Instant Classic
When Beenie Man passed through NYC earlier this month, he told us his new album King In Control had a wicked tune featuring Beres Hammond, and now we get a chance to hear it. Summer just got a little bit hotter.
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HEAR THIS: Vybz Kartel ft. Action Bronson “Money” Remix
The Werlboss And The Mad Albanian Genius Team Up For A Brand New Remix
“It’s all about making that money while I’m in the limelight,” said Vybz Kartel in an interview last year—before he was jailed on two counts of murder. “At the end of the day, when I retire, I want to know that I retired with enough money to take care of my family. Because I was born poor and I can die poor. But as long as my family’s okay and my kids are good, I’m good. I don’t take nothing that is happening in the music business personal. It’s just business to me. If I can capitalize on it, that’s what I’m going to do and make that extra buck.” Even now that he’s behind bars, Kartel’s business keeps going and going like the Energizer Bunny. The Werlboss just released his long-awaited book, and soon a deluxe edition of his album Kingston Story—produced last year by Mixpak Records—will be out on VICE Records, boasting a few never-before-heard tracks like “Money,” On this brand-new Dre Skull remix, it sounds like Action Bronson hit the Volcano before he stepped up to the mic—maaad. (more…)
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The Top 20 Lady Saw Songs
All Hail The Queen
Photographs by William RichardsHappy (belated) Birthday Dancehall Queen. You’ve heard the phrase “Bad Bitches Bomb First”? Well I fink it was originated by this Lady here. Over the years Marion Hall, aka Lady Saw, has taken the reggae industry by storm, blazing a trail for females in a field that’s supposedly dominated by the boys. Despite being a “lady,” her chat has been tough enough to compete with—and in many cases, excel—her male counterparts. Of course she’s created her fair share of controversy along the way—revolutionaries always do. (more…)