Blog

  • Vybz Kartel Appeal Moves Forward

    Vybz Kartel Appeal Moves Forward

    Gaza Fans Rejoice But There’s Still A Long Road Ahead

    Gaza fans are celebrating at today’s news that Vybz Kartel and his co-defendants have been granted “leave” to pursue his appeal. His Lawyer Tom Tavares-Finson told the Jamaica Observer that this was an important step in the case. “It’s the first but critical step in the appeal process,” the prominent attorney explained. “A single judge, Justice Frank Williams, has read all the papers from the trial and determined that there are grounds on which an appeal could be allowed, so he has given the green light to proceed. We will move on to a full appeal in September. It is a limited victory, but an important moral victory for my client, as it reinforces the notion in his mind that justice will be srved and he will be acquitted.” Full Story & Video After The Jump…  (more…)

  • Dameon Gayle: Behind The Lens

    Dameon Gayle: Behind The Lens

    Envisioning Music with Director (Warrior Films) and Producer (Warrior Musick Productions), Dameon Gayle

    Dameon Gayle, is to reggae and dancehall what Hype Williams is to hip hop. He grew up in Waterhouse and learned to play drum, keyboard and bass guitar by ear, as a child. By 18, he began  hanging out with local musicians in his community including,  Bob Andy. This early introduction to music would shape his life and career. More After The Jump…

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  • Kelissa Captivates Fans with “Spellbound” EP

    Kelissa Captivates Fans with “Spellbound” EP

    New EP is Uniquely Outstanding

    Kelissa’s recent Spellbound project isn’t your run-of-the-mill reggae EP, it’s a resurrection in the form of roots renaissance recordings. Spellbound takes the listener to Reggae’s remotest regions and ventures beyond into the exotic. The EP contains 11 tracks, including three extended interludes and two dubs. The interesting instrumentals including Native American drums and flute, in conjunction with thought provoking lyrics, makes this EP a force to be reckoned with. More After The Jump… (more…)

  • Flashback Friday: Notorious B.I.G.: “Sky’s The Limit”

    Flashback Friday: Notorious B.I.G.: “Sky’s The Limit”

    Brooklyn’s Finest Rapper Continues to Live On Through His Powerful Lyrics

    March 9, 2017, marked the 20th anniversary of Christopher Wallace, Notorious B.I.G.’s murder in Los Angeles, California. He was only 24 years old and at the height of his career, when he lost his life. His murder remains a cold case despite the $50,000 award for any leads in the case. However, Notorious B.I.G. ‘s musical anthology continues to inspire generations born during and after his time. A quote from one of his inspiring tunes (below) trended across social media as fans new and old, commemorated the life of this music legend. The surge of quotes came after Puff Daddy put out a tweet, requesting that fans remember his friend by posting their favorite Biggie quotes. The most admired quote was from “Sky’s The Limit,” released in 1997. This song features the R&B group 112 and comes from the album entitled, “Life After Death Album.” This Friday, we reflect on the lyrics of this classic B.I.G. song and the quote from the last line of the song which touched so many.

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  • Orlando Octave: Deeper Than Soca

    Orlando Octave: Deeper Than Soca

    A Thought Provoking  Soca Song Makes It All The Way To The International Soca Monarch Finals

    When Orlando Octave’s father entered him into a local television competition in Trinidad, his life changed forever.  After, a few local hits, he wrote a breakthrough song “Single,” that catapulted him to a spot in the International Soca Monarch Finals. We spoke to him a few days before  the competition to learn the message behind this smash hit. Interview After The Jump…

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  • Rihanna Honored As Harvard University’s Humanitarian of the Year

    Rihanna Honored As Harvard University’s Humanitarian of the Year

    Robyn Rihanna Fenty Graciously Accepts Award on Harvard University Campus

    On February 28, 2017 students and faculty filled the Sanders Theatre at Harvard University. The gathering was held to honor musical artist, Rihanna for her philanthropy and exemplary compassion humanitarianism. More After The Jump…

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  • HEAR THIS: Thornato ft. Gappy Ranks “Rhinoceros” PREMIERE

    HEAR THIS: Thornato ft. Gappy Ranks “Rhinoceros” PREMIERE

    You Coulda Have the Heart of A Lion, Speed of a Cheetah…

    Since the success of his 2014 release “Gaita Gaita,” Queens-based producer Thor Partridge aka Thornato has been making waves around the world as a beat maker and remixer. His new project Bennu showcases the talents of versatile vocalists from around the globe. UK grime-turned-dancehall don Gappy Ranks  features on “Rhinoceros,” which Boomshots proudly premieres today. “The beat that I initially created and sent to Gappy ended up morphing into something completely different once I received his vocals,” Thornato recalls. ” I ended up stripping everything down to let Gappy’s powerful voice take the lead.  The synth is inspired by an ancient Greek bagpipe called ‘Askaulos.’ I heard a solo performance that was incredibly haunting and unique and I immediately thought it would make a great lead synth sound.” Once this riddim gets rolling, it’s oddly reminiscent of the sound of a thousand stampeding rhinoceri. Audio After The Jump…
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  • Anthony Cruz Mourns His Daughter After Violent Tragedy

    Anthony Cruz Mourns His Daughter After Violent Tragedy

    Singer Anthony Cruz mourns his only daughter’s untimely death

    Like most 15 years old girls, Shanice Cruz was dreaming about her future, excelling in school, enjoying life, friendship and love. However her  life was cut short due to senseless violence and this has been a disheartening tragedy for her father, reggae singer, Anthony Cruz and the reggae community at large.  More After The Jump…

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  • WATCH THIS: Charly Black “F**K Sweet/Whinning Vixen” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Charly Black “F**K Sweet/Whinning Vixen” Official Music Video

    Charly Black Releases New Video Before His Party Animal U.S.A. Tour 

    Before the west coast stops on his U.S.A. tour to Seattle, L.A. and Oakland, Charly Black released the visual for “F**K Sweet” and “Whinning Vixen” production collaborations with NotNice Records and DJ Tropical Production, respectively. More After The Jump…

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  • HEAR THIS: Horace Andy “Straight to Hell” PREMIERE

    HEAR THIS: Horace Andy “Straight to Hell” PREMIERE

    Studio One Legend Sings The Clash Classic

    Joe Strummer’s flat, affect-less vocals on “Straight to Hell” from The Clash’s  1982 album “Combat Rock” lend a chilling air to the song’s ice cold message, which is now timelier than ever in the Trump administration prepares executive orders, travel bans, mass deportations. and wall building. “Straight to Hell” has long been considered one of the band’s best loved songs, providing raw material for future creations like M.I.A.’s “Paper Planes” and Kanye West’s “Swagger Like Us.” Andy himself is a bonafide Studio One legend who’s also worked with the likes of Massive Attack. Strummer first collaborated with him in 1999, writing the militant title track for Andy’s “Living in the Flood” album. The Studio One legend had already attempted a reggae version of “Straight to Hell” but wasn’t happy with the recording. But when he linked with Milwaukee musician Eric Blowtorch, who’s worked with many reggae artists and knew Strummer, they made this brand new roots reggae recording of “Straight to Hell,” which will be released via 12-inch single on Fe True Records March 16th and via digital download on April 14th. Andy’s voacal is backed with a dub side plus Big Youth’s deejay version, “Asylum Seekers.” These type of hardcore reality tunes are all too timely in the current political climate—and do remember 10 per cent of proceeds goes to Doctors Without Borders. Turn up to full watts. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Randy Valentine “Black Cinderella” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Randy Valentine “Black Cinderella” Official Music Video

    Something Dark & Moody For Your VDay Viewing Pleasure

    When your name is Randy Valentine, every day is Valentine’s Day. Just in case you’re not up on the young UK-based reggae singer, dude is mad versatile. Around this time last year he dropped the Radio Music mixtape displaying his skills as an MC. Today we find him in lovers rock mode on “Black Cinderella,” which sports some brand-new visuals courtesy of Dubee from Upsetta sound system, which just premiered today on Mass Appeal. Produced by Mad Professor apprentice Joe Ariwa, the tasty one-drop track off Randy Valentine’s Still Pushing EP is tailor-made for a day like today. Depending on your relationship status—single, boo’d up, or complicated—Valentine’s Day can be either a lot of pressure or just plain depressing. No matter where you stand on the holiday at this moment, this video should do you right. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Kashie Khaos Queening with New Single, “Royal Romance”

    Kashie Khaos Queening with New Single, “Royal Romance”

    Exclusive Interview with New Artist, Kashie Khaos

    With breathy Macy-Gray like vocals, new artist Kashie Khaos, lyrically delivers on her debut single, “Royal Romance.” Kashie’s early years as a poet lead her to publish 4 free-style books. This poetic foundation furnished her ability to write songs and  to capture her beliefs with lyrical prowess. We spoke to this artist about her creative process and what inspires her music. Interview After The Jump…

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