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  • “LAVAAA!!!” The Irie Flame of I-Wayne

    “LAVAAA!!!” The Irie Flame of I-Wayne

    Lava Splash! Fire Dash! Everything Burn To Ash

    Sunday September 4th marked Irie Jam’s 23rd Anniversary concert spotlighting Sizzla Kalonji’s return-to-New-York performance after eight long years of absence. The supporting superstar line-up to the sizzling stage show included an artist who personifies lines from Kalonji’s “King in the Jungle.”  Seated up so high, yet so humble, I-Wayne brought his celestial presence and the hard/soft balance of his cool and deadly style to the Irie Jam Radio massive in the leafy green confines of Roy Wilkins Park. Mainstream airwaves aren’t the lane for I-Wayne. As the Prophet Capleton once put it, he is on a mission, not in a competition. To see him truly manifest is to catch him live in the flesh. After a seething set that made knowledge born that his musical ministry is service to the people—not about bulleting Billboard or gaining Grammys—we linked up with the Loyal Soliders Promotion crew backstage. I-Wayne broke it down with Boomshots as to what the Irie Jam performance meant to him, burning a righteous fire, and shedding light on the livity of a lava lyricist. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Raging Fyah “Raggamuffin” Official Lyric Video

    WATCH THIS: Raging Fyah “Raggamuffin” Official Lyric Video

    How To Prepare Your Steam Chalice

    High tech vaporizers may be all the rage in Babylon, but in Raging Fyah’s new video, they focus on the proper preparation of the ital steam chalice. Celebrated in big tunes like Jah 9’s “Steamers a Bubble,” the Rastafarians’ natural vaporizer utilizes bamboo shoots and coconut shells to achieve a cool smoke-free ganja vapor without the use of microcircuitry. Now just make sure that whatever you put in it is a strong and natural as Raging Fyah’s new album Everlasting and you will be good to go. Video After The Jump…
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  • Busy Signal Helicopters In For Malawi Show With Custom Chopper

    Busy Signal Helicopters In For Malawi Show With Custom Chopper

    Turf Prez Flying High In Africa

    Busy Signal always gets made love in Africa, but yesterday’s concert in Malawi took the Turf Prez to another level—in his own personalized helicopter. The Jamaican reggae/dancehall star arrived in style for his Saturday night show at Civo stadium in Lilongwe thanks to Impact Events boss Lucius Banda, who called in a few favors with the Malawi Defense Force. The southeast African nation’s military forces kindly provided a personalized chopper for Busy—now that’s how you make an entrance!—and an extremely secure ride home after the show. “Safely escorted to hotel by the Army, no one can Harm Mi,” Busy posted on his IG, adding: “Oh, and and tell @reggaesumfest seh mi performed for 3 hours and 37 minutes with my personal Band. Thank you so much! GOD BLESS.” So the thing set. Check out the crowd reaction whenever Busy steps out the chopper or steps to the stage. Hot-head!  Videos After The Jump… (more…)

  • Kick Out Yuh Foot: Assassin x Sam Spiegel x Ape Drums x Kenzo World “Mutant Brain” Ad Goes Viral

    Kick Out Yuh Foot: Assassin x Sam Spiegel x Ape Drums x Kenzo World “Mutant Brain” Ad Goes Viral

    Margaret Qualley Wilds Out To Agent Sasco Inna Parfum Commercial

    O.G. video director Spike Jonze has a long history with The Beastie Boys, whose appreciation for Jamaican music is well known. No surprise then that Jonze’s ad spot for “KENZO World,” a new fragrance (ahem, make that “Parfum”) created by Carol Lim & Humberto Leon, is powered by the maad vibes of dancehall star Agent Sasco aka Assassin. In the commercial, Margaret Qualley, who plays Jill Garvey on the HBO television series, The Leftovers, excuses herself from a fancy award ceremony and starts bugging out to the sounds of a wicked dancehall-dubstep fusion track called “Mutant Brain.” Don’t worry dancehall queens. The HBO star is not exactly ready for Weddy Weddy. When she isn’t kicking out her foot to Sasco’s flow, she’s uncontrollably licking statues and generally acting crazy, not unlike Darryl Hannah’s malfunctioning android sexbot in Blade Runner. The track was produced by Jonze’s brother, Sam Spiegel, in collaboration with Major Lazer affiliate Ape Drums. Spiegel and Jonze have collaborated on TV ads before, including the Adidas TV commercial “Hello Tomorrow.” Spiegel also wrote the popular score for Jonze’s 2010 short film  I’m Here. WWD has now declared the KenzoWorld ad a “viral hit” so basically we’re saying Sasco has racked up another major look. Brap! Brap! Video After The Jump…

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  • WATCH THIS: Jahmiel “Years To Come” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Jahmiel “Years To Come” Official Music Video

    Another Conscious Head Banger from Jahmiel

    Performing since the age of seven, Jahmiel catapulted his career to stardom with hard work and perseverance. Now he expresses the challenges along the way in his new song, entitled “Years To Come.” In this song, the artist born Jamiel Foster discusses the unwarranted truth of people who didn’t want to see him overcome the hurdles in his path. Relying on his spiritual faith and talent in order to prosper, the crafty lyricist cites Psalm 118 in the Bible.   More After The Jump…

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  • HEAR THIS: Equiknoxx Music “Us In 2007” PREMIERE

    HEAR THIS: Equiknoxx Music “Us In 2007” PREMIERE

     Once Upon a Time In Jamaica

    Like the mighty bird of prey who serves as the label’s logo/mascot, Equiknoxx Music has soared to higher heights in recent years. But today the dancehall production team of Nicholas “Bobby The Blackbird” Deane & Gavin “Gavsborg” Blair rewind back to the days when they flew mostly under the radar. Consider Us In 2007  a sonic snapshot, a moment in time—five tracks culled from the Equiknoxx archives and presented for the first time today on Boomshots. “We had no studio at the time,” recalls Blackbird. “Most of these songs were recorded at different studios…mainly Anchor Studios, Cutting Edge Records which is now Chimney Records, B-Rich Entertainment, and Versatile C&M Entertainment now Ancient Records/4th Generation Music. The time was simple; the fees were zero, gratitude is everything. As for us? What to say? “Brash” is the word that comes to mind. Well, depending on your definition. Loud, confident, spirited and maybe a little rude.” These songs are not about “Big Names”—Craigy T and Bay C of TOK fame pop up on two solo cuts; Tifa sings the hook for an artist known as C4 whose eccentric slang (“Man a real Gangle-arka”) steals the show; the only Ranks here is Shawnie. Never mind if you never heard of Rsenal or Lil J.O.E or Jahfrica or Tremma—just listen. The songs possess a raw urgency that is undeniable, and irresistible to fans of real dancehall music. And the production? It knoxx. These beats are ready to take on the world, but they were released at a moment when the world was not ready. “There are no rules, there are no gatekeepers, there are no expectations, there are no limits,” Blackbird summarizes. “We have the secrets of the sky, and laughter comes easy. Actions before words and the birds speak loudly and boldly because they are sure. We are sure about everything.”  Audio After The Jump…
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  • HEAR THIS: Popcaan “Nah Idle”

    HEAR THIS: Popcaan “Nah Idle”

    “If you never listen Popcaan song, mek sure you listen to dah one yah”

    What a year Andrae Hugh Sutherland has had! Hits pon toppa hits in the dancehall. High-profile collabs. Shelling stages and killing sounds around the world. Smoking the highest and relishing close encounters with “some real star gyal.” In his latest tune, produced by Mini for E5 Records and distributed by the mighty 21st Hapilos, Poppy shares the secret of his success, and it’s pretty simple—but easier said than done. It all comes down to work. Hard work. That’s how you live the dream. That’s how you take care of your family. That’s how you climb up the ladder from asking your bredrens to give away promo CDs, to getting your songs played for free (while other artists have to shell out payola.) Mind you, it won’t help cure other peoples’ badmind or grudgefulness. “Artist ah cuss true the world prefer me,” Popcaan observes on the tune. But by avoiding idleness, you can climb the ladder too—thus avoiding the ill effects of badmind. “Wash out unno heart, unno heart too nasty,” Popcaan sings. “We nuh beg people, so no bwoy can style me.”  When Popcaan speaks of “Idle,” he’s not talking about American Idol, or worshipping false idols. He’s speaking of laziness, slothfulness, lack of initiative, purpose, or forward motion. Think of a car in neutral, revving the engine and getting nowhere fast.  Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: K’Coneil “Feel So Right” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: K’Coneil “Feel So Right” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    No Inna No Long Talking

    In this summer of dancehall/pop fusion, everybody seems to be jumping on the reggae bandwagon—with mixed results. Born in Jamaica and raised in New York City, K’Coneil makes music that reflects this blend of cultures organically without feeling forced or contrived. The latest single off his debut EP, LOVE/LUST, is an R&B/dancehall cut called “Feels So Right” produced by New Yorker DJ Calli B. “I wanted to make a feel-good song that spoke about a relationship that just felt great and didn’t require any effort it was just easy and natural,” says the artist. “All the stars aligned and it’s just a perfect match ‘made in heaven.’” Today Boomshots proudly premieres the music video for the track, directed by Zurisaddair, which was shot in Coney Island and Times Square with choreography by the International Danca Family. Like K’Coneil, it’s a perfect blend. Video After The Jump…

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  • Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley Speaks on the “Nail Pon Cross” Music Video Controversy

    Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley Speaks on the “Nail Pon Cross” Music Video Controversy

    Judge Not, Lest Ye Shall Be Judged

    After premiering as a Tidal exclusive, Damian Marley’s powerful new video, “Nail Pon Cross” appeared on his Vevo channel earlier this week, bringing the disturbing visuals to the whole wide world. Although it’s not the first music video to feature a crucifixion scene—Damian told Billboard that he was inspired by his friend Nas’s “Hate Me Now” video—there’s still something shocking about watching Bob Marley’s son have nails pounded through his wrists and left on a telephone pole to die. A still from the video posted online generated a flurry of negative comments, especially from Christians who were offended by what they considered a sacriligeous image. “It’s ironic, because I’m being crucified for being crucified,” he recently told the Huffington Post in response to the controversy. Boomshots caught up with Jr. Gong to get his views on the visuals. Video & Interview After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Rebelution “De-Stress” 360° Video Live at Red Rocks

    WATCH THIS: Rebelution “De-Stress” 360° Video Live at Red Rocks

    California Reggae Posse Rocks Colorado

    Sure they have a bassist named Marley, and that can’t be a bad thing for a reggae band—right? But way back when they were students at the University of California Santa Barbara, the members of  Rebelution probably never imagined that twenty years later they would be touring the world and topping the Billboard reggae charts—becoming basically the most popular reggae band in America. How did it happen? Well, things just kinda fell into place. In fact, the band’s latest album just happens to be called Falling Into Place. In case you’re not up on Rebelution, peep this virtual reality experience from a 2015 concert at Red Rocks in June 2015. (You can navigate around the video using the arrow keys.) And if you like what you hear, hit up their official site for tour info—they tour a lot. During Rebelution’s latest tour stop in NYC, Boomshots caught up with the guys. This band is so big, we could only fit three of them in our camera lens. Fortunately we also got a nice shot of Marley’s bobble-head doll, because it’s only right for him to be represented too. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Gyptian “Summer Is Back” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Gyptian “Summer Is Back” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    Beaches, Bikinis, Waterfalls—It’s All In a Day’s Work

    We may be close to the end of August, but trust and believe summer is still in full effect. Summer 2016 has been a big season for reggae and dancehall in the international pop charts, although much of it got labeled as “tropical house” in the mainstream media. That’s why you’ve got to love Konzequence Muzik Group for naming their summer juggling the “Tropical House Riddim”—a strategic move to rebrand this true Jamaican dancehall track in the midst of everything that’s going. “It’s all about a party vibes,” says reggae star Gyptian of his song on the riddim, a thing called “Summer Is Back.” Today Boomshots proudly premieres the official music video which is fully loaded with plenty of girls in bikinis, cool drinks, a secluded tropical waterfall—why can’t every day be like this? Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Out and Bad: Elephant Man Teaches His Top 10 Dance Moves

    Out and Bad: Elephant Man Teaches His Top 10 Dance Moves

    Getting Jiggy With Di Energy God

    With Notting Hill Carnival coming up next weekend—and Brooklyn’s Labor Day parade the weekend after that—it’s time to brush up on your dance steps. You love the vibes and you want to bust some moves like Usain Bolt celebrating a gold medal, but you don’t know your “Willie Bounce” from your “Gangsta Rock.” Well fret not thyself. Reshma B linked up with Elephant Man in Kingston, Jamaica. Elly is known for spreading Kingston street dance choreography around the world with hit songs like “Pon Di River Pon The Bank” and “Signal Di Plane.” Di Energy God himself  taught The Reggae Girl About Town how to do each and every one of his Top 10 Dance Moves. He also took time out to reason about his early King Jammy’$ days, and big up the elders in the business from Shabba Ranks to Bounty Killer and Buju Banton. Videos After The Jump… (more…)