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  • Tune For Tune: Battle of the UK “Panda” Refixes

    Tune For Tune: Battle of the UK “Panda” Refixes

    Who Flipped The “Panda” Beat Better: Gappy Ranks or Lady Leshur?

    All this week we’ve been deluged with a Desiigner media blitz since the 19-year-old Barbados-by-way-of-Brooklyn eccentric dropped the Tidal-exclusive video for his chart-topping smash “Panda.” Though he spends most of the tune talking about Atlanta—and sounding a whole lot like Future sippin’ on some sort of new double-cup concoction—Desiigner goes down in history as first New York rapper to top the pop charts since Jay Z dropped “Empire State of Mind.” Where Jigga did it with an assist from Alicia Keys, Desiigner of course got a huge boost from Kanye West, who discovered his tune on Soundcloud and incorporated it into “Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 2” the third cut on The Life of Pablo. Since that time a bunch of American rappers—from Fabolous to Lupe Fiasco to Jadakiss, and Meek Mill—have all hopped on the beat, which was built by UK-based producer Menace (who reportedly sold the beat to Desiigner for $200). Two of the more interesting flips have come from British microphone controllers, both with Caribbean roots: dancehall deejay Gappy Ranks aka Pelpa and Lady Leshurr of “Queen’s Speech” fame. No more long talking—let’s get to the tunes. Audio After The Jump…
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  • WATCH THIS: Vybz Kartel “I’ll Take You There” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Vybz Kartel “I’ll Take You There” Official Music Video

    What’s Your Favorite Way To Cure Pain?

    The Vybz Kartel Vevo channel sure is poppin’ these days. With Kartel’s highly anticipated King of the Dancehall album set to drop next week, the  “Fever” video has been burning up the place, approaching the million-view mark after just two weeks. And then, early this morning, another set of visuals dropped for the World Boss’s track on Good Good Productions’ Cure Pain Riddim, distributed by the mighty 21st Hapilos. This one is called “I’ll Take You There” and we’ve got it for you bright and early. A sexy beach video—what better way to get you in the weekend mood?  Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Fadda Fox ft. Runtown “All Day All Night”

    HEAR THIS: Fadda Fox ft. Runtown “All Day All Night”

    From Lagos to Bridgetown Comes A Cross-Cultural Collab For Cropover

    These are exciting times for open-minded music lovers, as genre distinctions break down and the unifying forces of tempo and technology work their magic around the globe. No matter what name you choose to call them, certain songs have the power to move the crowd. Whether you’re in Africa, the Caribbean, or someplace else, the elements of a big tune remain consistent: combine a lively drumbeat, a supple bass line, spicy lyrics and a sweet melody and watch the people react. “My team and I are on a musical mission,” says soca artist Nicholas “Fadda Fox” Sealy. “It is our aim to showcase Bajan talent internationally, collaborating with other artists being one of many strategies to execute our goals.” During a recent tour of Canada, the man known for running the streets of Bridgetown, Barbados with tunes like “Ducking” was sharing breakfast with Nigerian-born Afrobeat star Douglas “Runtown” Jack Agu. The conversation turned to collaboration, and within days they’d come up with a soca-meets-Afrobeat anthem for Crop Over 2016. With writing by Jovan James, Runtown and Fadda Fox, and production by Darien Bailey and Hector Cesar for Decibel Productions. You may call it what you wish, we simply call it a Certified Boomshot. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Kimié Miner “Trouble” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Kimié Miner “Trouble” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    “We’ve All Been In Trouble Before”

    Born in Hawaii, Kimié Miner fell in love with music at an early age. Inspired by the likes of Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu and India Arie, she learned to play guitar and wound up on tour with Barrington Levy at the age of 19. After the tour ended she lived in Jamaica for a few months, building with Mr. Levy in the studio before returning to Hawaii and then on to Hong Kong. “As Hawaiians,” she says, “we have our roots and our routes. We know who we are, and we use that to navigate and explore.” Today Boomshots proudly premieres her video for a new song about the internal struggle within us all. “We want to do well but we all fall off the wagon at some point,” says the artist. “It’s about the realization that we’re not perfect and learning how to deal with that. The only person who can save you is you.” The desolate video was shot as far from the lush island of Hawaii as you can get—amidst the parched sands of California—and features a powerful performance by Archimedes aka Bert the owl, who obviously has a lot on his mind. “This video was something different than anything I’ve done before,” says Kimié (pronounced Kimi-yay). “Shot in the desert at the Bagdad cafe it was a collaborative effort with designer Oday Shakar and Joel Layogan… We’ve all been in trouble before. This song is just about embracing the regret and learning how to move past it.” Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Stephen “Ragga” Marley Reveals “Fruit of Life” Album Art, Release Date, and Tour Schedule

    Stephen “Ragga” Marley Reveals “Fruit of Life” Album Art, Release Date, and Tour Schedule

    The Second Chapter of Revolation Is Upon Us

    Never one to rush perfection, Stephen “Ragga” Marley announced one of the most anticipated release dates in all of reggae music. The long-awaited second installment of his two-part Revelation set will arrive July 22—the final day of a 44-stop U.S tour, which kicks off later this month in Humboldt County, CA. Following in the footsteps of Revelation Part I: The Root of Life (2012), which earned the 2012 Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album on the strength of classic singles like “Jah Army” featuring Damian Marley & Buju Banton and “No Cigarette Smoking” featuring Melanie Fiona as well as “Selassie is the Chapel” featuring Ziggy Marley, Revelation Part II: The Fruit of Life already boasts powerful tracks like “Rockstone” featuring Capleton & Sizzla and “Ghetto Boy” featuring Bounty Killer & Mad Cobra. Whereas The Root of Life is more a traditional roots reggae album, The Fruit of Life will utilize a diversified sonic palette to express the far-reaching impact Jamaican music has had on various genres, especially hip hop.  Produced by Marley, Fruit of Life contains 18 new tracks featuring a variety of  collaborations with the likes of Rick Ross, Pit Bull, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Iggy Azalea, Waka Flocka, Dead Prez, Rakim, DJ Khaled, Busta Rhymes, Wyclef Jean, Shaggy, Black Thought (of The Roots), Bounty Killer, Sizzla, Capleton, Ky-Mani Marley, Jo Mersa and more. Tour Dates After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Jahkoy “Wine”

    HEAR THIS: Jahkoy “Wine”

    Audio After The Jump…

    Jahkoy Pamer was born in Toronto, so even though his music gets filed uner “R&B/Hip Hop” he’s got a touch of the Caribbean vibes in there too. (Maybe that’s what he means by the name Bipolar Sound?) His sunny “Still in Love” video had us feeling some type of way, but it wasn’t till he dropped “Wine” that the Def Jam signee crossed into the Boomshots zone. The rock steady drum pattern sets things up so lovely that when the skanking reggae break comes, it comes as no surprise. By that point his invitation to wine is mere formality. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Prince “Blue Light”

    HEAR THIS: Prince “Blue Light”

    Yep, Prince Did Reggae Too

    A master of diverse musical styles from rock to funk, soul to jazz to dance, rap, and rhythm & blues, Prince’s genius was so profound that his work has left an indelible mark on the next generation of musicians. We’re still getting used to the idea that “The Kid” is dead now, but whether you believe he died of the flu, a drug overdose, or an Illuminati plot, the fact is that his music will live on forever. Our peoples at Caribbean Fever highlighted his little-known foray into reggae music, a musical thing called “Blue Light” off his 1992 Love Symbol album. And you know what? This world-weary tune about making love under an azure glow ain’t bad at all. Shout out to Ultimate Selector for this freshly mastered Youtube stream. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • Kingston Nights: A Jamaican Street Dance Photo Essay

    Kingston Nights: A Jamaican Street Dance Photo Essay

    Robert Cooper Photographs What Real Dancehall Looks Like Right Now

    “I started listening to dancehall during the late ’80s,” recalls photographer and videographer Robert Cooper, who’s covered the Hartford, CT dancehall scene for some time. “I began photographing dancehall parties and concerts 8 years ago, and began writing about dancehall also, so being able to finally go to Jamaica was a blessing. It took me only about two days photographing at the dances before people started recognizing me and I was a part of the scene.” With plans for an exhibit and a book in the works, Cooper shared some visuals from his first trip exclusively with Boomshots. This selection focuses on Jamaica’s thriving street dance culture, highlighting all the stars on the scene—not just the recording artists. Dancers, selectors, and other colorful personalities all help create the vibe that continues to entertain and inspire the world. Dancehall 2016: This is what it looks like. Photos After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Dexta Daps “Trigger Finger”

    HEAR THIS: Dexta Daps “Trigger Finger”

    Dexta Empties A Full Clip of Lyrical Ammo

    Although he’s known for sweet love songs, Dexta Daps isn’t afraid to let his haters know which part him come from when necessary. So think twice before you decide to cross him; otherwise, you’ll end up drowning in a bloodbath—at least according to the grisly new “Trigger Finger,” produced by TJ Records. In his latest underground cut, the Daseca Productions signee has more than a few choice words for any bwoy who nuh put some respeck pon him name. The end result is far from pretty. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • That Time Drake Almost Got Arrested With “Mava-Dado” & Other Exciting Tales

    That Time Drake Almost Got Arrested With “Mava-Dado” & Other Exciting Tales

    40 And The 6 God Regale Nardwuar With Dancehall War Stories

    Earlier this week Drizzy linked with fellow Canadian phenom Nardwuar aka the Human Serviette for a typically epic interview/gift-giving-b/show-and-tell session. Amongst many highlights gleaned by the good folks at Billboard were several dancehall-related anecdotes—including a massive big up for the World Boss Vybz Kartel. But not until we watched the video did we come to fully appreciate certain gems like Nardwuar’s question about “Mava-Dado.” (Must be seen to be believed.)  To be fair Nardwuar seems to be more of an old-school cat, as he presents Drizzy with a King Tubby’s Dance Hall Style Dub album on vinyl. Nuff respect. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Tiny Pink Piglet Channels Shaggy’s “Boombastic” in Chase Banking Ad

    Tiny Pink Piglet Channels Shaggy’s “Boombastic” in Chase Banking Ad

    This Likkle Piggy Cried “Smooooooth” All The Way Home

    When you think of reggae music, the first animal that comes to mind is, of course, the Conquering Lion. Perhaps a Jamaican hummingbird or even Rasta Mouse. Papa San’s dancehall classic “Animal Style” shouts out lions (naturally), mad monkeys, bad bwoy skunks, jaguars, black panthers, talking parrots, iguanas, big mouth alligators, long maaga giraffes, big slabba elephants, and woodpeckers, but never gets around to the tiny pink piglet. Apart from Nitty Gritty’s foundation selection “Hog Inna Minty”, the primary use for pigs  in Jamaica has been jerking. That is, until the new ad for Chase Bank, which features an adorable pink piglet hot-stepping all the way to the bank accompanied by the sounds of “Boombastic,” the title track  from Shaggy’s certified-platinum Grammy-winning 1995 album. (Hard to believe the tune is now over 2o years old—perhaps that is why it’s being used in a Retirement Planning advert!) Although Shagsman O.D. was unavailable for comment, the hilarious and heartwarming new ad is clearly a good look for the artist, for reggae music, and for proud little pink piggies everywhere. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Sizzla & Popcaan “Wish Bad”

    HEAR THIS: Sizzla & Popcaan “Wish Bad”

    Unruly x Kalonji = Wickedness Increase

    Ever since that epic Ghetto Splash a few Christmases back when Sizzla Kalonji and the whole Judgment Yard joined the Unruly Boss and Aidonia on stage, the Kalonji x Unruly link has only gotten stronger. We loved that Not Nice production they did with Teflon, and now comes a banger from Yard Vybz Ent and Young Pow Production focusing on those badmind people who let their negative feeligns flow on the down-low. Between the disappointment of Views and that likkle situation in Antigua, Popcaan’s had a tough time the last few weeks. But if you know Hotskull you know he’s not letting anything drag down his vibes. Here at Boomshots we don’t run down bad news in reggae music because when it comes to our favorite artists we never wish them bad. Audio After The Jump… (more…)