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  • HEAR THIS: Mighty Crown x Chronixx “Japan Tour Special Mix”

    HEAR THIS: Mighty Crown x Chronixx “Japan Tour Special Mix”

    “We play big tune and we nah have no fear” Leggo…

    This May 26 through 28 Chronixx and the Zincfence Redemption will touch down in Japan for the first time alongside the internationally acclaimed Mighty Crown sound, aka the Far East Rulaz, who are celebrating their 25th anniversary in the business. Founded in 1991 by friends from Yokohama, Japan, Mighty Crown made their name by playing clubs and selling self-produced mix tapes throughout Japan. In that spirit Masta Simon, Sami T and Cojie put together a special mix with Di Steam Minista as a way to “welcome the Rasta youth inna khaki suit” on his first visit to Japan. 2016 will be a big touring year for Chronixx who will also perform in Africa, UK, and Europe.  You already know this one features some wicked duplate specials. Audio & Tour Date After The Jump… (more…)

  • Reasoning with Sly Dunbar: “I’ve Seen All The Changes”

    Reasoning with Sly Dunbar: “I’ve Seen All The Changes”

    The Master Drummer Turns 64 Today

    Perhaps the most celebrated drum and bass duo in history—regardless of genre—Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare were both accomplished studio musicians before they met in the mid 1970s. “You know that record that goes ‘I am the magnificent!’?” says Dunbar, speaking of Dave & Ansel Collins’ 1971 smash “Double Barrel,” the second Jamaican single ever to top the UK pop charts. “I played drums on that when I was 15 years old.”  Robbie, meanwhile, was rocking with the Aggrovators, producer Bunny Lee’s ace session band.  But once the “Rhythm Twins” linked up at Channel One studio on Maxfield Avenue in Kingston, Jamaican music would never sound the same again. Interview After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Ricky Blaze ft. Mr. Easy & Dean Fraser “Dance”

    HEAR THIS: Ricky Blaze ft. Mr. Easy & Dean Fraser “Dance”

    What A Way The Tune Rest Pon Mi Mind!

    Sometimes you hear a song that you just want to share with others. That’s all this is. I stumbled across “Dance,” taken from Ricky Blaze’s latest album, Conquer The Moment, and all that’s been on my mind since hearing it for the first time is that I have to share it. (Patois translation: “What a way the tune rest pon mi mind!”) I’ve been on a texting, and Facebook messaging and Tweeting frenzy over the past couple days to every possible member of my reggae family, trying to make sure this song doesn’t slip through the cracks. Brooklyn-based producer Ricky Blaze has been one of the more creative and consistent talents in the modern reggae and dancehall scene (need we mention Gyptian’s “Hold Yuh”?) and this song perfectly captures his knack for cultivating a unique reggae sound with the aid of influences from a multitude of other genres. The song “Dance” features BK veteran Mr. Easy and saxophone master Dean Fraser. The song doesn’t try too hard. It’s easy, it’s breezy, it’s light, yet it’s sophisticated. If joy could be captured in sonic form, I think that sound would be this song. My only task is to make sure the Boomshots crew, receives that message. Riddim up! Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • Vybz Kartel or Buju Banton: Which Show Would You Attend?

    Vybz Kartel or Buju Banton: Which Show Would You Attend?

    Imagine: Two Big DJs, One Night Only—The Choice Is Yours

    If you’re a reggae and dancehall fan then you know some of the music’s biggest stars are stuck behind bars. While Busy Signal and Jah Cure have happily come home, Vybz Kartel and Buju Banton are still in captivity. And even though The World Boss finds a way to keep the streets supplied with new tunes on a fairly regular basis, we haven’t seen either artist live in YEARS. Just imagine if both artists were released for just one day, to perform a show for their fans. Now—hypothetically speaking—imagine that both shows were happening on the same night (not in the same place, mind you). In other words, if you had to choose between seeing Kartel or Buju live—right now—which show would you attend? That was the question Chiney K posed to a sampling of her fellow Jamaicans. The results were pretty interesting to say the least. Let’s just say which artist you choose reveals a lot about your personality. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Sizzla “Greatest Mother” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Sizzla “Greatest Mother” Official Music Video

    Kalonji Represents For Mama Once Again

    Reggae artists have created many touching musical salutes appropriate for Mother’s Day rotation, but few have represented maternal love as consistently as Sizzla Kalonji. From “Black Woman and Child” to “Thank U Mama” the fiery singjay from August Town has contributed more than his fair share of Mother’s Day classics. Today he premieres a new song for mother. Is his latest also his greatest? Check it and let us know in the comments.
    Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Through A Mother’s Eyes

    Through A Mother’s Eyes

    A Mother’s Eyes Are Windows To God’s Love

    Who can forget the scene in Passion of the Christ, when Mary runs towards baby Jesus who has fallen on the floor and in the same manner runs towards her son as he faces his divine destiny? There is no love like a mother’s love and we look to you the readers of Boomshots Magazine to define motherhood. In this article we posted responses to a simple Mother’s Day prompt, interspersed with some sentimental tunes.

    More After The Jump

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  • The Sweetest Taboo

    The Sweetest Taboo

    Tuning Into The Sweetest Taboo by Sade Adu

    Sade Adu continues to leave listeners in awe of her music. From the release of her debut single in 1985, a jazzy song about a player aptly titled, “Smooth Operator” to “The Moon and the Sky” 2011 remix featuring Jay-Z, who insinuates that he is the father, Sade’s interesting songs with poignant lyrics puts this artist at the top of many all-time favorite lists. In this article, we focus on fan favorite-“The Sweetest Taboo” and covers of this song in various genres.

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  • HEAR THIS: M.I.A. “Ola (Foreign Friend)”

    HEAR THIS: M.I.A. “Ola (Foreign Friend)”

    New Music From A Bad Gyal “Bandit” Who Does It Well

    Maya “Mathangi” Arulpragasam dropped this frenetic banger a few weeks back with the following caption: TO ALL MY FLYPIRATES and DJS – THIS IS AN ANNOUNCEMENT !!!! LIVE FROM THE MEXICAN BORDER OLA !!!! MIA ON THE WAVES. Judging from the artist’s recent tweets, the whole issue of crossing the American border might have resonated with her. “Can’t tour the US without a visa,” she tweeted the other day. “Might have to start writing songs 4 Dj Khaled and Selena Gomez to get heard”!!! Audio After the Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Sizzla “Don’t Make Dem Fool You Again” Teaser

    WATCH THIS: Sizzla “Don’t Make Dem Fool You Again” Teaser

    Kalonji’s Election Advice Applies All Year Round
    Sizzla Kalonji delivers a cautionary message on Triple B Productions’ “Sing Some Song” Riddim. The tune was inspired by Jamaica’s recent election season, but one that holds true 24/7/365: wise up, rise up, and don’t make “dem” fool you AGAIN. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Perfect Giddimani ft. Stephen Dajure “Dollnald Trummp” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Perfect Giddimani ft. Stephen Dajure “Dollnald Trummp” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    Because There’s Never A Bad Time To Diss The Donald

    Not since Cocoa Tea sang Barack Obama’s praises has reggae music paid much attention to electoral politics in the U.S. Of course Bob Marley‘s song “Revolution” warned “Never make a politician grant you a favor.” Why? Because “they will always want to control you forever.” (Bob lived and learned this lesson well.) Back in the day Blue Riddim Band had that “Nancy Reagan” joint but her husband was already in office by then. (Nice tune but too little, too late to make a difference.) Years later Buju Banton sang the opt-out anthem “Politics Time Again (Are You Gonna Vote?)” and Anthony B followed suit with “Nah Vote Again.” Just this year Sizzla Kalonji dropped “Don’t Make Dem Fool You Again” which raised some important issues relating to the Jamaican elections. But reggae music has not had much to say about the insane political race going on up here in the U.S.A.—and that’s too bad. With billionaire real estate mogul, toupee model, beauty pageant pimp, and short-fingered vulgarian Donald Trump looking less like a joke and more like a serious threat to secure the Republican candidate for President—despite the fact that he has repeatedly encouraged his followers to commit acts of violence against the opposition, and the fact that he has called for Mexicans and Muslims (among others) to be denied entry to the U.S., and the fact that he recently received the endorsement of a Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan—it’s time for all clear-thinking defenders of life and liberty and human rights to speak out against everything he represents. In comes the man called Perfect Giddimani (and his bredren Stephen Dajure) with the perfect song at the perfect time. Loud. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Mother’s Day Special Event: Reggae Bowl

    Mother’s Day Special Event: Reggae Bowl

    A Thoughtful Event for Mothers and The Community At Large

     The “Reggae Bowl” is a food and music event that will be held at the Ital Kitchen in Brooklyn, New York, this Mother’s Day—Sunday, May 8, 2016.  This celebration of Mothers will promote a healthy lifestyle through its various components; serving up sweet reggae music, fashion and vital, ital cuisine.  More After The Jump

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  • WATCH THIS: Konshens “Bruk Off Yuh Back” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Konshens “Bruk Off Yuh Back” Official Music Video

    Another Gyal Anthem—But Which Part Ah Get Bruk First?

    It’s no secret that Konshens is a ladies man. In the past five years, the artiste born Garfield Spence has expressed his affinity for the opposite sex and how much he enjoys seeing them Bounce Like A Ball and Walk and Wine. And in typical SubKonshus Music fashion, the Sherlock native delivers yet another female-friendly record for 2016. Produced by Birchill Records on the popular Moskato Riddim, “Bruk Off Yuh Back” is a call to Kons’ core audience to do just that—or at least bruk sumpn, depending on which version of the tune you prefer—as evidenced in these visual accompaniments (1.5 million & counting!) courtesy of Warrior Films.  Video After The Jump…. (more…)