The Tuff Gong Brought In An Estimated $18 Million Last Year
“Not one of my seeds shall sit on the sidewalk and beg your bread,” Robert Nesta Marley proclaimed on his 1974 song “So Jah Seh.” And verily verily these words, like so many others he sang, have proven to be prophetic. Thirty-two years after passing away at the age of 36, Bob Marley is not just a legendary musician and a global icon of spirituality and human rights. Marley is also a powerful brand. As a 2011 Billboard cover story explored, the Marley estate is engaged in constant struggle to battle bootleggers seeking to cash in on Bob’s image and legacy while they have also developed a variety of their own businesses, from clothing lines to personal audio and beverages. And according to Forbes magazine’s latest ranking of “Dead Celebrities,” those businesses appear to be doing well. Forbes reporters estimate that the Marley estate brought in $18 million in 2013. He ranks as one of three musicians in the top 5, trailing Michael Jackson, who takes the top spot with an estimated $160 million in earnings (making him the year’s top earning celeb dead or alive), and Elvis Presley, who comes in at No. 2 with an estimated $55 million. (Not bad for a youth from the rural Jamaican village of Nine Mile who came of age in the streets of Trenchtown.) Rounding out the Top 5 are Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. For the full list head over the Forbes. But just remember the Tuff Gong will never die. Video After The Jump… (more…)
Blog
-
Forbes Names Bob Marley #5 Top Earning “Dead Celebrity” For 2013
-
WATCH THIS: Mavado ft. Nicki Minaj “Give It All To Me” Official Music Video
And Now For Some Next Level Shit
Ever since we heard that big Mavado & Nicki tune on the Overdrive riddim, visions of an ill video have been dancing in our heads. Well the Gully Gaad stopped by BET’s 106 & Park today with DJ Khaled to premiere tbe video and it’s every bit as jiggy as we imagined it would be. Expensive whips? Check. Jamaican flags? Check. Wining pon headtop? Check. Multiple wig colors? Check. (Justus we see you!) OK so maybe the trailer suggested that this Grizz Lee epic might have a bit more of a plot, but why quibble? The tune is on point and Stulla + Barbz = a good look for dancehall overall. The only bad part is that Roach isn’t here to enjoy it all. Video After The Jump… (more…)
-
Justus Arison Speaks on Patrick “Roach” Samuels’ Musical Legacy
Remembering A Fallen Soldier In The Music Business
The video for Mavado & Nicki Minaj‘s “Give It All To Me” is scheduled to premiere today on BET’s 106 & Park. The song, which is featured on DJ Khaled‘s new album Suffering From Success, represents a major milestone in the rise of reggae music in 2013. It’s one of the best collaborations between two superstars from the genres of dancehall and hip-hop. But for the song’s producer Justus Arison of JA Productions, today will be a bittersweet celebration because his friend and partner Patrick “Roach” Samuels will not be able to celebrate with him. Last month Roach was shot to death in a still-unsolved murder in Kingston, Jamaica. Roach’s murder has left the whole dancehall industry in shock. Justus had been working with him closely as their productions—particularly the Overproof, Overtime, and Overdrive riddims—ushered in a whole new feel and sound within dancehall. Justus and Mavado recently joined forces to pay tribute to Roach with their song “Soldiers.” He spoke with Boomshots about Roach’s musical legacy, and how he plans to go on in the future without his friend. Interview After The Jump… (more…)
-
HEAR THIS: DJ Sliink & DJ Fresh Direct “Murder”
Out In The Streets They Call It…
They call DJ Sliink “The Jersey Club King” but don’t hold it against him. Sliink and NYC’s DJ Fresh Direct joined forces on a hard-hitting refix that’s aptly titled “Murder.” According to his Soundcloud Sliink chopped up the vocals on the Ini Kamoze sample from Damian Marley’s dancehall classic “Welcome To Jamrock,” while DJ Fresh Direct threw the 808s underneath. The result is, well, murderous. Audio After The Jump… (more…)
-
HEAR THIS: Mr. Vegas ft. Sean Paul & Fatman Scoop “Party Tun Up Remix”
Longtime Sparring Partners Link Up And Make The Party Buck
Back in 1998 Jeremy Harding’s 2 Hard productions was an upstart Jamaican label making waves with the Playground riddim. Before it became known as the backing track for Beenie Man’s smash hit “Who Am I” (aka “Sim-Simma”), the Playground was already hot in the dance thanks to fresh tunes from brand new artists like Mr. Vegas “Nike Air” and Sean Paul “Infiltrate.” In the years to come Vegas and Sean Paul would go on to become household names, both of them scoring hit after hit on the local and outernational scene. And every time they collaborated—on songs like “Hot Gal Today” and “Tiger Bone,” not to mention “Top Shotter” with DMX on the Belly soundtrack—they made history. It’s been a long time since these two linked up, but today we’re happy to report that the old sparring partners are back at it, this time with a little help from NYC hypemaster Fatman Scoop. Remember Mr. Vegas’s club banger “Party Tun Up”? Well here comes the reeeeeeeemix! Audio After The Jump…
-
HEAR THIS: Sean Paul ft. Konshens “Want Dem All”
Dutty Paul and The Sojah Are All About The Ladies
Sean Paul just won a MOBO Award this weekend, and now comes news that his sixth studio album, titled Full Frequency, will be released early next year. That feels like a long time, but Boomshots has you covered. Check out the first official single, a combination with Konshens called “Want Dem All” produced by Benny Blanco. Somebody told me it’s all about the girls—and she was right. Audio After The Jump…
-
WATCH THIS: I-Octane “Wine & Jiggle” Official Music Video
Octane livens up your Monday commute.
Don’t you hate when you get on the bus or the train or the dollar van and the thing is over-rammed? And why does this always seem to happen on a Monday. That’s the scenario in I-Octane’s latest music video, for his Seanizzle-produced banger “Wine & Jiggle.” When you find yourself in such a scenario, the best thing to do is strap on your headphones, select a few musical Boomshots, and let the music take you away. Don’t believe me? Just look what happens when Octane dozes off on the bus—the ting tun up. Loud! Video After The Jump… (more…)
-
Sean Paul Wins MOBO Reggae Award
Other Winners Include Tinie Tempeh, Wiley, Rudimental, Fuse ODG, Naughty Boy, and Laura Mvula
This Weekend the UK celebrated the 18th staging of the MOBO—Music Of Black Origin—Awards. This year Scotland’s capital Glasgow played host and was rammed with celebrities galore—from Iggy Azalea and Rita Ora to So Solid Crew and Ms Dynamite. Craig David even flew in from Miami to present an award. It’s been an exciting year for reggae and the nominees for the Best Reggae Act category were right on point for 2013 making this category a real nail-biter. The competition was tough between Mavado, Stylo G, Sean Paul, Popcaan and Tarrus Riley—and as they say “may the best man win.” So congrats to Sean Paul for taking that home. This makes it a cool 3 times for Sean Paul. Unfortunately Dutty Paul didn’t make it to Glasgow to receive his award in person but he did send through a video of his acceptance speech—RRRRRRRRRR! (always wonder how the organisers keep that under wraps!) Other highlights from the event included Tinie Tempah taking home ‘Best UK Hip Hop/Grime,’ Rudimental taking home “Best Album,” Fuse ODG taking home “Best African Act” Naughty Boy Taking Home “Best Video” Wiley taking home “Best Male Act” and Laura Mvula taking home “Best R&B/Soul Act” & “Best Female.” Check here for full list. All in a days work—back with the MOBOs next year! Video Interviews After The Jump…
-
WATCH THIS: Shaggy ft. Ne-Yo “You Girl” Official Music Video
Mr. Boombastic and the R&B Gentleman Touch The Ladies Just Right
Shaggy’s latest album Out of Many, One Music is all about building bridges. With riddims laid by Sly & Robbie and a guest list spanning from reggae O.G.s like Beres and Ccocoa Tea to young guns like Konshens and Chronixx, Shaggy has put together a classic release that every reggae lover needs to check out—and R&B heads too. Today he released the visuals for his smooth duet with Ne-Yo, who sounds right at home on a reggae rhythm. After all that’s who Kartel jacked the “Ramping Shop” beat from. This tune’s approach is way classier, but it all ends up the same. Nawmean? Video After The Jump…
-
WATCH THIS: Vybz Kartel “Hi” Official Music Video
Virtual Werlboss Blazes Some Grades With Hot Gyals Galore
Let’s say you’ve got a bad new tune and you want to shoot a video, but unfortunately your leading man is unavoidably detained. Head Concussion solved the creative dilemma with the power of technology. Sure, the CG video for Vybz Kartel’s “Hi” would have been even better with Di Teacha himself, but necessity is the mother of invention and every mickle mek a mockle. Video After The Jump…
-
WATCH THIS: Eek-A-Mouse “Ganja Smuggling” Live
One of Reggae’s Maddest Characters Does His Thing At Reggae Sunsplash
On November 5, 2013, 17 North Parade will unlock another one of its musical treasures, Eek-A-Mouse’s 2 CD+DVD Reggae Anthology: Eek-Ology. The VP Records vintage imprint reveals a rare exclusive clip from the DVD, which features Eek-A-Mouse’s iconic performance at the 1982 Reggae Sunsplash festival in Jamaica. The new anthology Eek-Ology is a thoughtful selection of essential hits and rare gems from Eek-A-Mouse’s extensive catalogue during the prime of his career (more…)
-
HEAR THIS: Wayne Marshall ft. Assassin “Stupid Money”
Marsheezy & Sasco Dumbin’ Out Over Dollaz
Remember when Snoop said he had his mind on his money and his money on his mind? Well that’s how Wayne Marshall and Assassin are feeling on this hard-hitting tune. It may be the root of all evil, but it sure is fun to spend. And rarely has filthy luchre inspired such eloquent expressions of enthusiasm. These two are all about their paper, so if it don’t make dollars it don’t make sense. Audio After The Jump…