Boomshots

Tag: Alton Ellis

  • K Queens: Dancehall Royalty

    K Queens: Dancehall Royalty

     

    Dancehall’s Regal Twins Discuss Their Career and Their Collaborative New Single

    Twin sisters, Kaydine and Kerrine Francis, K Queens, have sung in close harmony from a young age. Sharing the stage for over a decade, K Queens have earned dancehall’s highest ratings. Their latest single “Jamdown Ranking” produced by Sugar Bear, on Rayvon’s GTC (Get That Cheddar Entertainment) Label; distributed by Tuff Gong International, is a remake of Althea and Donna (Althea Forrest and Donna Max de Reid)’s “Uptown Ranking.” The song’s “I’m Still in Love” riddim, was originally produced by Joe Gibbs in 1977. Alton Ellis hit song “I’m Still In Love” on this riddim, was later covered by Marcia Aitkens in 1987. In 2002, Sean Paul and Sasha revitalized the song, “I’m Still in Love” on the album, “Dutty Rock.” In the summer of 2018, Jay-Z and Beyonce used Aitken’s version of “I’m Still in Love” in the promotional ad for their second tour. In November 2018, K Queens laid down Up-to-Date lyrics over the Sugar Bear remodeled beat, for the modern, “Jamdown Ranking.” We caught up with the Duo, K Queens to discuss their music over time and their latest musical projects. Interview After The Jump…

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  • HEAR THIS: Christopher Ellis “Left Unsaid”

    HEAR THIS: Christopher Ellis “Left Unsaid”

    Rock Steady Sounds  from EllisMuzikChild’s Brand-New EP

    They say that every dark cloud has a silver lining, and today Christopher Ellis finds his silver lining with the release of his debut EP, Better Than Love, produced by Damian Marley. Back in 2008, Chris was in Jamaica soon after the passing of his father, the “godfather” of Rock Steady, Alton Ellis. It was during this time that he linked up Stephen Marley.  Today Christopher Ellis is a fully endorsed member of the Marley Brothers’ Ghetto Youths International label. ”It’s all about fulfilling the mission of extending my father’s legacy,” says Chris. “Anything I can add to that legacy is a blessing.” And judging by what we’ve heard from the EP already, he sure has been doing that. Sing it, Chris! Audio After The Jump…

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  • Konshens Pays Respect To 47 Reggae Superstars Who Paved the Way

    Konshens Pays Respect To 47 Reggae Superstars Who Paved the Way

    Who And Who Rates As An Icon Inna The Business?

    Remember when Shabba Ranks dropped that tune “Respect“? “Step by step you haffi climb the ladder / The elders you haffi show respect fah.” It’s plan to see that Konshens got the message. He may be on top of the game now, but he’s not one of those “likkle entertainers” who lose sight of the fact that their opportunities came from icons before him. The Dancehall artist recent single, “Icon,” on the Bad Bounce riddim, pays tribute to a long list of certified icons, all of whom helped “put the spotlight on we island” and established the worldwide success of Jamaican music.Audio & Photo Gallery After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Reasoning With Christopher Ellis

    Alton Ellis’s Youngest Son Links With The Marley Brothers To Carry On His Own Musical Mission

    Right after his performance with the Ghetto Youths International Crew at London’s IndigO2, Chris Ellis spoke with Reshma B about how he linked with Stephen and Damian Marley, his new music through the Ghetto Youths International crew, and his relationship with his legendary father, Alton Ellis, the godfather of rock steady. “It was like a lineage thing. It was more than that. Our fathers were in Trenchtown and Bob Marley was in Trenchtown. It’s that kind of ordained kind of angle I’m coming from. It was there.” Video after the jump.

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  • HEAR THIS: Christopher Ellis ft. Bay-C “Don’t Change Your Number”

    Here  Comes A Brand New Sound From The Ghetto Youths Crew

    Last night at London’s IndigO2, Christopher Ellis premiered this track live. “I’m a reggae singer,” said Alton’s song from the stage, “I sing one-drop reggae. But this is something different.” Bay-C from TOK adds just enough dancehall flavor to keep the tune from drifting too far afield. All we know is it sounds like hit. (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Christopher Ellis “Willow Tree”

    Fresh Sounds From Christopher, Son Of The Late Great Alton Ellis

    “My dad did a lot for music, but he didn’t really boast about it like he could have,” said Alton Ellis’s 23-year-old son Christopher shortly after his death in 2008. “He’s got a lot of respect, and his name is really big, but financially he’s been robbed over the years. He told me, ‘Son, do not let them rob you like they robbed me.’ ” But weep not. Christopher Ellis is making music with the Ghetto Youths International family, and that’s a very good thing. (more…)