Boomshots

Tag: Beres Hammond

  • Caribbean Music Awards Honor Iconic Artistes Beres Hammond, Machel Montano, David Rudder, and Vybz Kartel

    Caribbean Music Awards Honor Iconic Artistes Beres Hammond, Machel Montano, David Rudder, and Vybz Kartel

    Hosted By Wyclef Jean Live From Flatbush, Brooklyn

    Inspired by the Palace of Versailles and the Paris Opera House, Kings Theatre on Flatbush Avenue was the appropriately illustrious setting for the first annual Caribbean Music Awards last Thursday night. Hosted by Wyclef Jean and produced by Caribbean Elite Group and streamed via Tempo Networks, this grand celebration of Caribbean creativity honoring icons and rising stars of reggae, dancehall, soca, and kompa was perfectly timed, coming just before Brooklyn’s Labor Day festivities and near the end of a year that’s been filled with endless celebrations of Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary. Boomshots TV was on the scene from the star-studded red carpet throughout the amazing four-hour ceremony. “Family” said Elite Award Winner Beres Hammond, addressing the audience of 3,600 inside the ornate venue and many more tuning into the live stream. “I’m seeing something that’s so beautiful to us—Caribbean people coming together. You don’t see something like this… I’m out of words.” He then called Wyclef to join him onstage. The Haitian-American multi-platinum rapper, singer, songwriter, musician, and producer whose timeless work as a member of the Fugees and as a solo performer brought Caribbean sounds to the mainstream, bowed down at Hammond’s feet in worship. “Can’t manage you,” Beres said with a laugh as Clef stood up. “Thank you for the vision.”  Video and Winners List After The Jump…

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  • Dubbin’ with Bulby: Exclusive ‘Master Blaster’ Mixdown

    Dubbin’ with Bulby: Exclusive ‘Master Blaster’ Mixdown

    Legendary Producer and Engineer Dubs Beres, Busy & Kartel Live in the Studio

    A graduate of King Tubby’s Dub University, Colin “Bulby” Yorke has done his teacher proud. Over the course of nearly 30 years in the music industry, Bulby has produced, mixed, and engineered a plethora of certified boomshots—recordings by most of the top artists in dancehall and reggae pantheon—both as part of the Fat Eyes camp and under his own banner. Having worked with the likes of No Doubt and Rihanna as well, it was only right for Bulby to begin releasing albums himself. His solo debut, Epic & Ting, was so well received that he recently dropped a follow-up entitled Master Blaster. During a recent promo run through NYC, Bulby invited Boomshots up to Grey Noise recording studio in Times Square for a very special musical treat. Sitting down next to Reshma B at the mixing board, Bulby ran through an exclusive dub mixdown of three crucial tracks from Master Blaster: “Freedom” featuring Beres Hammond, Marcia Griffiths, J Boog & Lutah Fyah, “Cherry Oh Baby” featuring Busy Signal and Patrice Roberts, and “Cyan Dween Like We” featuring Vybz Kartel alongside Lola Monroe and Candy Gloster. In between tracks, Bulby dropped knowledge about the art of Dub while RGAT witnessed a master at work. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Beres Hammond’s Mission: “To Shed Some Happiness In Some Dark Corners Of Your Mind”

    Beres Hammond’s Mission: “To Shed Some Happiness In Some Dark Corners Of Your Mind”

    Jamaica’s Number One Soul Man Speaks On His New Album Never Ending

    There’s an old saying that “Music alone shall live.” With that in mind, the title of Beres Hammond’s latest album rings true, even if the man who makes these amazing songs—as he has done for decades on top of decades—is in fact a mere mortal. The release of a new Beres Hammond album is always cause for celebration, which explains our joyous mood today. One of the greatest singers and songwriters ever to emerge from Jamaica, Mr. Hammond has kept us waiting for six years since his last studio album, One Life, One Love, The wait will be over at midnight tonight with the release of Never Ending, a remarkable 14-track set that ranks with the finest work, from sweet lovers’ rock (“Hold You Till It Hurts”) to truths and rights (“Cry Freedom”) to the delightful jazz-tinged vibes of the title track. The musicianship is first-rate as usual—the finest players of instruments always come together when a true legend is in session—and with Bulby York on the mix how can you lose? During an exclusive interview with the Reggae Girl About Town, Beres spoke about all the singles released so far, including the rousing “Land of Sunshine” and “My Kinda Girl.” For anyone who’s ever wondered exactly what Beres’ type of girl is, Reshma B got the answer in this wide-ranging heart-to-heart conversation. Beres and RGAT also spoke about the song “I’m Alive,” which prompted some interested reflections on the artist’s legacy. “That’s what I think I’m sent here for,” Beres revealed. “To shed some happiness in some dark corners of your mind.” And then, as he often does, Beres shifted from reflective to jovial. “One time somebody asked me, what you want to be remembered as Beres?” He recounted his reply with perfect comic timing. “Mi say, ‘Remembered as? I want you remember me now!’” After a big laugh, Beres added. “If you should ever think of Beres, let’s say Beres not around. Just remember one ball of happiness and joy. A bundle of joy, of course through the music.” Never Ending drops tomorrow. While you wait, check this very special reasoning. “We nah talk no foolishness!” Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Boomshots and Mix Master J Presents – The Baba Mix-A Father’s Day Playlist

    Boomshots and Mix Master J Presents – The Baba Mix-A Father’s Day Playlist

    The Official 2018 Father’s Day Playlist for Boomshots Magazine 

    In 2015, Boomshots Magazine premiered a multi-genre playlist of songs, entitled “Dada Playlist,” which included songs from reggae, hip hop, gospel, dub, rhythm & blues and jazz, dedicated to fathers.  This year, the magazine’s staff took on the challenge of creating a “strictly reggae” playlist dedicated to Fathers. We also took into consideration, the readers request to make the playlist accessible through a music application. We recruited one of the Top Tier dee-jays out of London, Mix Master J, the brother of reggae legend, Shinehead (Kingston 12), to add his expertise in sound mastery. The result is the “Baba Mix,” a unique reggae and Father- themed playlist.  Baba means father in Ki-Swahili and this mix considers various aspects of “The Father.” The mix begins and ends with reverence to the Almighty Father with songs like Buju Banton -“Our Father,” AJ Brown- “Father Friend, ” Luciano- “Father I Love Thee” and two Dennis Emmanuel Brown selections. The playlist then addresses the importance of the Father’s role in society, with songs like Konshens-“Original Daddy,” Jahmiel-“Real Father,” and Christopher Martin- “Just Like You.”  The juxtaposition of songs discussing a Father’s sex appeal such as Buju Banton-“Stamina Daddy” and the father-in-charge, with songs like Supercat – “Don Dadda” and Johnny Osbourne- “Dancehall Daddy,” adds playfulness to the mix. We sincerely hope that this will be a memorable Father’s Day Playlist for all who listen to it. Playlist After The Jump…

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  • Beres Hammond & Cocoa Tea Headline 10th Annual Best of the Best Music Fest 2016

    Beres Hammond & Cocoa Tea Headline 10th Annual Best of the Best Music Fest 2016

    Miami’s Premiere Reggae Festival Celebrates Its 10-Year Anniversary

    For the past decade, Best of the Best has been transforming Miami’s Bayfront Park into a massive party. Although the early years were characterized by a wide-ranging blend of reggae, dancehall, soca, hip hop and R&B, in more recent years the promoters have focused on Caribbean sounds. Over the years BOTB has emerged as Miami’s premiere reggae festival, and this weekend’s 10th anniversary staging looks to be no exception. Looking for news for Best of Best 2016? Boomshots is the right place for press and information on this year’s event in Miami, Florida. As an official media partner of BOTB 2016, we’ll keep you updated with the movements. Follow boomshots on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Full Rundown After The Jump…
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  • The Love Chocolate Playlist

    The Love Chocolate Playlist

    Boomshots Presents A Multi-Genre Playlist for Valentine’s 2016

    It’s that time again, lovers. This article features 14 decadent tunes in Reggae, Jazz, Contemporary, and Rhythm and Blues, for your listening pleasure. The songs were selected based on the artist/talent, lyrical content and overall sound. More After The Jump… (more…)

  • Micah Shemaiah: The Man, Music and Message

    Micah Shemaiah: The Man, Music and Message

    Interview with The Original Dread

    During Yaadcore’s recent sets in New York at Downtown Top Ranking with Deadly Dragon Sound at The Delancey  and Sattama Sundays with Stateside Revolution at Bar 13, he played several Micah Shemaiah tunes that ignited the dance floor with skanking and flickering of lighters. Based on the audience response to his music, we interviewed The Original Dread and discovered that this artist has a breadth of experience which impacts his music and message. Interview After The Jump…

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  • HEAR THIS: Beres Hammond “Jamaica International Dance”

    HEAR THIS: Beres Hammond “Jamaica International Dance”

    The Real Reggae Maestro Is Back

    Fresh selection from the fothatrthcoming Beres Hammond album on V.P. Records, and ain’t it good to know Jamaica’s #1 soul man hasn’t lost a drop of his infectious charm! Guess you really can’t stop a man—any more than you can stop Jamaica’s irresistible power to attract the whole world with musical magic. You’ve got to respect this brother, just like the bass man respect the drummer. “Keep the vibe flowing YES, keep the energy pumping YES.” What more can we say but let the music play? Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • The Queen of Reggae Gets Her Groove On at Groovin’ In The Park

    The Queen of Reggae Gets Her Groove On at Groovin’ In The Park

    “This is My Moment,” said Marcia Griffiths, “And I’m Gonna Live It.”

    Marcia Griffiths, the undisputed Queen of reggae, hit Jamaica Queens NYC to celebate 50 years in the music biz at Groovin in the Park this June 29. Now in its 4th year, Groovin in the Park is an upscale affair that attracted 25,000 punters to ‘Roy Wilkins Park’ with a line-up that boasts some of the greatest names in Reggae history—many of whom have worked with Marcia at one time or another. With at least half a dozen outfit changes Ms. Griffiths was prepared for anything. She first hit the stage around 3pm—warming things up with her international pop hit ‘Electric Boogie’, which spawned a dance craze that continues till this day—and kept going strong with internmittent breaks until 9pm. Full Review and Videos after the Jump… (more…)

  • Air Supply’s Lord Graham Russell On The Group’s Jamaican Fanbase: “It Really Took Us By Surprise.”

    Air Supply’s Lord Graham Russell On The Group’s Jamaican Fanbase: “It Really Took Us By Surprise.”

    Why Are These Two ’80s Pop Stars Headlining One of New York’s Biggest Reggae Festivals This Sunday?

    This Sunday June 29th, Roy Wilkins Park will feel more like Jamaica West Indies than Jamaica Queens. On that day thousands of reggae fans will converge for Groovin’ In The Park, New York’s most upscale summer music festival, which boasts a lineup that includes Beres Hammond, Marcia Griffiths, Chronixx, John Holt, Bob Andy, Judy Mowatt, and L.U.S.T.—all performing their own special brand of classical roots reggae with perhaps a sprinkling of soul (Beres Hammond) or a dash of dancehall (Chronixx). All except one, the Australian-born soft-rock duo Air Supply. Yes, you read that right. The over-the-top pop act who sprinkled the 1980s with gems like “Lost In Love” and “Every Woman in the World” will be performing alongside a full slate of reggae royalty. Shocked? Surprised? To tell the truth, so are they. Interview After The Jump… (more…)

  • Beres Hammond, Marcia Griffiths, Chronixx & Air Supply Headline Groovin in the Park 2014

    Beres Hammond, Marcia Griffiths, Chronixx & Air Supply Headline Groovin in the Park 2014

    Legends of Reggae, Dancehall and Pure Pop Come Together June 29 At Roy Wilkins Park

    Remember the days when love used to reign? We danced all night to the songs they played. Well good news—we can come again, and do it just the same! When? This Sunday June 29. Where? Roy Wilkins Park, Jamaica Queens, less than half an hour from Penn Station on the LIRR. Wha Gwan? The fourth annual staging of NYC’s most upscale reggae festival, Groovin’ In The Park, a family-friendly event filled with good food, great fun, and legendary music. Just how legendary? Read on… Full Lineup and Videos After The Jump… (more…)

  • Jabba Pledges Best of the Best 2014 Will Be 100% Caribbean, Says Reggae and Hip-Hop “Come In Like Oil and Water”

    Jabba Pledges Best of the Best 2014 Will Be 100% Caribbean, Says Reggae and Hip-Hop “Come In Like Oil and Water”

    Promoter Promises to “Learn From His Mistakes” at BOTB 2014: Reggae & Soca—but NO Hip-Hop

    For the past eight years Best of the Best has been a fixture of Memorial Day Weekend in Miami, a big outdoor reggae and soca show that normally features top hip-hop acts as well. But this year, Reshma B caught up with Jabba who explained that this year he’s “learned from his mistakes” and made BOTB 2014 a 100% Caribbean festival. That’s right, for the first time the festival will feature reggae and dancehall and soca but NO hip-hop. “Me get back to my roots,” say Jabba. “This year we involve more soca into the show more than just keep mixing the hip-hop and the reggae, because it come in like oil and water. We notice it’s eight years going in. When I first begun I just, you know, coming from a big urban radio station, I feel like hip-hop is part of my culture as well. Because you done know is a Jamaican man who started hip-hop in the Bronx—Kool Herc big up yourself anywhere you deh. So I felt like I can take that mission to a next level and just know say, Hear wah gwan now, let me mix up hip-hop onto reggae on the next level like it’s never been done before. And big respect to all the rappers, but it come in like the worst idea we coulda ever do. But you learn from your mistakes. Because when you come to a Caribbean culture festival, nobody no wan’ hear say “Yo, turn the motherfuckin mic up!” and  “Where’s my niggas at?” You understand?” Video After The Jump… (more…)