Boomshots

Tag: Buju Banton

  • “Guess I’ve Been Here Before” Stephen Marley’s ‘Old Soul’

    “Guess I’ve Been Here Before” Stephen Marley’s ‘Old Soul’

    “Inside Me A Legacy Lives On,” Sings Ragga

    “Anything that sounds good is good,” says Stephen Marley, paraphrasing Duke Ellington. Don’t be surprised to hear the King of Reggae’s son referencing Harlem’s master of the jazz orchestra. Never one to limit his musical horizons, Stephen has always listened without prejudice, letting his inspiration set him free as a singer, songwriter, musician, and producer—whether collaborating with his illustrious musical family, or with Lauryn Hill, Nas, or Erykah Badu. Beginning his lifelong musical journey at the age of six, Stephen shared historic stages with his legendary father and toured the world with his brother Ziggy and sisters Cedella and Sharon, The Melody Makers. The Tuff Gong instilled in all of his children a strict work ethic and an awareness that “music is way more than just music.” Review Continues After The Jump…

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  • Buju Banton’s ‘Born for Greatness’ Sets The Gold Standard

    Buju Banton’s ‘Born for Greatness’ Sets The Gold Standard

    Gargamel Still Has The Stamina

    I first heard Buju Banton’s ragga-rough voice roaring in 1992, the first year the DJ really buss. Three decades later, as I laid eyes on the album art for Buju’s 12th studio album, Born For Greatness, one thing was clear: The artist who made his name with raw Dancehall Boomshots like “Stamina Daddy” and “Gold Spoon” has come a long way, over hills and valleys too—but The Gargamel still has the stamina to maintain the Gold Standard.  Review Continues After The Jump…

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  • Buju Banton’s ‘Til Shiloh’ Marks 25 Year Milestone

    Buju Banton’s ‘Til Shiloh’ Marks 25 Year Milestone

    Reasoning With The Gargamel On The Making of a Classic

    Before Buju’s landmark album Til Shiloh was released in 1995, he stopped by the VIBE offices to give me a preview. We shut the door of my office, popped a cassette in the stereo, and burned a spliff in the middle of the day while I heard songs like “Untold Stories” and “Til I’m Laid to Rest” for the first time. Songs like “Champion” and “Murderer” were already dancehall anthems, as was the late Garnet Silk’s “Complaint,” which Buju had enhanced with his raggamuffin DJ flow. As we wrapped up the listening session it became clear to me that Buju had created a timeless classic. A quarter of a century later, Buju has gone over many hills and valleys and he’s still standing strong. He appeared on the cover of VIBE in celebration of his long-awaited album, Upside Down 2020, which has since been nominated for a Best Reggae Album Grammy Award. And today Til Shiloh, recently certified gold by the Recording Industry Institute of America, marks its 25th anniversary with a deluxe reissue that features three exciting new tracks. In honor of the occasion, here is the converstion we had on that day back in 1995.  Interview After The Jump… (more…)

  • Vybz Kartel Speaks Of Dons and Of Divas

    Vybz Kartel Speaks Of Dons and Of Divas

    Crocodile Skin Sneakers

    Little known fact: the very first post on Boomshots.com went live February 10, 2009. The title? “Don’t Ramp With Kartel.” Adidja Palmer and Grace Hamilton’s smash collab “Rampin Shop,” an X-rated excursion on Ne-Yo’s “Miss Independent” version, was taking the streets by storm and had the internet  spinnin’ like a satellite dish—just as a new platform for dancehall and reggae was born. VIBE magazine had not yet ceased print publication but the mighty Boomshots brand, which started as a monthly column in Quincy Jones’ glossy hip hop magazine, was already leveling up on the digital frontier—at the same moment Kartel and Spice were about to elevate hardcore dancehall to new heights. Over the years Boomshots and Kartel have kept in touch. The first of our timeless interviews, “Reasoning with Di Teacha,” was just the beginning. Boomshots founder Rob Kenner published a profile of Kartel in The New York Times in 2011. From time to time we would link up with the Worlboss and various representatives of the Portmore Empire—search BoomshotsTV for a refresher if you’re playing catch-up. Back in 2013 we held a reasoning via email due to circumstances beyond our control, which would be Kartel’s first interview behind bars. He has come a long way since then. Check the stats: Over half a billion streams, 100+ #1 songs in Jamaica, not to mention all the dancehall stars he brought to the world’s attention, from Popcaan to Tommy Lee to Gaza Slim—and the list goes on straight up to Sikka Rhymes and UTG. And don’t forget the international collabs with the likes of Rihanna, Missy, Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Major Lazer, Akon, and Eminem. And just the other day Kartel received his first solo plaque from the Recording Industry Association of America for the certified gold single “Fever” off his album King of the Dancehall. In honor of this accomplishment, not to mention the release of his latest magnum opus, Of Dons & Divas, the time seemed right to catch up and hold a reasoning with Adi. Interview After The Jump…
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  • Buju Banton Covers VIBE x Boomshots Collab

    Buju Banton Covers VIBE x Boomshots Collab

    A VIBE x Boomshots Collab: Redemption Songs
    Jamaica’s Undefeated Champion Returns

    “Forward ever,” the late great Jacob “Killer” Miller used to sing. “And backward never.” Reggae music has always been about forward motion, the movement of Jah people, up from downpression and forward to Holy Mount Zion, because freedom is a must. Still, every once in awhile, it doesn’t hurt to take a glance over your shoulder, if only to take the measure of one’s progress. Just to remember the long walk, and to make sure that history is not a mystery. Some stories have got to be told. Story Continues After The Jump…  (more…)

  • Buju Banton and Stephen Marley Speak on “Duppy Conqueror (Yes Mi Friend)”

    Buju Banton and Stephen Marley Speak on “Duppy Conqueror (Yes Mi Friend)”

    A Celebration of Real Friendship, 50 Years After The Wailers Original

    “Yes me friend, we deh pon street again.” 50 years after The Wailers’ original “Duppy Conqueror,” Stephen Marley and Buju Banton lift up their voices and join together in one harmony to create a crucial selection off Buju’s highly anticipated new album ‘Upside Down.’ After watching them perform the song together for the first time on the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise, Reshma B reasoned with Ragga about the story behind the song. A few monthe later she caught up with Buju at Gargamel Studios in Kingston to hear his perspective on this powerful new song with a timeless vibration. Let the reasoning begin. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Top Shotta: Video Director Kieran Khan

    Top Shotta: Video Director Kieran Khan

    “Success is no accident”

    Born in Guayana, raised in the Bronx, and now based in Toronto, Kieran Khan has built a reputation as one of the most in-demand video directors on today’s dancehall scene. The umbe and hard-working visual craftsman is fond of quoting football legend Pele, who once said, “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” When Kieran suddenly found himself catapulted into success as the official videographer to international stars like Sean Paul and Cardi B, it was a moment that had been over a decade in the making, but which unfolded in the blink of an eye. Ten years of focus, perseverance, sacrifice, learning on the fly and prompt turnaround, combined with his down-to-earth, charismatic persona has finally paid off. But Khan’s work ethic continues to be his driving force. Consistently rising to the occasion even under strenuous circumstances, Khan has learned that dreams can come true in the blink of an eye. Fresh off the release of his latest collaboration with Sean Paul, “Back It Up Deh,” Boomshots asked Kieran to share some of the stories behind his most memorable productions. Check out the first edition of our new series, focusing on the visual artists who bring the music to life, “Top Shotta.” Videos After The Jump…
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  • Why Buju Banton’s Supreme Collab Really & Truly Matters

    Why Buju Banton’s Supreme Collab Really & Truly Matters

    Much More Than a T-Shirt

    This past Sunday, Supreme shared a very special video with its 12.9 million IG followers. The clip features Buju Banton toasting over King Tubby’s dub version of the classic “Love I Can Feel” riddim. Capturing a spontaneous moment of celebration, the video was shot just after the legendary reggae artist wrapped up a Supreme photo shoot at his Gargamel Music headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica. The voice you hear in the background throwing out ad-libs—“Oh Gosh!” … “Really & truly!”—is my own. Something magical happened in that moment, as it often does on this magical island. Right place, right people, right time. Video & Full Story After The Jump…

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  • The Long-Term Impact of Buju’s Long Walk To Freedom

    The Long-Term Impact of Buju’s Long Walk To Freedom

    Buju Banton’s epic homecoming at Jamaica’s National Stadium ushers in a new era for reggae & dancehall music.

    “My destination is homeward bound,” sang Buju Banton on stage at Jamaica’s National Stadium in the heart of Kingston. “Though forces try hold I down. Breaking chains has become the norm. I know I must get through no matter what a gwaan.” As the Grammy-winning reggae icon performed his song “Destiny,” a hit single from the 1997 album Inna Heights, the words took on added resonance due to the enormity of the occasion—a homecoming celebration for a living legend who’d been gone too long. Continued After The Jump… (more…)
  • Buju Banton Lays “Boom Bye Bye” Controversy To Rest

    Buju Banton Lays “Boom Bye Bye” Controversy To Rest

    Gargamel Declares “Love and Hate can never Be friends,” Removes Decades-Old Song From Streaming Platforms

    Even before Buju Banton’s return home to Jamaica, there were signs that the Grammy-winning reggae icon was determined to make a fresh start. Three weeks prior to his release, the artist shared a statement on his Instagram making clear his intention to leave all contreversy in the past. “In light of the adversity I have encountered, I feel the need to stress that my only desire going forward is peace and love,” Buju wrote. “I only want to be associated with my craft. Having survived, I want to share the good news and strength of my music. I just want to continue making music, which I’ve devoted my life to. I look forward to the opportunity to say a personal thanks to my fans and everyone who supported me.” Exactly what prompted this sentiment was left open to interpretation, but since that time Buju has quietly made moves to back up this talk with action. Without fanfare he pulled the song “Boom Bye Bye,” which has led to so much criticism over the years, including protests and canceled shows. The track—which he has not performed live since the mid 2000s—is no longer available on Spotify, Apple Music, or Tidal. And yesterday, Buju issued a statement to explain why he made this move. Statement After The Jump… (more…)
  • HEAR THIS: Jahazeil Myrie “Do Good” PREMIERE

    HEAR THIS: Jahazeil Myrie “Do Good” PREMIERE

    “Watch how you deal with people,” sings Jahazeil Myrie over dreamy production by his younger brother Jahleel. “Blame yourself before you blame others,” the young artist advises. “Cause ah your choice when the good matters / It’s right in front  your eye—time to realize / Have to do good fe good things reach you.” Today Boomshots proudly premieres a brand new tune on Leelo Records’ Virtue Riddim. Audio After The Jump… 


    Sounding wise beyond his years, the 21-year-old artist drops gems on this track, sharing what sounds like hard-earned wisdom. While blessing us with the exclusive premiere, Jahzeil shared the inspiration for his latest release. “What inspire me to write this song is just choices what people makes in life,” Jahazeil reasons. “The good and the bad combine together.”

    Without further ado, check the vibes right here, exclusively on Boomshots:

    Shout out to Jahazeil and  Jahleel along with their brother Markus. Nice to see Buju Banton’s youths doing good & carrying on the Gargamel’s musical legacy in their own ways.

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  • PREMIERE: Duane Pressure “Can I” Official Music Video

    PREMIERE: Duane Pressure “Can I” Official Music Video

    Duane Pressures The Ladies With Latest Visual

    Duane Pressure serenades the women with beautiful Rhythm and Blues vocals, in the inviting dancehall tune, “Can I.”  Performing for the last 13 years, Duane Pressure catapulted his career to stardom with hard work and perseverance. The dancer turned singer, influenced by artists like Michael Jackson, Usher, Christopher Martin, Mavodo, Buju Banton, and Vybz Kartel, shows that he made the right move by starting a music career. In his new video for “Can I,” he shows the ladies that chivalry is not dead, by opening the door to love.  Interview and Video After The Jump…

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