Boomshots

Tag: Dirtsman

  • Reasoning with Buju Banton: “My Life is an Open Book”

    Reasoning with Buju Banton: “My Life is an Open Book”

    Celebrating The Gargamel’s EarthStrong with a Classic ’95 Boomshots Interview from the Til Shiloh Era

    Forty one years ago today Mark Myrie was born in Kingston, Jamaica. By the time he was 19 he’d become the biggest dancehall star on the island with two smash albums—Stamina Daddy and Mr. Mention—under his belt. He soon signed to a major label and began to tour the world, a ghetto youth expanding his horizons in every imaginable way. And then in 1995—19 years ago this Friday July 18th—he released Til Shiloh, an album that marked a turning point in his career. With songs like “Untold Stories,” “Murderer,” and “Til I’m Laid To Rest” Buju announced a musical and spiritual rebirth, shaking off the bad boy pose that had stigmatized him in certain circles. Today Buju sits in federal prison, having become the target of a convicted coke dealer turned informant who ensnared him in an elaborate sting operation. The artist was convicted despite a highly problematic trial. We offer this interview (which first appeared in Ego Trip magazine) as a reminder of the artist that many know and love and a ray of hope for the future. If as he says his life is an open book, perhaps the final chapter has yet to be written.  Interview After The Jump… (more…)

  • The Evolution of Lieutenant Stitchie

    The Evolution of Lieutenant Stitchie

    Interview & New Music From The Dancehall Governor Turned Gospel Artist

    Twenty-five years after he became the first Jamaican dancehall star to drop an album for a major U.S. record label with his debut album The Governor (Warner/Atlantic), Lieutenant Stitchie continues to govern our thoughts. He delivered an electric performance at Rebel Salute, 2014 and released his autobiography, Power of Determination, contiguously. The book release event attracted such celebrities as Maxi Priest (Click on images above in photo gallery).  In the days leading up to the publication of his book,  I conversed with Stitchie and his friends regarding his journey from humble beginnings in Kingston, Jamaica, to having his voice heard around the world. Exclusive Interview After The Jump…

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  • Red Bull Music Academy Recognizes Philip Smart

    Red Bull Music Academy Recognizes Philip Smart

    How HC&F Studio Helped Lay The Foundation of NYC’S Reggae Scene

    Reggae Producer Philip Smart, has produced some of the biggest Reggae hits around and those hits have helped Reggae music flourish in so many ways. Not to mention, he created HC&F, the studio that become a national landmark for Reggae artists to make music. Many well known artists made HC&F a frequent pitstop while visiting New York including Shaggy, who recorded his first single there and Shabba Ranks who recorded, “Mr. Loverman,” there.

    Amongst others, Smart’s received lessons from King Tubby but he took his learnings and made them his own. Smart created his own sound and he mixed hit singles like Johnny Clarke’s, “None Shall Escape the Judgment.” 30 years later, Smart is still pushing the Reggae sounds that we all love out of HC&F. Red Bull Music Academy has recognized the great contribution that Smart has made to Reggae music and has paid tribute to him in their latest daily note issue. As Shaggy has said,  “Philip Smart is the man who made the whole New York reggae scene really come alive.” Full Story and Videos AFter The Jump… (more…)