Boomshots

Tag: Kabaka Pyramid

  • Kabaka Pyramid and Damian Marley Speak On ‘The Kalling’ Grammy

    Kabaka Pyramid and Damian Marley Speak On ‘The Kalling’ Grammy

    Tears of Joy, and Nuff Inspiration

    “Rastafari Live.” On his track “Grateful,” Kabaka said “First all of me giving thanks to the highest creator,” and when the big moment came that’s exactly what he did. Walking to the Grammy Awards stage with his mother at his side and surrounded by his Bebble Rock crew, Kabaka’s expression of faith in Jah followed an expressiong of sheer disbelief that this moment was real. But it was! Kabaka’s album The Kalling had just won Best Reggae Album, rising to the top of an outstanding field of all-Jamaican nominees that included Koffee, Sean Paul, Shaggy, and Protoje. “We’re just some kids from Kingston, Jamaica,” Kabaka said during an emotional acceptance speech, bigging up his team, the album’s producer Damian “Jr Gong” Marley—who also features on the album, along with Stephen Marley, Buju Banton, Tifa, Black Am I, Jemere Morgan, and Protoje—and sending a special livication. “This one is for Jo Mersa Marley who we lost in December.” The significance of the award—bestowed one day before Bob Marley’s 78th birthday—was not lost on the album’s producer. “Kabaka is the first younger, up and coming artist we’ve worked with to help reach that place,” said Damian Marley who also produced Kabaka’s previous album Kontraband. This was Jr. Gong’s second nomination as a producer, as he also helmed Third World’s nominated album More Work To Be Done. “It’s kinda historical in that way where it’s the first album within the family circle that is not a family member who has really reached that status,” Jr. Gong added. “It’s somewhat a continuation of Gong’s vision—having a label that is a force to be reckoned with in the genre that’s not just about him individually but moreso a collective.” Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WTJRC 2022 Heavy Rotation Playlist

    WTJRC 2022 Heavy Rotation Playlist

    All in the Same Boat, Rockin’ on the Same Rock

    Once again it’s on. The last time we were on board the Jamrock Cruise was December 2019, before most people had ever heard the words “Covid-19.” Three years later the big ship is ready to rock with artists like Burning Spear, Shabba Ranks, Damian Marley, Bounty Killer, Sizzla, and more. Check out this Boomshots playlist featuring the latest sounds from all the artists performing on this year’s Jamrock Cruise.
    Heavy Rotation Playlist After The Jump…  (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Agent Sasco ft. Bounty Killer & Kabaka Pyramid “Loco” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Agent Sasco ft. Bounty Killer & Kabaka Pyramid “Loco” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    “New Generation A Come Up Now”

    Ever since Sasco linked up with TeflonZincFence to create “Loco,” it was clear that this was a special record. Teflon’s stripped-down beat hit like blunt force trauma, inspiring the artist formerly known as Assassin to serve up some of his hardest lyrics since Hope River. While speaking from a streetwise perspective, Sasco’s witty rhymes also expressed his concern for the youth—somewhere between Whitney’s “Greatest Love of All” and Slick Rick’s “Hey Young World.” The song took on a life of its own, as great songs do, and the streets demanded a remix. (One YouTube commenter suggested Sasco link up with Koffee and call the tune “Cocoa,” but I digress.) As fate would have it, Sasco recruited Killer and Kabaka for the remix, delivering a lyrical onslaught that was every bit as mad as the title suggests. Today Boomshots premieres the highly anticipated visuals for the remix—somewhat reminiscent of Biggie’s classic “Sky’s The Limit” video. “I’m very excited about the release of the ‘Loco Remix’ video,” says Sasco. “We went for a different concept which has my son, Joshua performing as me. He’s definitely excited for the release. It’s gonna be Loco!” How did Joshua do in his first starring role? As Sasco’s mentor dancehall legend Spragga Benz observed, “Weezy have di bounce.” Video After The Jump…
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  • WATCH THIS: Kabaka Pyramid “Nice Up Di Dance” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Kabaka Pyramid “Nice Up Di Dance” Official Music Video

    Nice Up Di Dance

    When I asked Clement S. Dodd, the founding father of the Jamaican music industry, which of his many recordings he was proudest of, the producer known as Sir Coxsone paused and stroked his white-whiskered chin. ”There is so much, getting back to ‘One Love’ and ‘Simmer Down,’ ” he said, mentioning two of The Wailers’ first big hits, recorded when a short-haired teenager named Bob Marley was living in a room behind Dodd’s studio. From legendary reggae bands like the Wailers and Burning Spear to the Skatalites, Studio One became Jamaica’s answer to Motown. Of all the great tracks he produced, Mr. Dodd finally selected his favorite. ”Real Rock,” he said, then began laughing. ”Oh God. ‘Real Rock’ really strong. It’s on top.”

    Originally recorded by the ace Studio One reggae band known as Sound Dimension, the “Real Rock” rhythm track that has been used for countless classic tunes, from Willi Williams’ “Armagideon Time” (1977) to Dennis Brown’s “Stop The Fussing and Fighting” (1977). None was more entertaining than Michigan & Smiley’s “Nice Up The Dance.” Papa Michigan & General Smiley’s rollicking combination brings the joys of a live dancehall session to life. It takes a certain caliber of artist to handle a rhythm like the “Real Rock.” So when producer Jeremy Harding was challenged to remake the Michigan & Smiley 1979 classic for the forthcoming VP Records project Dancehall Anthems, there was really only one logical choice—Kabaka Pyramid. An ace lyricist equally adept at classic roots reggae, hip-hop, and dancehall, Kabaka does full justice to Michigan & Smiley’s original while infusing its classic verses with his own unique energy and verbal wizardry. Video After The Jump…
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  • WATCH THIS: Chronixx ft. Kabaka Pyramid “Same Prayer” Official Visuals PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Chronixx ft. Kabaka Pyramid “Same Prayer” Official Visuals PREMIERE

    “Look deep within ourselves”

    Do not be deceived by the gorgeous vistas of Jamaican mountainscape displayed in the visuals for “Same Prayer.” This subtly crafted song is more concerned with navigating the treacherous terrain of humanity’s inner landscape than enjoying the view outside. And it’s definitely not all zen, yoga, and spirulina. “There’s so much good in the world,” Chronixx sings, “And still evil a lurk.” The song finds him beseeching the Almighty (JAH) to protect him and his loved ones (I and I) “from the ones who nuh care ’bout the fact we share the same air / and the blood that we bleed is alike.” In other words, it’s a song for this exact moment. When people are dying every day and nobody seems to have the answers. A time when we all do what we need to do. Seen? By the end of the third verse, Chronixx is  crying a river of tears and hoping Jah Jah hears. Then it’s time to touch the road—”Tuck it inna me waist and start up the bike.” Today Boomshots and VIBE proudly premiere the official visuals for “Same Prayer.”  Video After The Jump…

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  • Kakaba Pyramid Torched the SOB’s Stage with Blazing Lyrics

    Kakaba Pyramid Torched the SOB’s Stage with Blazing Lyrics

    Kabaka Pyramid Kontraband Tour Hit New York City

    On Friday, November 23, New York City fans endured the frigid weather for the highly anticipated, Kabaka Pyramid, Kontraband Tour at SOB’s. New York City renowned selector DJ Gringo of Stateside Revolution and Host of Sirius XM, “The Joint,” warmed up the crowd awaiting the revolutionary artist. Next up, the Bebble Rockers excited the crowd with an electrifying, symphonic rendition of “Make Way” (the song features Pressure Buss Pipe on the Kontraband album), as Kabaka Pyramid joined the stage. More Concert Highlights After The Jump…

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  • Kabaka Pyramid to Perform at SOBs for US Kontraband Tour

    Kabaka Pyramid to Perform at SOBs for US Kontraband Tour

    Kabaka Pyramid Prepares to Perform at Legendary Venue 

    From the onset of his career, Kabaka Pyramid made it clear, that he would not only make his mark as a lyricist, but also set the stage for conversations of social change. He has perfectly planned every step of his career, to show his evolution as an artist. This Thanksgiving season, specifically “Black Friday,” he will perform live with the “Bebble Rockers” band at the legendary Sounds of Brazil (Sobs) for his US Kontraband Tour. Kontraband is Kabaka Pyramid’s debut album, executively produced by Damian Marley, winner of the 2018 Grammy Award for the Best Reggae Album. More After The Jump…

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  • PREMIERE: 5Star “Lightning Storm” Official Music Video

    PREMIERE: 5Star “Lightning Storm” Official Music Video

    Musical Shock Attack Outta The Bebble Rock

    “Police lock me lyrics with a federal charge,” proclaims Five Star on his hard-striking rub-a-dub anthem “Lightning Storm,” produced by Kabaka Pyramid and Genius T. The last time we heard from the Five Star general he was dropping hits like “Warn Dem” and “3rd Eye Open” now the artist’s stepping forward with another musical shock attack. “Tell Babylon keep cool and keep calm,” the dreadlocks singer cautions, “Before them end up run up inna lightning storm.” Boomshots proudly premieres the visuals for this high voltage selection that’s guaranteed to send shock waves around the world. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Third World, Bushman, DJ Gringo and Alpha Lion To Pay Tribute to Bob Marley Tonight At Highline Ballroom

    Third World, Bushman, DJ Gringo and Alpha Lion To Pay Tribute to Bob Marley Tonight At Highline Ballroom

    Special Memorial For Bob Marley Set For New York City Stage Tonight

    Most of the Bob Marley Tributes in New York City, take place in February, with dates on or adjacent to his actual birthday, February 6. However, on the date of Bob Marley’s death, May 11, Third World Band will reminisce on someone who they knew both musically and personally.  More After The Jump…

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  • Kabaka Pyramid – Kaught Up (Official Video)

    Kabaka Pyramid – Kaught Up (Official Video)

    Kabaka Pyramid Shows Why He Is Accurate About Matters of the Heart

    Kabaka Pyramid carefully set the path for his musical career, by having a unique creativity combined with a command of knowledge. From onset, it was clear that this lyricist was here to make his mark, while spreading universal messages for social change and consideration. This was especially evident on his 2016 Mixtape Collaboration with Walshy Fire of Major Lazer, entitled, “Accurate.”

    Today this versatile artist released the visual for his sensual song, “Kaught Up,” which features reggae chants, rhythm and blues vocals and authentic hip hop over the Genis Trani  Nadal beat. The on camera chemistry and realism of this video directed by Alex Sandoval, meshes well with the song’s poignant lyrics. Fans went into a frenzy on social media after the video, shot in Miami, premiered on BET Jams. This created more hype in anticipation of his soon to be released debut album, “Kontraband.”  Damian Marley, winner of the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album is the executive producer for this debut album (Bebble Rock Music/ Ghetto Youths International).  Video After The Jump…

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  • WATCH THIS: Kabaka Pyramid ft. Stonebwoy “Borders” Lyric Video

    WATCH THIS: Kabaka Pyramid ft. Stonebwoy “Borders” Lyric Video

    Kabaka Connects With Ghanaian AfroBeats Ambassador On A Damian Marley Production

    Today MASS APPEAL premieres the official lyric video for “Borders,” a collaboration between Jamaica’s most accurate lyricist Kabaka Pyramid and StoneBwoy, the Ghanian artist whose style of AfroBeats shows a strong dancehall influence. Amidst ongoing battles over the expiration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and the implementation of border walls, this song could not be more on time. “We are one human family and we haffi raise the awareness,” says Kabaka of the project. “When we pree the whole refugee situation and the debasement of people around the planet, especially Africa, the Middle East and thing.” The track was produced by Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, who recently won a Grammy for his latest album Stony Hill, and who is executive producing Kabaka’s forthcoming album Kontraband. Peep the visuals, and then check our full interview with Kabaka. Video After The Jump…

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  • Kartel Tops Billboard 10 Best Reggae Albums List

    Kartel Tops Billboard 10 Best Reggae Albums List

    The best of times and the worst of times for lovers of Reggae Music

    For the second year in a row Billboard asked Rob Kenner, founder of Boomshots Media, to pick the 10 Best Reggae Albums of the year. The assignment was particularly significant in this year where Jamaican sounds were all over the airwaves, the pop charts and the Grammy nominations, except that most of the records were not done by Jamaican artists. You could hardly turn on the radio without hearing a half-hour block of dancehall-style tracks, all too often classified under misbegotten names like “tropical house” and “Caribbean bass.” With both Justin Bieber and Rihanna briefly sporting dreadlocks and Drake publicly referring to himself as “the don,” it would be difficult for longtime fans of the music not to catch feelings this year….Consider this list a crib sheet to catch you up on everything you missed while tropical house flooded the airwaves.  Full List After The Jump…
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