Boomshots

Tag: Tuff Gong

  • 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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  • 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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  • Ten Classic Rita Marley Tunes You Need To Stop Sleeping On

    Ten Classic Rita Marley Tunes You Need To Stop Sleeping On

    Half The Story Has Never Been Told

    The whole world knows the Bob Marley legend, but how many overstand the fact that his wife Rita is an accomplished singer in her own right? Alpharita Constantia “Rita” Anderson was born 70 years ago in Santiago, Cuba and raised in Kingston, Jamaica. She first met Robert Nesta Marley in the mid 1960s, when both were teenage recording artists at Sir Coxsone Dodd’s legendary Studio One, the “Motown Records” of Jamaica. Rita was lead vocalist for The Soulettes while Bob’s group was called The Wailing Wailers. The two would eventually get married and later tour the world, with Rita backing Bob as a member of his harmony section the I Three. Earlier this week Rita Marley was hospitalized after reportedly suffering a stroke. Our prayers go out to her family and fans around the world. In the meantime, let the music play. Audio After The Jump…
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  • WATCH THIS: Nadine Sutherland “Inna Mi Blood” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Nadine Sutherland “Inna Mi Blood” Official Music Video

    Revolutionary Sounds From One of Tuff Gong’s Finest

    Back in 1980 Bob Marley was recruiting fresh talents as he prepared to build his Tuff Gong label into the Jamaican answer to Motown. One of his signees was a singer named Nadine Sutherland, who cut a single called “A Young One Like Me” for the Tuff Gong label. Unfortunately, Marley’s time on earth would be cut short and plans for Tuff Gong changed accordingly, but young Sutherland would continue her musical journey. She collaborated with Terror Fabulous on the Dave Kelly–produced 1994 smash hit “Action” and built a distinguished catalog of solo hits for producers like Donovan Germaine at Penthouse and Fattis Burrell at Xterminator. Most recently Nadine linked with UK dubmaster Mad Professor to record “Inna Mi Blood,” a blazing piece of rebel music that would surely make the Tuff Gong proud. “I am very passionate about the message in this song,” said the singer, who celebrates her birthday today. “It was written from observing the rise of racism in America and the subsequent deaths of African Americans as a result of it. I guess my roots have caught up with me. My association with Bob Marley was an influence too. This song is my tribute to Rastafari and our freedom fighters.” Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • 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…)

  • Ten Great Bob Marley Songs You Probably Never Heard

    Ten Great Bob Marley Songs You Probably Never Heard

    The Songs That Made The Gong A Legend Are Not All On Legend

    Bob Marley’s greatest hits collection Legend is the top-selling reggae album of all time, with at least 15 million copies sold—according to the RIAA website. It’s a good bet the actual numbers are a lot higher, but let’s just say that the 15 tracks on that album have served as most people’s introduction to the Tuff Gong—and to reggae music overall. But like the song says, “Half the story has never been told.” Even if you’ve collected all of Marley’s albums for Island Records you could still spend a lifetime exploring his work with Scratch Perry, Coxsone Dodd, Leslie Kong, Danny Sims, or Randy’s Studio 17. In honor of Robert Nesta Marley’s 71st Birthday, we’ve gathered some of our favorite rarities and under-rated Marley classics. Most will come as a revelation to your average Legend listener. A serious reggae fan will have heard at least a few before. If you know all ten of these already, nuff respect. Rock on, Tuff Gong. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • Forbes Names Bob Marley #5 Top Earning “Dead Celebrity” For 2013

    Forbes Names Bob Marley #5 Top Earning “Dead Celebrity” For 2013

    The Tuff Gong Brought In An Estimated $18 Million Last Year

    “Not one of my seeds shall sit on the sidewalk and beg your bread,” Robert Nesta Marley proclaimed on his 1974 song “So Jah Seh.” And verily verily these words, like so many others he sang, have proven to be prophetic. Thirty-two years after passing away at the age of 36, Bob Marley is not just a legendary musician and a global icon of spirituality and human rights. Marley is also a powerful brand. As a 2011 Billboard cover story explored, the Marley estate is engaged in constant struggle to battle bootleggers seeking to cash in on Bob’s image and legacy while they have also developed a variety of their own businesses, from clothing lines to personal audio and beverages. And according to Forbes magazine’s latest ranking of “Dead Celebrities,” those businesses appear to be doing well. Forbes reporters estimate that the Marley estate brought in $18 million in 2013. He ranks as one of three musicians in the top 5, trailing Michael Jackson, who takes the top spot with an estimated $160 million in earnings (making him the year’s top earning celeb dead or alive), and Elvis Presley, who comes in at No. 2 with an estimated $55 million. (Not bad for a youth from the rural Jamaican village of Nine Mile who came of age in the streets of Trenchtown.) Rounding out the Top 5 are Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. For the full list head over the Forbes. But just remember the Tuff Gong will never die. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Julian Marley featuring Jr. Gong “Violence In The Street”

    “JuJu Royal” aka Julian Marley will soon release his third and best album to date, Awake. Besides referencing his father’s classic “Wake Up And Live” the album’s title also serves as a wake-up call those who may have slept on this laid-back Lion. But they won’t be sleeping for long. (more…)

  • K’Naan To The World

    Marley connoisseurs have been up on K’Naan for years now, but now that the poet/emcee/self-proclaimed “visual stenographer” is finally getting his shine, the rest of the world is starting to catch up. (more…)