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  • Reasoning With Cocoa Tea

    Reasoning With Cocoa Tea

    “A lot of people say to me, ‘Bwoy, Cocoa Tea, you should have been bigger,’ I don’t worry about that… After humility come the glory.”

    There’s an old song that says, “Music alone shall live.” Lovers of reggae music received an unwelcome reminder of this fact early Tuesday morning when the beloved Jamaican vocalist Calvin “Cocoa Tea” Scott passed away at the age of 65 after battling cancer for the last few years. It’s no exaggeration to say that the irrepressibly energetic reggae legend—whose recordings and stage performances proudly represented the Rasta roots tradition—will be remembered as one of the sweetest singers of any culture, creed, or genre ever to touch the microphone. His transition from the earthly dimension was greeted with an outpouring of grief from fans worldwide as well as heartffelt tributes from musical peers like Bounty Killer and Beres Hammond. “My uncle, as sad as the situation is,” Spragga Benz shared in an Instagram post, “I am happy you are in no more suffering and pain. Over the years Boomshots has blessed to connect with Cocoa Tea on numerous occasions. Even amidst feelings of loss and grief, the memories came flooding today. Videos and Interviews After the Jump…

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  • WATCH THIS: Teeezy ft. Meleku “Pillow Talk” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Teeezy ft. Meleku “Pillow Talk” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    When Compton Meets Judgment Yard 


    A wise man once said “it ain’t where you’re from, it’s where you’re at.” Case in point: the natural connection between Teeezy, born and raised on the South Side of Compton, and Meleku, son of Jamaican reggae legend Sizzla Kalonji. During a recent journey to Kingston, Jamaica the Cali spitter passed through Sizzla’s Judgment Yard cultural compound in August Town. No sooner did Teeezy link with Meleku than the two youths felt a musical vibration and wasted no time getting into the studio. The first fruit of their labors is “Pillow Talk,” a featured track from Teeezy’s latest project, 1st Quarter. Boomshots is proud to present the world premiere of the song’s official visuals. right here right now. Press play and you’ll hear both of these rising stars staying true to their own authentic style as the vibes flow naturally like an island breeze. Stay tuned for an exclusive interview with Reshma B.  Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Spice Drops ‘Mirror 25,’ Reflects on 25 Years of Dominance and Celebrates Kartel’s Homecoming

    Spice Drops ‘Mirror 25,’ Reflects on 25 Years of Dominance and Celebrates Kartel’s Homecoming

    When Spice Pulls Up It’s Always a Movie

    The Queen of Dancehall’s third studio album Mirror 25 dropped today and like everything Spice-related it’s got the internet goin’ nuts. Lead-off single “2085 Tea” set the tone of hardcore dancehall with a dash up mix-up while the country-hip-hop hybrid “Round Round” featuring Busta Rhymes showed the album’s versatility. “Ex Boyfriend” is a masterpiece of melodic pop while her Chronic Law collab “Gangsta” shows a harder side of Grace Hamilton. Now we’ve heard the full 25 tracks it’s clear that Mirror 25 is Spice’s best body of work ever. The musical offerings range from inspirational tunes like “You Are Worthy” to mad collabs like featuring “Cry” featuring Lola Brooke and of course “Super Hero” featuring Pamputtae and Jada Kingdom aka Harley Quint, Bumpa Incredible and Tightimus Prime. Last time Spice was in NYC she sat down with Reshma B who dug into her archive and pulled out a very rare CD that brought back some emotional memories for Spice. You don’t want to miss this interiew.  Check out the full story on Complex.  Video After The Jump…  (more…)

  • Yee Haw! Spice Kicks Off Dream Weekend New York Cowgirl Style

    Yee Haw! Spice Kicks Off Dream Weekend New York Cowgirl Style

    The Queen of the Dancehall Live & Direct in NYC

    By the time Vybz Kartel shouted out Dream Weekend on his smash 2011 hit “Summertime,” the Negril-based super fete was already known as one of the biggest and wildest parties in the entire Caribbean. Catering to a sucker-free clientele who know how to tun up in style, Dream Weekend has evolved into a full-fledged festival and expanded its brand from Negril to New York City. The opening night of Dream Weekend New York 2024 was hosted by none other than the Queen of Dancehall herself, Spice. Despite the rainy weather, Manhattan’s Club Musica was packed with hardcore yet upscale party people raving to the sounds of DJ Kevin Crown and Platinum Kids Sound. The festivities happened to fall on June 29th, the same day Spice released “Round & Round,” her brand new cowboy-themed collab with Busta Rhymes. Queen Spice was in rare form, passing out cowboy hats to get everybody in the mood to shout “Yee Haw!” Photos & Video After The Jump… 

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  • WATCH THIS: Bay-C x Xyclone “Get Inna The Groove” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Bay-C x Xyclone “Get Inna The Groove” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    “Put the Dance Back Inna Dancehall”

    When Bay-C of the millennial dancehall supergroup T.O.K and veteran DJ Xyclone of the Red Square crew topped the iTunes Reggae chart last week with a #1 debut, it’s safe to say that their fun, energetic collaborative EP Flawless Victory exceeded even their own bold expectations. “I’m very elated,” says Xyclone, whose previous track record of success earned him the moniker “charting king.” When Xyclone reached out to Bay-C, the seasoned hitmaker jumped at the chance to collaborate. “From the T.O.K days until now I’ve always been one to watch and see who ah make moves inna the streets,” Bay-C told Boomshots. “I saw that Xyclone ah do him thing for quite some time and silently ah conquer the game.” They joined forces to make a straight-up Dancehall project at a time when the genre was ready for a big victory. Self-proclaimed pundits and even some producers have been quick to write the genre off while experimenting with the fusion of Afrobeats and Trap. Moreover, this particular victory is taking place during a week when the Bob Marley bio-pic One Love is the #1 movie in the world. “I think it was very important for us to send a message that we still have people out there who support Dancehall,” Xyclone declares. Today at 12 noon EST, Boomshots proudly premieres the first music video from one of the hottest dancehall projects of the new year. Shot in the streets of Kingston, “Get Inna The Groove” was produced by Dee Master and features the choreographic creativity of Pata Skeng. Peep the vibrant visuals below and check out the reasoning with Bay-C and Xyclone aka the “charting king.”  Video After The Jump…  

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  • WATCH THIS: Stephen and Damian Marley Talk Traffic Jam Tour & Brotherly Love

    WATCH THIS: Stephen and Damian Marley Talk Traffic Jam Tour & Brotherly Love

    “Real Reggae Yuh A Look For, Yuh Know Where Fi Find Us”

    Raggamuffin and Jr. Gong have been performing together for a long while, but this year’s Traffic Jam Tour is the first time they’ve officially touched the road as co-headliners. Boomshots visited their Miami rehearsal studio for an exclusive behind the scene video, where the brothers got ready with their band and explained the origins of “The Traffic Jam,” the song that started as a freestyle dubplate, evolved into an interlude on the Mind Control album, and has now inspired the tour’s name. “The bond between Stephen and Damian runs deeper than music, although they grew up in different households,” writes Reshma B in a new feature for Rolling Stone. “Steve is a big brother who really check on you when you’re little,” says Damian, who is Bob Marley’s youngest child. Stephen used to pick him up from school. “We come from tie shoelace,” Damian remembers, “how fi play football and ride bicycle, up to music too.” Check out the full story over at Rolling Stone, and check out Boomshots behind-the-scenes video below. Video After The Jump…  

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  • WATCH THIS: King Cruff x Runkus “FallBack” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: King Cruff x Runkus “FallBack” Official Music Video

    “From Yuh Say Yuh Stand In Love You Never Can Trip”

    “Remember that the sword has a double edge,” King Cruff rapped on his 2022 breakout hit “Samurai Chop.” Raised in Jamaica and based in Toronto, Cruff was born Solomon Marley-Spence—his mother is Stephanie Marley, daughter of Bob and Rita. Yet despite his royal reggae lineage, Cruff’s creative focus is future fast forward. Along with Kendrick Lamar, André 3000 and MF Doom, Cruff counts new-generation Jamaican stars like Chronixx and Runkus as inspirations. So it was only natural for him to link Runkus—the similarly versatile son of dancehall legend Determine—on his latest collab “FallBack.” (Boomshots been rocking with Runkus for some time now—he first popped onto our radar at a Reshma B Chains pop-up shop alongside Popcaan.) Springing forth from Cruff’s forthcoming project intriguingly titled The Ackee Metaphor Part II, “FallBack” is one of the year’s most exciting collaborations. The hard-driving riddim was crafted by Jordan McLure and David Hayle of Kingston’s own Chimney Records and Banx & Ranx, a Montreal-based duo comprising Soké and KNY, who are best known for world-pop bangers like “Answer Phone.” Analyzing the creative alchemy is fun after the fact, but if the shit don’t slap nothing else matters. Press play to overstand why this one is a certified BOOMSHOT. Video After The Jump… 

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  • WATCH THIS: Dukes of Roots ft. Natiruts “Try Happy” Official Music Video Premiere

    WATCH THIS: Dukes of Roots ft. Natiruts “Try Happy” Official Music Video Premiere

    “Life’s Better With A Smile On Your Face”

    As Bunny Wailer once observed “there’s no stems, leaves, or branches without the roots.” So it makes perfect sense for two global reggae ensembles—Dukes of Roots, representing Africa and Jamaica, and Natiruts, reppin’ Brazil—to join forces on “Try Happy.” Natiruts, of course are one of the world’s most respected reggae bands, and while Dukes of Roots may be a new name, its singers and players are well known, inlcuding the legendary bass player George “Fully” Fullwood, Congolese singer Mermans Mosengo, musical brothers Sean and Courtney Diedrick on keyboards and drums respectively, and Rod Walkey on guitar. Recorded in Brazil back in 2022, “Try Happy” was produced by Sean “Pow” Diedrick, the Jamaican-born keyboard maestro who tours the world with Damian Marley along with his brother, master drummer Courtney “Bam” Diedrick. Coming on the heels of  “John Punch” featuring the great Darius Rucker, and “Pressure Drop,” a tribute to the late great Toots Hibbert that also features living legend Tarrus Riley, the Dukes’ upful single has all the makings of a modern classic. Boomshots is proud to premiere the official music video, directed by our bredren Kieran Khan.  Check the vibes and do remember, “either way we gonna be okay.” Video After The Jump…

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  • “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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  • 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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  • WATCH THIS: Jack Johnson x Lee “Scratch” Perry “Traffic in the Sky” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Jack Johnson x Lee “Scratch” Perry “Traffic in the Sky” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    From The Album In Between Dub

    Jack Johnson is not a reggae musician, but growing up in Hawaii he’s been immersed in the sound and the sensibility as long as he can remember. “Reggae music was kinda like mainstream here,” he recalls. “That was something that was always around. When you jump in someone’s truck to go drive or go surf it was mostly reggae records playing.” On June 2 the pro surfer turned multiplatinum recording artist, film maker, and environmental activist will release In Between Dub, a selection of tracks drawn from Johnson’s two decade-deep catalog, served up “with a dub twist.” While Johnson never aimed to play reggae music, he recognizes its influence on his folk rock aesthetic. “I always identified the tones that I’m shooting for,” he reflects. “On all my albums we kind of go for a nice round bass sound.” When you check it deeply, Johnson did once accompany the legendary Jimmy Cliff performing “The Harder They Come” at a European music festival. Johnson and Ben Harper also joined backed Hibbert while performing “Pressure Drop” on Saturday Night Live. And Johnson will make a guest appearance on Stephen Marley’s forthcoming solo album. So perhaps it was not such a crazy notion for him to reach out to dub visionary Lee “Scratch” Perry in 2020 to work on a kind of greatest hits in dub project. “It didn’t feel like it would be going outside of our natural zone,” he says. “I felt it would be interesting to hear the songs dubbed out even if they’re not straight reggae. I felt they might fit into that pretty nice.” Boomshots is proud to premiere the dubbed-out visuals for “Traffic in the Sky,” a gentle acoustic tune from Johnson’s 2003 album On & On, which Scratch transforms into a spongy slice of digital dub sport. The video of Scratch was culled from actual studio footage sent by his wife after his passing. Run it!  Video After the Jump… (more…)