Da Realest DJ Gets Physical
When Konshens and Rvssian connect, the girls buss a sweat. Such was the case when Da Realest DJ shot the Konshens “Physically Fit” OMV for his Rvssian-produced banger “Physically Fit,” off his forthcoming album The Hotel Room. But you already know how it goes on these sexy music video shoots: half the story has never been told. That’s why Boomshots had to link Destine Media for an exclusive behind-the-scenes sneak peek. Video After The Jump… (more…)
The Strong One Meets The Reggae Girl About Town
Straight out of August Town, Jamaica to the four corners of the earth, Etana has established her name as one of the most powerful voices in reggae music. Fresh off a successful European tour in support of her fourth album, I Rise, she will headline tonight’s International Women of Reggae showcase at Brooklyn College, presented by our bonafide bredren sistren at the Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music. While you cop your tickets, check out perhaps the realest interview she’s ever given. No topic is off limits in this exclusive reasoning with Reshma B, from love to loss to domestic violence, infidelity and mental illness—and exactly how it feels to stand up as a strong women in the music business. Video After The Jump… (more…)
Mr. Boombastic Is Still Fantastic
Shaggy made an appearance on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon the other night. The appearance was good for a couple of laughs and also promoted his latest smash single, “I Need Your Love,” featuring Mohombi, Faydee, and Costi. (Did you ever notice that Shaggy is always making hits with artists you never heard of?) In a well-over-twenty-year mainstream career, Shaggy still finds himself basking in a very positive limelight, and that makes me happy. People can say what they want about who is badder than who but Shaggy remains the hero that dancehall never really knew it needed—and the one dancehall culture ultimately deserves. In an era where too many of our musical heroes have been remixed into villains, Shaggy is still here to prove that Jamaica has maintained her joy. So what if he’s clashing Higgins instead of Ninjaman? (And don’t sleep on Hig’s skillz by the way) The man’s got a sense of humor. And it’s always a good look to see Jamaica shine. Respect Mr. Boombastic. Video After The Jump… (more…)
Miami Welcomes The Big Dutty Stinkin’ Dancehall Emperor
There are few entertainers in any genre who can match the raw energy of Shabba Ranks live on stage. But when A$AP Ferg shouted out Shabba a couple of years ago many younger fans had never seen the dancehall legend do his thing live. This Memorial Day weekend May 24 in Miami, everyone will get the chance to witness the Dancehall Emperor ripping up Best of the Best alongside the likes of Capleton, Beenie Man, and Lady Saw. Shabba’s prediction: “Underpants wet, sweat man come fi sweat, money get!” Video After The Jump… (more…)
The Skints are a London-based group who record dub, punk, ska, and predominantly reggae music. Since forming in 2008, they have garnered a loyal fan-base who are crazy about their “East London” sound. The group have even received backative from the Beeb (via BBC Radio 1) which is indicative of their major scope! Dubbed ‘one of the hardest working bands in the UK’, the quirky quartet have collated with legendary producers Prince Fatty and Mad Professor and continue to gig all over the world, selling out venues in their own right, and supporting acts such as The Gym Class Heroes, The Slackers and The King Blues. But, when all is said and done, there is no place like home. We learn that much from The Skints’ latest single “London Town,” a rhythmic ode to the ends that mentions UK keywords like Saxon Sound System, Brixton and Victoria Line. What’s more, Jamie, Jonathan, Joshua and Marcia called upon foundation DJs Horseman and Tippa Irie to pass through and chat two lyrics on the mic! Video After The Jump…
Because Every Day Should Be 4/20
Music runs in Keznamdi’s blood. His parents, who now live in Ethiopia, founded the reggae band Chakula. One of his older sisters, Kelissa, has recorded and toured extensively with Chronixx while his eldest sister Kamila is a popular Jamaican TV presenter who’s also married to Jah Cure. Keznamdi’s latest release finds him defending the healing of the nation. Produced by Natural High and Keznamdi, this sensi-scented selection is accompanied by a video shot by Fareye Films that will make you feel as though you’re visiting the fragrant fields of Orange Hill at harvest time. Video After The Jump… (more…)
How Them Fi Say Ganja Evil?
In comes a fresh cut high-grade ganja tune from the man called “Sniggy” outta the Head Concussion Records posse alongside the man called Konshens Sojah. How them fi say ganja evil. You dun know if haffi legal. Blaze it up. Audio After The Jump… (more…)
The Fam Ain’t New To This, They’re True To This
When it comes to roots, rock, reggae music, the Morgan Heritage family is not new to this, they’re true to this. So when they hear talk about a “reggae revival” happening in Jamaica—as if Reggae Music had passed away and was in need of resuscitation—the members of Morgan Heritage are uniquely qualified to speak on the matter. “Reggae music never gone nowhere,” Peetah Morgan tells Reshma B in an exclusive Boomshots interview. Their latest album is entitled Strictly Roots, but “don’t get it twisted” says Peetah—they can still sing about the sexy body ladies on songs like “Perform and Done” and Gramps can even DJ a verse and dash likkle coconut juice pon de ting. It’s all a part of the culture—uzeet? Strictly Roots drops today, so what better time to check out the reasoning. Video After The Jump… (more…)
One More Good Thing About Music…
“I don’t do hype, I do music,” Black-Am-I remarked backstage at a recent stop of the Set Up Shop tour. Born in the village of Nine Mile (the birthplace of Robert Nesta Marley, among others) Black-Am-I linked up with Damian Marley and eventually signed with the Ghetto Youths International posse. His latest single off the Set Up Shop Vol. 2 compilation celebrates the power of music to alleviate sufferation. Whether you’re listening at a streetside sound-system dance or aboard a luxury liner, this rub-a-dub selection sure sounds sweet. Video After The Jump… (more…)
The Strength of the Gargamel
The striking image of Buju Banton was shot by photographer Christian Witkin for the first major profile of the superstar DJ written by Joan Morgan and edited by Boomshots founder and publisher Rob Kenner for the October 1993 issue of Vibe magazine. The story was pegged to the release of his major label debut Voice of Jamaica. Buju’s fist represents his strength through adversity and the Africa ring was an early indication that the controversial young baldhead artist who had taken the dancehall world by storm with the smash hits on his classic Penthouse album Mr. Mention and had already become infamous in the mainstream media for his song “Boom Bye Bye” had much more on his mind than that tune might suggest. Full Details After The Jump… (more…)
Unity Is Strength, And Love & Hate Can Never Be Friends
During his 10 years in the music business David Constantine Brooks aka Singing Blacks aka Mavado has come a long way. Several years back his name was linked to the Gully vs. Gaza war but times have changed. Now a member of DJ Khaled’s We The Best Music Group, the Gully Gad recently dropped an historic remix featuring his former rival, Vybz Kartel, who is currently serving a life sentence for murder (with an appeal pending). “After a storm,” Mavado explains to Reshma B, “There must be a calm.” Audio After The Jump… (more…)
The Upsetter and Subatomic Sound Soon Touch The Road
Our bredren Emch of Subatomic Sound just blessed us with some never-before-seen footage of Lee “Scratch” Perry performing live in NYC back on May 17, 2012. This was his first time performing with that lineup—Emch on the beats and mix, Larry McDonald on percussion. Paul Zasky of Dubblestandart on bass. That same crew is about to roll out a U.S. tour starting tomorrow in ATL and culminating with the mother of all 4/20 jams in Denver, Colorado—the mile high state. Video After The Jump…
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