Month: September 2023

  • “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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