Category: RadioLily

Mr. Vegas “Reggae Euphoria” Album Preview

A Track-By-Track Breakdown of The Dancehall Hitmaker’s Latest Release

Few artists in the Jamaican music fraternity can rival the track record established by Mr. Vegas since he exploded on the dancehall scene with his 1998 debut album Heads High. Just last September the year-to-year hitmaker delivered Bruk It Down 2.0, a blazing set of high-energy cuts that rode the wave of his international smash “Bruk It Down,” whose accompanying dance move was a favorite of Nicki Minaj among others. While his new album Reggae Euphoria contains plenty of dancehall energy, it presents the full range of his artistry—with elements of roots reggae, mento, rock steady, R&B, hip-hop and gospel and inspirations ranging from Delroy Wilson to Leonard Cohen to Miley Cyrus. No matter what style of music, Vegas is quite simply a master hitmaker with a rare gift for crafting compelling melodies that stick in the brain year after year. The term “Euphoria” refers to a state of extreme happiness familiar to all dancehall fans who’ve had the pleasure of catching Vegas live in concert. It was origianlly a medical term for “the condition of feeling healthy and comfortable (especially when sick),” and derives from the Greek euphoros meaning “power of enduring easily,” or literally “bearing well.” Whatever may be ailing the listener—whether heartsickness, lack of inspiration, or a chronic case of musical mediocrity, Reggae Euphoria is the perfect prescription. Today Mr. Vegas will be launching the album at Miss Lilys, so if you’re in NYC it’s time to head on down to Houston and Sullivan Streets. But if you can’t make it in person don’t worry we’ve got you covered! Live Stream Link After The Jump…

(more…)

September 22, 2014
Tarrus Riley & Friends Pop-Up Shop—Way Up & Stay Up

Singy Singy’s Love Situation Tour Continues Tonight at BB King’s in NYC

Tarrus Riley’s album Love Situation is a modern take on Jamaica’s rich rock steady tradition, an independent release that topped the Billboard reggae charts. The singer is currently touring on the strength of the record and will perform live tonight at BB King’s. Earlier this week he hit New York City to open a Pop Up Shop at Miss Lily’s which took place during the Strictly Boomshots show. Hosted by Rob Kenner alongside guest selectors Max Glazer and Kenny Meez of Federation Sound, and special guest Kardinall Offishal on the mi, it was truly a night to remember. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

June 5, 2014
WATCH THIS: Tarrus Riley “1, 2, 3 I Love You” Official Music Video

Singy Singy Turns Up The Music—And Throws A Pop-Up Shop At Miss Lily’s NYC

Tarrus Riley is turning heads with the lover’s rock anthem “Dem A Watch” from his rock-steady album Love Situation. This was Tarrus’ first album to top Billboard‘s reggae album chart a week following the project launch on Feburary 4 of this year. The album was independently produced and distributed by Tarrus Riley along with Cannon, Riley’s BSMG (Blak Soil Music Group), Riley co-manager Shane Brown’s Jukeboxx Productions, and South Florida based digital reggae distributor Zojak Worldwide LLC. . Tarrus will be hosting a list of shows this summer and kicked off his tour with a performance at Best of The Best in the Miami. Meanwhile the ever-versatile artist dropped a more dance-oriented single “Tun Up The Music” featuring Chi Ching Ching, produced by Chimney Records. We are looking forward to more crossover-style releases from Singy Singy, but who can resist the smooth vocals and romantic theme behind “123 I Love You”? With continual support from reggae musicians like the great Dean Fraser, Tarrus Riley is positined to keep producing quality music for years and years to come. Videos After The Jump…

(more…)

June 1, 2014
I Octane Talks “My Journey” Pon Radio Lily

The Singjay Launches his New ALbum Tonight AT SOBs

This Monday I-Octane passed through Radio Lily in NYC to kick off the media blitz supporting his new album My Journey. Not only did the artist kick it with DJ Rob Kenner and spit some hot freestyles, he took over Miss Lily’s Variety on Houston Street with a pop-up shop selling Octane-branded merchandise. A tasteful blend of dancehall and reggae, Octane’s sophomore album is a certified #Boomshot. Video After The Jump… (more…)

April 9, 2014
WATCH THIS: Wayne Marshall & Jr. Gong “Go Hard” in NYC

The Last Time Marsheezy Came to NYC the Whole Ghetto Youths Crew Came Along

Wayne Marshall celebrates the Release of his latest album TRU Colors in NYC tonight at the Delancey. Packed with hits like “I Know,” “Stupid Money,” and the mega-posse cut “Go Hard,” TRU Colors is easily Marshall’s greatest album yet—a must have for reggae and dancehall fans worldwide. Here at Boomshots, we’ve been rocking with Marshall since 2000 and better—so we’ve anticipating this particular project for quite a while. We first heard Marshall had linked up with the Marley Bros back in 2012, and as the project took shape the Boomshots massive has stayed up-to-date on its progress. Congratulations Marsheezy and the whole GYI fam. As the celebration kicks off, let’s rewind back to Labor Day weekend 2013 when the Ghetto Youths crew took over Radio Lily (peep the photograph above by Mark Shaw) then rolled to SOBs for a historic performance courtesy of Boomshots Reggae Mondays. Do you remember? Bust it! Video AFter The Jump… (more…)

February 27, 2014
Colonel Josie Wales Pon Radio Lily

The Outlaw Rides Through The Strictly Boomshots Show. Jesus Christ—We Nice!

In A$AP Ferg’s smash hit “Shabba,” the Harlem rapper idolizes Shabba for wearing “eight gold rings” and “one gold tooth.” But if the truth be told, it was not Shabba Ranks but his mentor Josie Wales who originated that style of fanciness. Had Josey Wales done nothing more than carry Cocoa Tea to the studio for the first time or introduce a young Shabba to King Jammys, his place is dancehall history would be secure, and yet this humble musical soldier—whose official rank in the dancehall militia is Colenol— has done all that and much much more. (Although he modestly states that he has had “no career” to date thus far, he’s now working with the team Irish & Chin, so watch out for big things from The Colonel in days to come.) Born Joseph Winston Sterling in St. Mary, Jamaica, Josie Wales took his DJ name from the 1976 Clint Eastwood movie The Outlaw Josey Wales. He built his reputation on Stur Gav sound system alongside foundation DJs like Daddy U Roy, Brigadier Jerry, and Charlie Chaplin, and recorded classic sides for Junjo Lawes’ Volcano label (“Leggo Me Hand“) George Phang’s Power House label (“Undercover Lover“) and King Jammy’s (“Nah Lef Ya.“) By the mid 1980s he was acknowledged as Jamaica’s ruling dancehall artist. And his influence continues to this day. Queen Latifah borrowed one of his signature styles to make her Grammy-winning hit “U.N.I.T.Y.” and Josie’s voice was heard on last year’s smash hit “Sweet Jamaica.” A certified legend from the streets to the sound systems, he is both eloquent and witty in person, so it was both a treat and an honor to welcome him to the Strictly Boomshots show on Radio Lily. Audio & Video After The Jump…

(more…)

December 10, 2013
Gyptian & Friends Pon Radio Lily

Gyppy Celebrates His Birthday by Nicing Up The Strictly Boomshots Show

October 28 was a good day for Gyptian. The certified gold reggae hitmaker celebrated his birthday at Radio Lily in NYC. along with some of his best friends—like longtime bredren Bascom X plus Khago, Fyakin, and the Rebel Princess Danielle D.I. The whole crew rolled up in a fleet of criss BMWs and then when they were good and ready, they spilled out to nice up the Strictly Boomshots show. Gyptian took a moment to reason with DJ Rob Kenner about his new album Sex Love & Reggae, which went on sale at midnight that same night. Then he and his musical army busted out some wicked freestyles before hopping back in their cars and rolling up the road to tear up the stage at SOBs. #AllInADaysWork Audio After The Jump…

(more…)

October 29, 2013
Shaggy & Friends Pon Radio Lily

Mr. Boombastic Hits The Strictly Boomshots Show To Celebrate Out of Many One Music Album Release

This Monday on RadioLily.com we welcomed the biggest hitmaker in dancehall history, Shaggy, to celebrate the release of his star-studded collaboration with Sly & Robbie, Out of Many One Music. Shaggy and Rob Kenner talked about the vision behind this heartical roots reggae project, sharing the stories behind classic collabos like Beres Hammond on “Fight This Feeling” and Ne-Yo on “You Girl.” Shaggy also revealed that he recently recorded a new collaboration with Super Cat and Maxi Priest, which will be included as a bonus track of physical copies of Out of Many One Music, which will not be available until later this year. The whole Ranch Music family was in the house, from DJ Kue to featured artists on the new album Jimmy Cosier, Melissa, and Samira. Shaggy even brought his bredrens from the Ruff Entry crew, Red Fox and Screechy Dan—both of whom were in rare form for the big album release. So put your hand inna the air and just—Big Up. Audio & Video After The Jump…

(more…)

September 25, 2013
Mr. Vegas Makes Surprise Visit To Radio Lily

Die-Doo Talks Bruk It Down 2.o Pon The Strictly Boomshots Show

This Monday’s Strictly Boomshots show opened with a big surprise guest. Dancehall hitmaker Mr. Vegas passed through Radio Lily to chat about his brand new album Bruk It Down 2.o, which hit iTunes on Tuesday. Vegas and Rob Kenner previewed some new tunes and then took a moment to reason about the new release, and touched on the two other new albums from Shaggy and Vybz Kartel. And of course he blessed the place with a Boomshots freestyle. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

September 25, 2013
Ghetto Youths Take Over Radio Lily

Wayne Marshall, Christopher Ellis, Black Am I and Jo Mersa Storm the Strictly Boomshots Show

Just before the Ghetto Youths crew shelled down SOBs, they passed through Radio Lily to nice up the Strictly Boomshots show. Jo Mersa, Christopher Ellis, Black Am I, and Wayne Marshall passed the mic around like a coconut chalice. Everybody took a hit—little bit of interview, little bit of freestyle, and a whole heap of vibes. You know how the crew do. Audio After The Jump…

(more…)

September 4, 2013
HEAR THIS: Radio Lily Mixtape Preview

The Best of Radio Lily’s Live Performances On Cassette

Radio Lily has been playing the people’s music night & day for a hot minute now, and over the months we’ve seen some amazing live performances. So we were well pleased to hear about the forthcoming mixtape This is Radio Lily Clash, which is coming soon. This being Miss Lily’s, of course, a mixtape is not a download link. It’s a real mixtape, as in a cassette. We’re talking limited edition bizness. So if you don’t make your way down to Houston and Sullivan to cop yours quick quick quick, you probably won’t get to hear it. But fret not thyself—Boomshots has got you covered with this exclusive preview of Side A featuring exceptional live performances by Chronixx, Beenie Man, Tifa, and Konshens. We do this for our culture. Thank us later. Audio After The Jump…

(more…)

September 1, 2013
Sizzla Kalonji Speaks on Selassie’s Birthday

Just Before Blazing The Niyabinghi Fire, Sizzla Checked in With The Strictly Boomshots Show
Today marks the 121st anniversary of the birth of Tafari Makonnen Woldemikael, who would go on to become Haile Selassie I, emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974. Selassie holds a special place for the Rastafarian faithful, and his birthday is celebrated by the blazing of the Niyabinghi fire and days of drumming and chanting. During last night’s Strictly Boomshots show, we were blessed with an exclusive telephone call from Sizzla Kalonji, who was on his way to the Niyabinghi. He took some time to speak on his new album The Messiah, broke down the importance of Haile Selassie, the meaning of Niyabinghi, and even chanted a few lines over the phone line. All those who have ears, let them hear. Interview Audio After The Jump… (more…)

July 23, 2013