Boomshots

Category: Reasoning

  • Reasoning with Lee “Scratch” Perry: “The Black Ark Preserve Life and It Kill”

    Reasoning with Lee “Scratch” Perry: “The Black Ark Preserve Life and It Kill”

    “I think the devil is a goat,” and other thoughts of a living legend.

    Whether you prefer to call him a madman or a genius, there’s no doubt that Lee “Scratch” Perry is a living legend. The man who gave the Wailers their “Natural Mystic” and pushed the frontiers of dub music at his Black Ark studio has never lost his creative mojo, even at the age of 78. Next week he will host his first New York art installation, followed by a live performance at Brooklyn Bowl with Subatomic Sound System as part of the annual Dub Champions Festival. In the first installment of Reshma B‘s exclusive interview with The Upsetter aka the Super Ape aka Pipecock Jaxson, he talks about two of his most recent collaborations—the Vibes EP, a collaboration with the Swiss musician Iguana, and the Back on the Controls project for which the London-based Rolling Lion team recreated all the exact recording equipment and techniques used at the Black Ark. “The Ark of the Covenant is a spirtual vibration,” scratch explains. “Ancient spirits speak… Everything is spirit. Because God is a spirit and Satan the devil also is a spirit. But Satan need competition.” In part one of the interview, find out why Scratch sprinkles white rum inside the studio before beginning a recording session. And in the second installment, discover who Scratch was taking revenge on when he built his own studio, The Black Ark, and find out how it had so many awesome powers: “It produce rain, whirlwind, hurricane, tidal wave, thunder, hailstone, earthquake, and it preserve life and it kill. It cripple, it cramp, and paralyze.” Videos After The Jump… (more…)

  • Reasoning with Buju Banton: “My Life is an Open Book”

    Reasoning with Buju Banton: “My Life is an Open Book”

    Celebrating The Gargamel’s EarthStrong with a Classic ’95 Boomshots Interview from the Til Shiloh Era

    Forty one years ago today Mark Myrie was born in Kingston, Jamaica. By the time he was 19 he’d become the biggest dancehall star on the island with two smash albums—Stamina Daddy and Mr. Mention—under his belt. He soon signed to a major label and began to tour the world, a ghetto youth expanding his horizons in every imaginable way. And then in 1995—19 years ago this Friday July 18th—he released Til Shiloh, an album that marked a turning point in his career. With songs like “Untold Stories,” “Murderer,” and “Til I’m Laid To Rest” Buju announced a musical and spiritual rebirth, shaking off the bad boy pose that had stigmatized him in certain circles. Today Buju sits in federal prison, having become the target of a convicted coke dealer turned informant who ensnared him in an elaborate sting operation. The artist was convicted despite a highly problematic trial. We offer this interview (which first appeared in Ego Trip magazine) as a reminder of the artist that many know and love and a ray of hope for the future. If as he says his life is an open book, perhaps the final chapter has yet to be written.  Interview After The Jump… (more…)

  • Shabba Records First Song In JA For Three Years

    Shabba Records First Song In JA For Three Years

    If you want to work with Shabba Ranks, don’t bring “Monkey Money”—make sure it’s “Gorilla Money”!

    Shabba Ranks decides to record a new track in Jamaica after ceasing his production there for years. (His last Jamaican production was “None A Dem” for Di Genius in 2011.) While in New York the Dancehall Emperor collaborated with American rappers A$AP Ferg and A$AP Rocky on the official remix of a eponymous song “Shabba Ranks”. The Grammy award winning DJ boasts an elaborate list of hits from his travels from yard to the United States. On his most recent visit back to JA, Shabba discusses his new musical projects, his pay rate—”no monkey money, we take gorilla money”—and his clothing line E.R.E. : Emperor. We expect more crossover success from the “Mr.Loverman” singer. Video After The Jump…

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  • WATCH THIS: Chronixx Passes Through The Hot97 Morning Show

    WATCH THIS: Chronixx Passes Through The Hot97 Morning Show

    Dread & Terrible Tour Frontman Talks About The State Of Reggae Music

    While in NYC doing promo for his Dread & Terrible EP and Tour, Chronixx swung by Hot97 studios and paid a visit to the morning show. Hosts Ebro and Cypha Sounds sat down with the rising reggae star and picked his brain on topics like the current state of reggae music and  its connection to Hip Hop. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Popcaan Gets Unruly in Ocho Rios, Says “Most Jamaicans Will Be Surprised” By His New Album

    Popcaan Gets Unruly in Ocho Rios, Says “Most Jamaicans Will Be Surprised” By His New Album

    Watch the Unruly Boss Shell Down a Stage Show and Talk About His Debut Album

    When we last caught up with him at the 2013 staging of Reggae Sumfest, Popcaan told Reshma B that his debut album would be coming next year and that it would be “totally different,” with more “uplifting” songs. Now that the album is completed, he can shed a little bit more light on the project, which is titled Where We Come From and will be dropping on Mixpak Records June 10. Known for hits like “Ravin” and “Party Shot” and “Only Man She Want,” Papi shows a different side on the new album, starting with the single “Everything Nice” which blends the serious realities of life with an uplifting forget-your-troubles-and-dance vibe. After years of playing his position in the Gaza camp as Vybz Kartel’s protege, Popcaan is now acknowledged as a major star in his own right who rolls with his own clique, Team Unruly. The Reggae Girl About Town recently rolled with the team to a stage show in Ochi, and got the full scoop backstage, onstage, and after the show in the parking lot. Find out why Popcaan says “most Jamaicans will be surprised,” by the new album.  Videos After The Jump…

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  • I Octane Talks “My Journey” Pon Radio Lily

    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…)

  • WATCH THIS: Reasoning With Bunji Garlin

    WATCH THIS: Reasoning With Bunji Garlin

    The Viking Of Soca  Talks About The Success Of “Differentology” And Taking Soca to the Next Level

    For someone who calls himself the “Viking Of Soca” his personality couldn’t be further than his moniker, people who associate themselves with such nicknames often look the part. Bunji is not hulking or brooding, but he definitely has a presence. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • The Journey of Jah Bouks

    The Journey of Jah Bouks

    When Something Is Meant To Be… It Will Be
    Humble, determined, talented and focused, that’s Jah Bouks. I smile as I think about the journey the singer has been on. A journey which began since he was a mere twelve years old. Before he was even conceived, his father had already decided, after watching a karate flick, that he liked the name of the character, Suzuki.He vowed that when he had a son, he would be called Bouki. Determined to make a difference in the world through music, Jah Bouks, with the never-ending support of his mom, who is also his manager, never strayed from his chosen path. There were many challenges and disappointments along the way, but through it all, Jah Bouks never gave in. He pursued his career doggedly. He never stopped writing, recording and performing, as he knew that his time would eventually come. Journey Continues After The Jump… (more…)
  • HEAR THIS: Jah Cure “My Love”

    HEAR THIS: Jah Cure “My Love”

    We Gotta Live For This Moment

    If there was anyone who could f*ck up your emotions then count on Jah Cure to do that for sure. Cure has as many love songs as dancehall has whine songs and somehow they don’t get old. “My Love,” his track on Good Good Productions’ Brit Soul Jam riddim, talks straight to the heart AGAIN. “My love is deeper than the ocean.” Cure is never afraid to tell you exactly what he feels and there are not many artists that can make you cry tears of joy. If you’ve ever been to a Beres Hammond concert you can relate to the feeling. Maybe its no coincidence then that Cure also seems to have that same magic touch. Audio After the Jump…

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  • Justus Arison Speaks on Patrick “Roach” Samuels’ Musical Legacy

    Justus Arison Speaks on Patrick “Roach” Samuels’ Musical Legacy

    Remembering A Fallen Soldier In The Music Business

    The video for Mavado & Nicki Minaj‘s “Give It All To Me” is scheduled to premiere today on BET’s 106 & Park. The song, which is featured on DJ Khaled‘s new album Suffering From Success, represents a major milestone in the rise of reggae music in 2013. It’s one of the best collaborations between two superstars from the genres of dancehall and hip-hop. But for the song’s producer Justus Arison of JA Productions, today will be a bittersweet celebration because his friend and partner Patrick “Roach” Samuels will not be able to celebrate with him. Last month Roach was shot to death in a still-unsolved murder in Kingston, Jamaica. Roach’s murder has left the whole dancehall industry in shock. Justus had been working with him closely as their productions—particularly the Overproof, Overtime, and Overdrive riddims—ushered in a whole new feel and sound within dancehall. Justus and Mavado recently joined forces to pay tribute to Roach with their song “Soldiers.” He spoke with Boomshots about Roach’s musical legacy, and how he plans to go on in the future without his friend. Interview After The Jump… (more…)

  • “Bruk It Down 2.0” Delivers

    “Bruk It Down 2.0” Delivers

    Mr. Vegas  New Album Review and Interview

    Just after leaving the Strictly Boomshots show on September 23, 2013, Mr. Vegas headed uptown to host a listening event at Rosewood in New York City to preview his new release Bruk It Down 2.0 and celebrate what’s sure to be one of the biggest releases of the year. This 16-song album simmers with a culture gumbo, blending ingredients of pop, soca, reggaeton and raw dancehall vibes. Track-by-track Review and Interview After the Jump…!

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  • Mr. Vegas Makes Surprise Visit To Radio Lily

    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…)