In Depth Interview with New Artist: Ras Kaneo
Ras Kaneo is a rising star in 2018, with a great vocal range, conscious lyrics and a growing fan-base. The Jamaican artist is looking forward to the release of his highly anticipated debut EP, “Emotions of Life,” which does not have a set release date, but some lyrically heavy singles so far. This is a up-close and personal interview with this artist to learn about his music and mission. Interview After The Jump…
“Action” Star Is Taking It EZZ
“It’s a woman’s empowerment song,” explains Nadine Sutherland of her latest release. “Basically, it’s saying Watch, listen and learn before you give your all.” Giving her all to reggae music since an early age, Sutherland signed with Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong label at a tender age and exploded to worldwide fame with her Dave Kelly–produced 1993 smash “Action.” Since that time she’s maintained her standing as one of Jamaica’s finest vocalists and also grown as a person. “I think as a grown woman I am hesitant to ‘fall in love’ or to give of myself as easily in comparison to when I was younger,” she says of the song she cowrote, and whhose lyrics share the blessings of hard-learned life lessons. Today Boomshots proudly premieres the tune, produced by College Boyz and distributed by Zojak. “I guess I have become wiser because of having experiences with people who have ulterior agendas. So I’m an experienced lover whey know me ABC’s, me no run Inna nobody, me tek it EZZ’s.”Audio After The Jump…
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Half The Story Has Never Been Told
The whole world knows the Bob Marley legend, but how many overstand the fact that his wife Rita is an accomplished singer in her own right? Alpharita Constantia “Rita” Anderson was born 70 years ago in Santiago, Cuba and raised in Kingston, Jamaica. She first met Robert Nesta Marley in the mid 1960s, when both were teenage recording artists at Sir Coxsone Dodd’s legendary Studio One, the “Motown Records” of Jamaica. Rita was lead vocalist for The Soulettes while Bob’s group was called The Wailing Wailers. The two would eventually get married and later tour the world, with Rita backing Bob as a member of his harmony section the I Three. Earlier this week Rita Marley was hospitalized after reportedly suffering a stroke. Our prayers go out to her family and fans around the world. In the meantime, let the music play. Audio After The Jump…
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Dutty Paul Has The Last Laugh
Two years after parting ways with Atlantic Records, Grammy-winning dancehall superstar Sean Paul has signed a new contract with Island Records, according to Kevin Jackson at the Jamaica Observer. After making history with a series of chart-topping releases for VP/Atlantic, Sean has stayed Gettin’ Busy as an independent artist, recording hit features with acts ranging from Enrique Iglesias to Major Lazer and most recently Sia. The Australian-born star’s Dutty Paul duet “Cheap Thrills,” has already topped Billboard’s Dance Music Club Play chart and now sits at #6 on the Hot 100. Video & Full Story After The Jump… (more…)
Songs For Deep Thought and Meditation
The color is purple, signifying a richness in color or potency. Purple lyrics have a wealth of consciousness that takes you to higher heights. Most of the songs were selected for purple lyrics or purple live performances in studio or concert that etch an indelible mark on the canvas of the mind. Playlist After The Jump… (more…)
Revolutionary Sounds From One of Tuff Gong’s Finest
Back in 1980 Bob Marley was recruiting fresh talents as he prepared to build his Tuff Gong label into the Jamaican answer to Motown. One of his signees was a singer named Nadine Sutherland, who cut a single called “A Young One Like Me” for the Tuff Gong label. Unfortunately, Marley’s time on earth would be cut short and plans for Tuff Gong changed accordingly, but young Sutherland would continue her musical journey. She collaborated with Terror Fabulous on the Dave Kelly–produced 1994 smash hit “Action” and built a distinguished catalog of solo hits for producers like Donovan Germaine at Penthouse and Fattis Burrell at Xterminator. Most recently Nadine linked with UK dubmaster Mad Professor to record “Inna Mi Blood,” a blazing piece of rebel music that would surely make the Tuff Gong proud. “I am very passionate about the message in this song,” said the singer, who celebrates her birthday today. “It was written from observing the rise of racism in America and the subsequent deaths of African Americans as a result of it. I guess my roots have caught up with me. My association with Bob Marley was an influence too. This song is my tribute to Rastafari and our freedom fighters.” Video After The Jump… (more…)
When They’re Not Collabing With Major Lazer, They’re Collecting Reggae 45s
The cover version is a time-honored art form in Jamaica. Pioneering sound system owner turned record producer Coxsone Dodd used to travel to the United States in search of fresh clothes and rare vinyl to play on the mighty Sir Coxsone’s Downbeat. As his focus changed from spinning records to producing his own, he would sometimes pick up albums with certain recording artists in mind. It’s no accident that The Wailers’ classic “One Love”—which was first recorded at Coxsone’s Studio One—interpolates large parts of Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions’ “People Get Ready.” Throughout the evolution of dancehall culture there was a strong tradition of karaoke-style reinvention as great Caribbean vocalists refashioned foreign soul and pop songs over the latest riddims out of Kingston. Many of those versions were cut on 45, reverberating back through the minds, bodies, and souls of music lovers in the U.S., Great Britain and beyond. Case in point: Wild Belle. The brother and sister band who collaborated with Major Lazer on the touching tune “Be Together” also incorporate reggae and Afrobeat into their own music. (Their second album, the follow-up to Isles, drops next month on Columbia Records.) They’re also known for their reggae DJ sets. Today Boomshots premieres “Summer Tropical Show N°3: Island Soul,” an all-45 mix of reggae cover versions curated by Natalie and Elliott Bergman, an avid vinyl collector. Audio Afrer The Jump…
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Boomshots Presents A Multi-Genre Playlist for Valentine’s 2016
It’s that time again, lovers. This article features 14 decadent tunes in Reggae, Jazz, Contemporary, and Rhythm and Blues, for your listening pleasure. The songs were selected based on the artist/talent, lyrical content and overall sound. More After The Jump… (more…)
Bringing the Spirit of the Tuff Gong to the Concrete Jungle
On Saturday, February 6, 2016, reggae lovers around the world celebrated the life and music of Robert Nesta Marley, the undisputed King of Reggae. In Times Square, the heart of New York City, the Cannabis Cup Band (CCB) of all-stars, paid tribute to one music’s greatest legends. This year marked the 20th Anniversary of this band coming together to celebrate the music of Bob Marley. Furthermore, it was also the 8th year that the evening event was preceded by a Kids’ Concert—all of which attracted a record-breaking turnout. More After The Jump… (more…)
Excuse Me While I Light My Spliff
Just last Friday in Los Angeles, Marley Natural announced the launch of their highly line of premium cannabis products. “We are fortunate to be living during a promising time of positive change, especially with regard to cannabis and how people understand it,” said Cedella Marley, Bob’s firstborn child, who heads up the family’s business affairs. “My dad would be so happy to see so many people appreciating the natural, healing power of the herb. We are thrilled to be sharing Marley Natural products with the world just in time for his 71st birthday.” The family-owned company, which has been in the works for more than a year, attracted investment from major players like Peter Thiel, the founder of Paypal. Marley Natural’s inaugural product line includes four different strains of all-natural, locally-sourced, sun-grown cannabis flower (aka buds) and oil, which will be available in California for starters, but is expected to roll out nationwide as marijuana laws. (Last year legal cannabis sales exceeded $5 billion in the U.S. alone) Marley Natural also offeres a line of body care products made from hemp seed oil and other Jamaican botanicals as well as a collection of “smoking, storage and preparation accessories”—what Babylon used to call “drug paraphernalia.” More Details After The Jump… (more…)
The Songs That Made The Gong A Legend Are Not All On Legend
Bob Marley’s greatest hits collection Legend is the top-selling reggae album of all time, with at least 15 million copies sold—according to the RIAA website. It’s a good bet the actual numbers are a lot higher, but let’s just say that the 15 tracks on that album have served as most people’s introduction to the Tuff Gong—and to reggae music overall. But like the song says, “Half the story has never been told.” Even if you’ve collected all of Marley’s albums for Island Records you could still spend a lifetime exploring his work with Scratch Perry, Coxsone Dodd, Leslie Kong, Danny Sims, or Randy’s Studio 17. In honor of Robert Nesta Marley’s 71st Birthday, we’ve gathered some of our favorite rarities and under-rated Marley classics. Most will come as a revelation to your average Legend listener. A serious reggae fan will have heard at least a few before. If you know all ten of these already, nuff respect. Rock on, Tuff Gong. Audio After The Jump… (more…)
Boomshots Selects The Year’s Essential Reggae Discs
As reggae lovers mark the 70th anniversary of Bob Marley’s birth, the music that the Tuff Gong spread around the globe has come full circle. While dancehall permutations from Major Lazer to Justin Bieber reverberate throughout pop culture, and Brits from Joss Stone to Keith Richards try their hands at Jamaican sounds, the land of this music’s birth is rediscovering its roots. Billboard enlisted Boomshots to pick this year’s best reggae albums, and the results may surprise you: Almost all are Jamaican productions, and almost none have anything to do with dancehall. And just because Bob’s latest live album takes the top ranking spot doesn’t mean this music has any less bright of a future than it did when he walked the earth. As the dreads say: Nothing before the time. Audio After The Jump…
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