Boomshots

Tag: Jamaica

  • God Bless Jamaica

    God Bless Jamaica

    “Anyone who’s ever had a great time in Jamaica, give ten dollars, give one dollar. Anything you can. But do it right now.” —Sean Paul

    Hurricane Melissa had a catastrophic and devastating impact on Jamaica, making landfall as an extremely powerful Category 5 storm, the strongest in the island’s recorded history. The entire island was declared a disaster area by the Prime Minister and the toll in lives and property damage is not yet known. Severe flooding, landslides, island-wide power and telephone outages, and blocked roads are hampering relief efforts. Many hospitals, clinics, and schools sustained damage, and the agricultural heartland was severely affected, raising concerns about long-term food security. In western and southern parishes like St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and Manchester, nearly every structure was damaged or destroyed, particularly in the town of Black River. Popular tourist destinations like Montego Bay and Trelawny were hit hard. “People are homeless. They have no running water, can’t bathe,” says Jamaican superstar Sean Paul during an interview on CNN. “How people are surviving is almsost impossible.”  Links to Support Jamaica After The Jump…  (more…)

  • The Genius of Scratch Perry

    The Genius of Scratch Perry

    Secrets of the Black Ark Studio Revealed

    Lee “Scratch” Perry built The Black Ark recording studio in 1973 behind his family’s home in the Washington Gardens neighborhood of Kingston. Although the space was cramped and the equipment hardly state of the art, Perry conjured magic from his low-tech gear, layig down otherworldly tracks with his shape-shifting in-house rhythm section The Upsetters. Scratch claimed The Black Ark could make more than just music. “It produce rain, whirlwind, hurricane, tidal wave, lightning, thunder, hailstone, earthquake,” Sratch explained to filmmaker Reshma B. “And it preserve life and it kill. It cripple, it cramp, and paralyze.”
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  • Reasoning With Cocoa Tea

    Reasoning With Cocoa Tea

    “A lot of people say to me, ‘Bwoy, Cocoa Tea, you should have been bigger,’ I don’t worry about that… After humility come the glory.”

    There’s an old song that says, “Music alone shall live.” Lovers of reggae music received an unwelcome reminder of this fact early Tuesday morning when the beloved Jamaican vocalist Calvin “Cocoa Tea” Scott passed away at the age of 65 after battling cancer for the last few years. It’s no exaggeration to say that the irrepressibly energetic reggae legend—whose recordings and stage performances proudly represented the Rasta roots tradition—will be remembered as one of the sweetest singers of any culture, creed, or genre ever to touch the microphone. His transition from the earthly dimension was greeted with an outpouring of grief from fans worldwide as well as heartffelt tributes from musical peers like Bounty Killer and Beres Hammond. “My uncle, as sad as the situation is,” Spragga Benz shared in an Instagram post, “I am happy you are in no more suffering and pain. Over the years Boomshots has blessed to connect with Cocoa Tea on numerous occasions. Even amidst feelings of loss and grief, the memories came flooding today. Videos and Interviews After the Jump…

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  • K Queens: Dancehall Royalty

    K Queens: Dancehall Royalty

     

    Dancehall’s Regal Twins Discuss Their Career and Their Collaborative New Single

    Twin sisters, Kaydine and Kerrine Francis, K Queens, have sung in close harmony from a young age. Sharing the stage for over a decade, K Queens have earned dancehall’s highest ratings. Their latest single “Jamdown Ranking” produced by Sugar Bear, on Rayvon’s GTC (Get That Cheddar Entertainment) Label; distributed by Tuff Gong International, is a remake of Althea and Donna (Althea Forrest and Donna Max de Reid)’s “Uptown Ranking.” The song’s “I’m Still in Love” riddim, was originally produced by Joe Gibbs in 1977. Alton Ellis hit song “I’m Still In Love” on this riddim, was later covered by Marcia Aitkens in 1987. In 2002, Sean Paul and Sasha revitalized the song, “I’m Still in Love” on the album, “Dutty Rock.” In the summer of 2018, Jay-Z and Beyonce used Aitken’s version of “I’m Still in Love” in the promotional ad for their second tour. In November 2018, K Queens laid down Up-to-Date lyrics over the Sugar Bear remodeled beat, for the modern, “Jamdown Ranking.” We caught up with the Duo, K Queens to discuss their music over time and their latest musical projects. Interview After The Jump…

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  • Anthony Cruz Mourns His Daughter After Violent Tragedy

    Anthony Cruz Mourns His Daughter After Violent Tragedy

    Singer Anthony Cruz mourns his only daughter’s untimely death

    Like most 15 years old girls, Shanice Cruz was dreaming about her future, excelling in school, enjoying life, friendship and love. However her  life was cut short due to senseless violence and this has been a disheartening tragedy for her father, reggae singer, Anthony Cruz and the reggae community at large.  More After The Jump…

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  • Boomshots Big Up: “Who Nuh Know Bella?”

    Boomshots Big Up: “Who Nuh Know Bella?”

    Who’s That Gyal?

    She’s lived life as a coked-out fairy with wings, launching into lanes of Oliver living legends, youtube rude and insta-famous. While Majah Hype remains ambiguous as to his indigenous, comedic lioness Bella Blair is unapologetic about her Jamaican genetics. She has been punching it on the Internet with the likes of “Poonchie,” a calling-card character, since 2011, blasting her Bella Blair Show and subsequent series. Bella Blair also caught eyes and ears with last year’s dancehall ditty “Good Gyal Anthem,” starring Poonchie, and the “Hotline Bling” parody, “Side Chick Bling.” BOOMSHOTS recently caught up with Bella at Irie Jam’s 23rd anniversary celebration concert during which Bella had made a well-received cameo. The Irie Jam appearance came amidst preparations for the official release of her island-pride-promoting single, “Jamaica,” a funky, sinister sonic, patois-peppered R&B tonic of a big up to Yard. Hard, smooth, cool and deadly on the rock steady with siren-like singing signifying that she ready. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Kingston Nights: A Jamaican Street Dance Photo Essay

    Kingston Nights: A Jamaican Street Dance Photo Essay

    Robert Cooper Photographs What Real Dancehall Looks Like Right Now

    “I started listening to dancehall during the late ’80s,” recalls photographer and videographer Robert Cooper, who’s covered the Hartford, CT dancehall scene for some time. “I began photographing dancehall parties and concerts 8 years ago, and began writing about dancehall also, so being able to finally go to Jamaica was a blessing. It took me only about two days photographing at the dances before people started recognizing me and I was a part of the scene.” With plans for an exhibit and a book in the works, Cooper shared some visuals from his first trip exclusively with Boomshots. This selection focuses on Jamaica’s thriving street dance culture, highlighting all the stars on the scene—not just the recording artists. Dancers, selectors, and other colorful personalities all help create the vibe that continues to entertain and inspire the world. Dancehall 2016: This is what it looks like. Photos After The Jump… (more…)

  • Vybz Kartel or Buju Banton: Which Show Would You Attend?

    Vybz Kartel or Buju Banton: Which Show Would You Attend?

    Imagine: Two Big DJs, One Night Only—The Choice Is Yours

    If you’re a reggae and dancehall fan then you know some of the music’s biggest stars are stuck behind bars. While Busy Signal and Jah Cure have happily come home, Vybz Kartel and Buju Banton are still in captivity. And even though The World Boss finds a way to keep the streets supplied with new tunes on a fairly regular basis, we haven’t seen either artist live in YEARS. Just imagine if both artists were released for just one day, to perform a show for their fans. Now—hypothetically speaking—imagine that both shows were happening on the same night (not in the same place, mind you). In other words, if you had to choose between seeing Kartel or Buju live—right now—which show would you attend? That was the question Chiney K posed to a sampling of her fellow Jamaicans. The results were pretty interesting to say the least. Let’s just say which artist you choose reveals a lot about your personality. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Noah Landale “Jamaica” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Noah Landale “Jamaica” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    The Rising Of A New Voice Out of JA By Way of The UK

    Dividing his time between London, England and his Jamaican birthplace, singer Noah Landale has developed a cosmopolitan approach to reggae that encompasses various influences and has a multi-generational appeal. His current single “Can’t Let Go,” produced by London-based Andre Solid for the Blue Rain Entertainment imprint, marries elements of Phyllis Dillon’s  1967 rock steady classic “If You Knew” with Noah’s dynamic, contemporary vocals lamenting a relationship that’s grown cold. When you come to my show you will be 100% entertained. Bob Marley, Beres Hammond, all the greats perform like they respect you for spending your money to come out and see them. That is the reggae artist I want to be.” Boomshots is proud to premiere his first music video, an ode to the island in the sun that’s sure to be heard for many years to come. Noah will make his New York City debut at IRIE Jam Radio’s annual Oracabessa Festival on May 31, with more US dates to be added throughout the summer. Noah is confident his music will be well received because “the power of good music can’t be denied,” he says. But don’t take his word for it; judge for yourself. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Kelissa “Best Kept Secret” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Kelissa “Best Kept Secret” Official Music Video

    Kelissa McDonald “Best Kept Secret” Video Celebrates Her Earthstrong and Women’s History Month

    Big up to Kelissa, one of the Caribbean’s favorite rising talents of the reggae revival. You may remember this lovely young empress from her Vogue feature on Jamaica’s resurgence of conscious music. Lately, this African queen has taken a break from touring to record more classic music and create engaging visuals for fans. In the latest video for her single “Best Kept Secret” Kelissa demonstrates her outstanding vocal ability, youthful appearance, and queenly character for the ladies seeking love in the Spring. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Chronixx x Federation Sound “Roots & Chalice”

    HEAR THIS: Chronixx x Federation Sound “Roots & Chalice”

    Steam Ministah Links Federation Fam To Give Us The Fullness

    Chronixx and the Federation family had a musical meeting of the minds to create this amalgamation of wicked instrumentals past & present. The 60-minute mix includes well known tracks “Like A Whistle,” “Alpha & Omega,” and “Tenement Yard” to warm up your ears to a familiar beat.  The heavy drum and bass breakdown stampedes in on “Spanish Town Rocking” (inspired by Mr. Levy’s crucial Channel One selection) as Chronixx executes a sound inna dancehall stylee. “Queen Majesty” is a top selection with a smooth melody that the ladies will be sure to love. Chronixx dominates the microphone as an emcee and singjay with special features from Eesah on “Perfect Tree”, Dre Island on “Puppy Nose”, Kelissa on “Best Love”, and Kabaka Pyramid on the title track Chalice & Roots. “Dem haffi wait likkle while for mi first album…” Chronixx ends the mix with a proclamation that leaves us wanting more. Behind the steam, the music disappears from whence it came, deep into the tallest peaks of Jamaica’s lush green dreams. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • Luciano Headlines Rockhouse Foundation Benefit

    Luciano Headlines Rockhouse Foundation Benefit

    The RockHouse Foundation Raises $232,000 in 2 Hours for the Youths

    The Rockhouse Foundation hosted its Annual dinner and live auction on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at Joe’s Pub in New York City. Paul Salmon, Chairman of the RockHouse Foundation, welcomed guests and discussed the symbiotic relationship between the Rock House Hotel’s philanthropic arm, RockHouse Foundation and the community it serves. More After The Jump… (more…)