Boomshots

Tag: Stephen Marley

  • WATCH THIS: Damian Marley “Medication” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Damian Marley “Medication” Official Music Video

    Zilla x Ragga Sing Praises To The Plant

    Damian Marley has just released the visuals to his 420 anthem “Medication,” a collaboration with his brother Stephen “Ragga” Marley. Produced by Scheme Engine and directed by the ardent photographer and director Nick Walker, the video was shot on location in the California prison that Jr. Gong recently converted to a growing facility. “The video showcases the night and day of what this prison used to be,” says Gongzilla. “This place used to house human beings and now is a place that houses plants—some of those humans were once upon a time locked up because of these plants. We are showing the contrast, and what has become something positive and beneficial for so many people.” The video also features several patients who have benefited from the use of cannabis for healing purposes. As Ragga puts it: “These are living testimonies of the benefits of this plant. This plant saves lives…. Wake Up! Education before Recreation.” You can watch the video now on TIDAL and get a free 3-month subscription, and check out a clip below. (In related news, Jr. Gong and a team of investors recently acquired the O.G. herb publication High Times magazine for $70 million. Big up yuh chest Mr. Gong!) We’re almost a month away from the July 21st release date of Gongzilla’s fourth studio album, Stony Hill. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Damian “Jr.Gong” Marley ft. Stephen “Ragga” Marley “Medication”

    HEAR THIS: Damian “Jr.Gong” Marley ft. Stephen “Ragga” Marley “Medication”

    Marley Brothers Together For The Healing of the Nation

    April 20th aka 4/20 is the official herbalists’ holiday—as well as Stephen “Ragga” Marley’s birthday. In Miami the celebration began with the launch of Kaya Fest, a celebration of music and herb with the theme of “Education Before Recreation.” During the recent election Florida was one of the states that voted to legalize the herb for medicinal purposes. Rastafari has been calling ganja the “Healing of the Nation” for years so it’s only right to see Bob Marley’s youths fulfilling the vision in this time. While Ragga was celebrating his Earthstrong by kicking off the first annual Kaya Fest in Miami, his younger brother Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley was blocking off the Sunset Strip for a 4/20 celebration in conjunction with High Times magazine. As part of the festivities he premiered a new tune off his forthcoming Stony Hill album—a wicked rub-a-dub style weed tune called “Medication” featuring Ragga Marley. Today, April 22nd—aka Earth Day—Stephen and Damian will come together on stage at Kaya Fest alongside their brothers Ziggy, Julian, and Ky-Mani. This is the first time that has happened since the brothers performed in Africa over 20 years ago—so if you find yourself in Miami today there is still time to witness history. Safe to say there’s going to be some musical magic in the air—and a little bit of medication too.  Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Stephen “Ragga” Marley ft. Jo Mersa & Cedella Marley “Revelation Party”

    HEAR THIS: Stephen “Ragga” Marley ft. Jo Mersa & Cedella Marley “Revelation Party”

    Ragga, Joseph & Nice Time Keeping The Party Of Their Life

    Talk about right on time. Between terror attacks and fearmongering folly-ticians, the world seems to have gone mad in recent days and weeks. Leave it to the Marley fam to bring about a cure for our ills—even if only for a while. Today Stephen Marley dropped his latest full length effort, Revelation Vol II: The Fruit Of Life. A handful of singles have been preceded today’s long-awaited release. The latest highlighted single, “Revelation Party,” proves to be a potential anthem not just for our current time, but for any future not so pleasant day ahead. The song is a real family affair as it features Stephen’s son Jo Mersa Marley and his sister Cedella Marley. The earliest versions of this song took the form of a father-and-son acoustic duet between Stephen and Jo Mersa, but this official album version features full-scaled live band. The instrumentation generates more life—a different kind of energy—accentuating the spirit and hope that drives this song. And weaving Cedella’s harmonies through the fabric of this recording maximizes this songs’ potential in a way I don’t think the acoustic version could’ve done. And that’s coming from someone who is a pretty big fan of the acoustic version. The song says it’s OK to celebrate life in a dark time. Thinking about it, what better time is there to celebrate? A dark time can manifest as a result of the lack of celebrating our every day to day. So consider “Revelation Party” both a cure and a preventative to any potential dark or hard day ahead. We all hope to avoid them, but should that next dark day come, rest assured you have a musical outlet to alleviate the stress.  Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • A Musical Response to Injustice

    A Musical Response to Injustice

    Lyrics for a Perilous Time

    This is a reflective Sabbath, with the killing of two African American males by police officers. What followed was an uproar on social media and peaceful protests across the United States. The recorded narratives of “what happened” reveal the loss of human life for trivial reasons such as a routine traffic stop or walking. This highlights an overt disparity in law enforcement in the United States.

    More After The Jump…

    (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Rakim Bigs Up Stephen “Ragga” Marley: “He’s Keeping It Lit For The Next Generation”

    WATCH THIS: Rakim Bigs Up Stephen “Ragga” Marley: “He’s Keeping It Lit For The Next Generation”

    The Making Of Revelation Part 2

    “Doing a song with Rakim, I couldn’t do it lukewarm,” says Stephen “Ragga” Marley. “It still did haffi rock heavy.” The song in question is “So Unjust” the third track on Revelation Part 2: The Fruit of Life. The long-awaited sequel to Ragga’s Grammy-winning 2011 album Revelation Part 1: The Root of Life picks up where part one left off, highlighting Ragga’s versatility and expanding his sonic terrain with a wide range of styles and collaborations, from roots reggae to dancehall, hip hop, soul, R&B and dance music. Complex Media enlisted acclaimed director Stephanie Black to document the process of making the album. “Something to wake up the masses,” is how Rakim describes this parrticular track. “That’s right up my alley.” The hip hop icon goes on to praise Stephen’s role as a producer and a cultural force “It’s like the Bible of music, when the Marleys speak,” says Rakim, who estimates hip hop’s current consciouness level “at zero.” Although Rakim says he means no offense to the artists who are out today, in his words “Something ain’t right…. We definitely need conscious music and it has to come from the superiors, you know what I mean? Stephen Marley is definitely one of them cats who can stand anywhere with a bullhorn, and say Hey!” says Rakim. “It’s a blessing to be part of the march.” Video After The Jump…
    (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Stephen “Ragga” Marley ft. Waka Flocka “Scars on my Feet”

    HEAR THIS: Stephen “Ragga” Marley
    ft. Waka Flocka “Scars on my Feet”

    Ragga x Flocka Connect and Reflect

    If you’re paying attention you already know that the long-awaited final chapter of Ragga Marley’s two-album epic is set to arrive July 22nd. Today team Ragga revealed the full track listing of Revelation Part 2: The Fruit of Life and offered these thoughts about the overall project: “The Fruit is about the different branches; there are many pages within my mind, many colors and ideas” says Marley. “We come from a versatile generation that can’t be put in a box.” As if to underscore that versatility, Marley also teased a new track from the album, featuring ATL trap star Waka Flocka Flame, bringing out the Brick Squad rapper’s revolutionary side. Stephen’s duet with dreadlocked turn-up king is available now with a pre-order of the album pon iTunes.  Audio and Track Listing After The Jump…
    (more…)

  • Stephen “Ragga” Marley Reveals “Fruit of Life” Album Art, Release Date, and Tour Schedule

    Stephen “Ragga” Marley Reveals “Fruit of Life” Album Art, Release Date, and Tour Schedule

    The Second Chapter of Revolation Is Upon Us

    Never one to rush perfection, Stephen “Ragga” Marley announced one of the most anticipated release dates in all of reggae music. The long-awaited second installment of his two-part Revelation set will arrive July 22—the final day of a 44-stop U.S tour, which kicks off later this month in Humboldt County, CA. Following in the footsteps of Revelation Part I: The Root of Life (2012), which earned the 2012 Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album on the strength of classic singles like “Jah Army” featuring Damian Marley & Buju Banton and “No Cigarette Smoking” featuring Melanie Fiona as well as “Selassie is the Chapel” featuring Ziggy Marley, Revelation Part II: The Fruit of Life already boasts powerful tracks like “Rockstone” featuring Capleton & Sizzla and “Ghetto Boy” featuring Bounty Killer & Mad Cobra. Whereas The Root of Life is more a traditional roots reggae album, The Fruit of Life will utilize a diversified sonic palette to express the far-reaching impact Jamaican music has had on various genres, especially hip hop.  Produced by Marley, Fruit of Life contains 18 new tracks featuring a variety of  collaborations with the likes of Rick Ross, Pit Bull, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Iggy Azalea, Waka Flocka, Dead Prez, Rakim, DJ Khaled, Busta Rhymes, Wyclef Jean, Shaggy, Black Thought (of The Roots), Bounty Killer, Sizzla, Capleton, Ky-Mani Marley, Jo Mersa and more. Tour Dates After The Jump… (more…)

  • Will There Be A Distant Relatives Reunion at This Year’s 9Mile Music Festival?

    Will There Be A Distant Relatives Reunion at This Year’s 9Mile Music Festival?

    If The Stars Align This Weekend In Miami, Anything Can Happen

    The 9 Mile Music Festival was established in 1993 as the brainchild of Cedella Marley Booker in honor of her son, Robert Nesta Marley. Formerly known as Marley Fest and The Caribbean Music Festival, the event has been renamed 9 Mile after Bob’s birthplace as well as his final resting place—the little village in St. Ann Parish that lies at the heart of the Marley legacy. More than a concert,  the 9 Mile Music Festival provides millions of canned goods to local homeless shelters and domestic centers throughout Miami; feeding families in need for months after the show is over. For 22 years, the concert has required canned goods in addition to the price of admission, and it always will. Given its strong ties to the Marley family, the show is always packed with reggae royalty, and this year is no exception, with Stephen “Ragga” Marley, Julian “JuJu Royal” Marley, and their nephew Skip Marley all scheduled to perform this Saturday, February 27th. In addition, both Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and Nas are billed—and while each of these living legends will be performing his own set, anticipation is in the air that the two lyrical giants may join forces on stage to recreate the magic of their 2010 album Distant Relatives.  Full Details After The Jump… (more…)

  • FLASHBACK FRIDAY: Damian Marley ft. Stephen Marley & Yami Bolo “Still Searching”

    FLASHBACK FRIDAY: Damian Marley ft. Stephen Marley & Yami Bolo “Still Searching”

    In The Twinkling Of An Eye, Dem Ready Fi Pull Down The Karl Kani…

    While “Affairs of the Heart” may be the fan favorite love song by Damian Marley, Jr. Gong, he has many other love songs with poignant lyrics. Many are interlaced with socially conscious issues. The 2001 song “Still Searching” featuring Stephen Marley and Yami Bolo off the Halfway Tree album, refers to the virtuous woman as defined by the bible in Proverbs 31:10-31. More After The Jump… (more…)

  • Download the House of Marley x Boomshots Welcome To Jamrock Reggae Cruise Zeen

    Download the House of Marley x Boomshots
    Welcome To Jamrock Reggae Cruise Zeen

    Our 2015 Zeen Is The Next Best Thing To Being On Board

    “All in the Same Boat,” Bob Marley sang on The Wailers’ 1971 Boomshot “Don’t Rock My Boat,” produced by Lee “Scratch” Perry, “Rockin’ on the same rock / Got to get together, loving each other.” This lyric isnpired the title for the 2015 Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise Zeen, the official guide to who’s who and what’s happening on our second annual seafaring excursion. The limited edition Zeen contains origjnal interviews and full-color photos of all 23 acts on board—Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Stephen Marley, Julian Marley, Ky-Mani Marley, Third World, Sly & Robbie, Maxi Priest, Super Cat, Bounty Killer, Popcaan, Elephant Man, Cham, Tarrus Riley, Morgan Heritage, Protoje, Tanya Stephens, and many more—plus all 10 champion sound systems. It also contains QR code links to exclusive Boomshots content—interviews and live performances direct from the cruise.  If you didn’t make it on this year’s cruise, the Zeen is the next best thing to being there. There’s even a discount code for House of Marley audio gear. Download Link After The Jump…
     (more…)

  • Welcome To Jamrock Reggae Cruise 2: Twice As Nice

    Welcome To Jamrock Reggae Cruise 2: Twice As Nice

    They Said “What Happens On The Cruise Stays On The Cruise”—But They Were Wrong!

    Having successfully completed its second annual mission, Damian Marley’s Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise goes down in history as another amazing experience for lovers of reggae and dancehall music. This year featured not one but two back-to-back cruises loaded with no fewer than 23 different acts—not including guest artists—plus another 10 “sound systems,” three of whom engaged in an epic battle dubbed the first ever “sound clash on the sea.” Not a single detail was overlooked: from the movies showing in the ship’s theater to the music playing in the hallways when you step out of your cabin—even the buckets of Guiness sold hot or cold—everything was chosen to appeal to lovers of Jamaican culture. Roughly half the passengers hailed from the United States, with twenty or so other nationalities representing the UK, Europe, Asia, South America, the Pacific Islands, and of course the Caribbean. Rumor has it that there was even an early morning Niyabinghi session on the uppermost deck of the ship at dawn. For the second year in a row, the Boomshots team was on board to catch all the action. Check out the photo gallery above and watch this space for highlights of performances by Super Cat, Ragga Marley, King Jammy’$ Super Power and much much more. Video After The Jump…
    (more…)

  • Dada Playlist: 10 Songs Dedicated to Fathers

    Dada Playlist: 10 Songs Dedicated to Fathers

    Boomshots Magazine Presents Multi-genre Playlist for Father’s Day 2015

    In honor of the wonderful fathers who present themselves as role models for their children, Boomshots Magazine brings you the finest selection of tunes dedicated to Dada. This 10 song playlist covers several genres including reggae, hip hop, gospel, dub,  rhythm & blues and jazz. Countdown After The Jump… (more…)