Reasoning with Garfield “Chin” Bourne:
“Authentic Sound Clash Culture is in Jeopardy”
Keeping Sound System Safe From The Culture Vultures As co-founder of Irish & Chin, one of the most respected reggae promotion companies in the world, Garfield “Chin” Bourne has left his mark on the music industry and popular culture as a whole. He is the founder of SoundChat Radio and a range of media ventures, […]
Soundbwoy Burial of the Year: Welcome To Jamrock Reggae Cruise’s Soundclash at Sea
Keeping Soundclash Culture Afloat There are many reasons to love the Welcome To Jamrock Reggae Cruise—the performances, the fans, the total immersion in what the one and only Shinehead has likened to a “Rub-a-dub Disneyland”—but WTJRC’s unfailing support of sound system culture may be the best reason of all. A plethora of legendary sounds—from King […]
This Year’s Best Dancehall Christmas Songs
Reshma B Selects The Sounds To Get Your Holiday Party Poppin’ The Reggae Girl About Town’s new Murda She Wrote column just dropped on Pigeons & Planes, and it’s right on time to help your Christmas jam tun up: “There’s nothing better than Christmas in Jamaica—not just because the balmy Caribbean weather beats a polar […]
The Biggest Dancehall Riddims of 2016
Who Run The Place? Johnny Wonder, CEO of 21st Hapilos, Counts Down The Year’s Top Juggling With Rihanna’s “Work” dominating mainstream airwaves all year, you might think Richie Stephens’ “Sail Away” riddim would take the top spot. Yes that was hot in the streets ten years ago, and shout out to OVO for bringing it […]
Xana Romeo Talks About Her Debut Album “Wake Up” and Finding Her Own Way
A Reggae Legend’s Daughter Creating Conscious Reverberations Forty years ago Maxwell Livingston Smith, better known as Max Romeo, released his classic album War Inna Babylon on Island Records. The album featured classic hits like “Chase The Devil” (which would later be sampled by Kanye West for Jay Z’s song “Lucifer”). This song sent fans into […]
American Reggae Acts Dominate 2017 Grammy Nominations
Three Out of Six Nominees Are Based in the U.S.A. Earlier today The Recording Academy announced the 2017 Grammy Award nominations. Beyoncé topped all nominees with nine nods while Drake, Rihanna, and Kanye West snagged eight each. Rihanna & Drake’s dancehall cut “Work” was nominated for Record of the Year, although Drizzy’s chart-toppers “One Dance” and “Controller” were snubbed. […]
WATCH THIS: Elephant Man x Starface
“Tek Wuk” Official Music Video PREMIERE
When Elephants Play The Grass Gets Trampled “The main idea was to paint a vivid picture of a twisted fantasy,” says director Peter Parkkerr of his latest video. “Starface played the role of a sexy French maid who serviced Elephant Man’s room. It’s definitely gonna light up your TV screens.” After one glass of wine, […]
HEAR THIS: Tarrus Riley “Crime-Free Christmas”
Singy Singy Prays “Don’t Let Bloodshed Bruk The Vibes” “All I want for Christmas is to stay alive,” sings Tarrus Riley on this brand-new holiday boomshot, “Can’t take the sound of the 45!” Visions of yuletide merriment and “a new brand ride with a thick empress inside” are interspersed with heartfelt pleas for peace over […]
WATCH THIS: A-Game “Everyday” Official Music video
In Comes Swing Ting With A Next Mad Sinting You may recall the UK-based label Swing Ting aka “the big bad sound outta Manchester” from that Devin Di Dakta “Bubble” joint we premiered a while back. They’re back at it with another bass-heavy digital excursion pon the version. This tune features an artist known as […]
WATCH THIS: Hempress Sativa “Fight For Your Rights” Official Music Video
A Luta Continua When it comes to female reggae artists on the rise, Jah9 usually gets the lion’s share of the discussion. But she is not alone. Hempress Sativa is rapidly gaining the attention she deserves as a brilliant artist who can sing, dj, and even rap. First introduced to music by her father Albert […]
Popcaan Performs Live At MOBO Awards
Unruly Gang Inna Glasgow The last time Popcaan set foot in the United Kingdom, he used an OVO duplate to seal up Mixpak’s decisive victory in the Red Bull Culture Clash. Now comes news that the Unruly Boss will be performing live at the 21st Annual MOBO Awards in Glasgow, Scotland. The awards, which honor […]
HEAR THIS: Mavado “Get Up”
Brand New Serial From Marvoni Records Recently we’ve been hearing a lot of war tunes flying back and forth. Folks getting all excited about a next lyrical skirmish from two battle-tested veterans. While there’s a time and a place for war, life during wartime ain’t no party—and it ain’t no fooling around (word to David […]