Breakthrough Artist of The Year: Jahmiel
When A Great Man Rise… Recognize Ever since the days when Sugar Minott strung up his Youth Promotion sound system, reggae music has been about who’s got next. This year the answer was clear, as we witnessed the emergence of a fresh voice that had been crying out for a few years now, but which […]
Unsung Hero of the Year: Sister Nancy
What a Bam Bam! Boomshots sends a special year-end shout out to Dancehall’s Original Muma, Sister Nancy. Alongside featured artists Rihanna and Swizz Beatz, Nancy is the unsung hero of “Famous” by Kanye West, one of the year’s biggest tunes, nominated for two Grammy Awards. For well over a minute of the 3:16 track, Nancy’s […]
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, […]
WATCH THIS: Isha Blender “Tonight” Official Music Video PREMIERE
Everton’s Daughter Is All Grown Up Isha Blender, daughter of the great Everton “Blend Dem” Blender, was born in Clarendon surrounded by musical vibes. Now she’s ready to step up with her debut album Epiphany, whose very title represents a great revelation. As the artist puts it: “I feel like I am at turning point […]
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 […]
WATCH THIS: Di Genius & Chino “Family” Official Music Video PREMIERE
Musical Christmas Gift From The Big Ship Fam Merry Christmas! If you’re truly blessed, right now you’re surrounded by loved ones on this special morning. Friends are friends, and sometimes they come and go—but family is forever. Jamaica’s Big Ship family is no exception. Growing up as the sons of reggae legend Freddie McGregor may […]
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 […]
WATCH THIS: Chronixx “Majesty” Official Music Video
Chronixx Chooses Love Over Lust Inspired by the Studio One Soul Selection, “I’ll Be Around” by Otis Gayle as well as The Techniques‘ “Queen Majesty,” Chronixx song “Majesty” is a beautiful love ballad from the “Roots and Chalice” mixtape, a collaboration with Federation Sound. The lyrics emphasize developing a spiritual before physical connection which opposes the message perpetuated […]
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, […]
Half Pint Speaks on the Making of “Greetings”
“You may be raggedy and poor, but you are still rich in spirit” If you’ve ever been to a reggae party, it’s pretty much impossible that you’ve never heard “Greetings,” Half Pint’s raggamuffin anthem. Released in 1985 on George Phang’s legendary Powerhouse label, the song finds Half Pint representing for poor people over a hard-driving […]
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 […]