Real Dancehall Crossover Hit of the Year: Charly Black “Party Animal”
In The Year Of Tropical House, One Actual Jamaican Tune Did Break Through Dancehall style ruled 2016, but dancehall artists? Not so much. Sure, Sean Paul had a great year thanks to his chart-topping “Cheap Thrills” collab—plus standout tracks with Major Lazer and Tory Lanez. Popcaan continued to reap the rewards of the Unruly/OVO alliance […]
Boss of the Year: Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley
Junior Gong Is Changing The Game In More Ways Than One On “The Struggle Discontinues,” a track from Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley’s forthcoming album Stony Hill, Gongzilla offers a thought-provoking critique of reggae’s long history as “sufferer’s music.” As the tune puts it: “I don’t wanna sing a song that says ‘the struggle live on’… […]
Artist of the Year: Popcaan “Nah Idle”
2016 Was The Unruly Boss’s Biggest Year, As Papi Showed The World How To Over Dweet Earlier this week Popcaan dropped the official music video for “Nah Idle,” a tune produced by Mini for UK-based E5 Records that pretty much sums up the Unruly Boss’s amazing year. “We nuh beg people, so no bwoy can style […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
HEAR THIS: Maximum Sound “Royal Step Riddim” Megamix
In Comes Frenchie With A Thing Called Roots Plus Culture Over the past couple of decades Maximum Sound has distinguished itself as one of the more dependable modern reggae imprints when it comes to consistent high-quality music. Frenchie, the elusive producer behind the label, was born in France before relocating to the UK. His sound […]
HEAR THIS: Konshens “Don’t Worry”
Da Realest Declares His Undying Love Fresh off a live performance with Mixpak during a recent Boiler Room session in Los Angeles, Konshens Da Realest laces a vibesy R&B-flavored riddim produced by Dre Skull. The result is a tune suitable for slow wining that still makes the case for true love. “This don’t even feel like a fuck thing,” declares the DJ who […]
Damian Marley’s “Joint Venture” in the Ganja Business: “You’re not a Criminal for Smoking Herb”
Gongzilla Sets Up Shop, Forbes Takes Notice “It goes without saying that for marijuana the attraction is very natural,” says Damian Jr. Gong Marley in a new interview with Forbes magazine. “Damian Marley Invests in Marijuana Futures” reads the headline in the respected business publication covering the news about the reggae star’s joint venture with […]
HEAR THIS: Sean Paul “Like This”
Mad People Ting Dey Should Know RRRRRR!!! Atlantic Records did Sean Paul a big favor by dropping him a couple years ago. What seemed like adversity at the time only helped prove his brand is strong regardless of label affiliation. Dutty Paul and his 11 million Facebook fans didn’t need a major cosign to make hits or […]