Flashback Friday: Red Rose For Gregory
The Unexpected Gift On December 6, 2008, I arrived at the Hammerstein Ballroom and met a large crowd, which gathered together on a snowy night, for the Jamrock Magazine, 4th Annual Vintage Fest, promoted by David “Squeeze” Annakie. Unfortunately, the line to purchase tickets at the door was so long that security announced, “No one […]
WATCH THIS: No-Maddz “Shotta” Official Music Video
Dah One Yah Bad To The Bone From their bugged-out Puma commercials (which somehow managed to snatch up sneaker money while subtly taking the piss) to their star turns in the film Better Mus Come, the acting, singing, and always laughing No-Maddz lads are undeniably brilliant. But there was always a sense amongst their hardcore […]
Popcaan Pop-Up Shop Poppin’ Off in Kingston
The Unruly Boss Links With Reshma B Chains and We Are Massiv At Base Kingston Nuff things a gwan in Kingston this week. Tuesday night is Ghetto Splash at Waterhouse Mini Stadium, with an all-star lineup that gets heavier by the day. This weekend it’s all about Live From Kingston featuring Protoje, Kabaka Pyramid, and […]
Quarantine Inna Dancehall: The Ebola Riddim Is So Sick
When Current Events Meets Dancehall: How important is the name of a riddim? The Ebola epidemic is the largest in history, claiming numerous lives since 1976. Just recently, two Americans died from the deadly virus, upon returning from Africa. Health care workers returning to the US from altruistic service in Africa, with viral symptoms have […]
WATCH THIS: DeMarco “Loyal” (Royals Remix) Official Music Video
Mek Me Tell You This… Where does the time go? As we find ourselves in the middle of December (already!), it’s time to have a look back over the past year and take stock of the music, the vibes, the moments that stood out during 2014. There’s been a lot of good songs, but few […]
WATCH THIS: Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley “Is it Worth It? (Gunman World)” Official Music Video
Nabil Directs a Dark mini-Epic for Gongzilla’s Shotta’s Lament From the moment Jr. Gong hopped on the Rootsman Riddim, it was a major statement. For an established reggae superstar to join forces with a juggling that featured up-and-coming Jamaican artists like Chronixx, Jesse Royal, and Tarrus Riley. It didn’t hurt that Damian’s new song itself, […]
Flashback Friday: Tenor Saw “Lots of Sign”
Tenor Saw Dies Tragically, Leaving Behind An Anthology of Dancehall Poetry Clive Bright aka Tenor Saw was a prominent Jamaican singer with an exceptional voice and a conscious, spiritual vibe to his music. Discovered at 19 years old by dancehall legend, Sugar Minott of YouthMan Promotions, who describes the first […]
Marlon James Interview: “I Might Stay Away From Jamaica for a Little Bit”
The Author of A Brief History of Seven Killings Has Had No Reaction from the Marley Family Marlon James was born in Kingston, Jamaica, the son of two police officers. After earning a living designing album covers, he developed his interest in creative writing via the Calabash Literary Festival writer’s workshop. His debut novel, John […]
WATCH THIS: Tarrus Riley ft. Zagga “Free Up” Official Music Video PREMIERE
Singy Singy and Zagga Got No Time For Bad Vibes Chimney Records’ Happy Hour riddim had a strong start out the box with Mavado setting the pace on “Nah Use Them” (aka “Mama son lock down”.) Now here comes another hit off the juggling—this time it’s Tarrus Riley and Zagga joining forces to banish all […]
Flashback Friday: Terror Kid “Loose She Man”
For Flashback Friday, Boomshots Features A Grenadian Soca Song (2011) A balanced relationship is analogous to a pendulum in a resting, equilibrium position. Any disruption (disagreement, separation etc.), displaces the pendulum sideways, causing vulnerability to a restoring force, due to gravity. In former Grenada Soca Monarch, Shem Bernard aka Terror Kids’ song, “Loose She Man,” […]
WATCH THIS: Specialist Moss ft. Mr. Williamz “Dubby Dubby” Official Music Video
Dubplate You Know That Is The Artillery—And Gwan Go Mek Dem Know It’s In Abundancy First they gave you that “Herb Man Skank” and now Specialist Moss and Mr. Williamz are back with a criss new video off the big bad Dub Style EP. With live footage direct from London’s Notting Hill Carnival, the visuals […]
Post-Thanksgiving Tune: Ishawna “Domesticated”
And Don’t Forget to Do The Dishes! After having some dirty laundry aired over the past few weeks, it looks like Ishawna’s ready for some housecleaning. The latest track by the Princess of the Dancehall and first lady of Downsound Records shows that she’s a domestic goddess at heart. Coming off the big holiday weekend Ishawna’s […]