“Guess I’ve Been Here Before” Stephen Marley’s ‘Old Soul’
“Inside Me A Legacy Lives On,” Sings Ragga “Anything that sounds good is good,” says Stephen Marley, paraphrasing Duke Ellington. Don’t be surprised to hear the King of Reggae’s son referencing Harlem’s master of the jazz orchestra. Never one to limit his musical horizons, Stephen has always listened without prejudice, letting his inspiration set him […]
Buju Banton’s ‘Born for Greatness’ Sets The Gold Standard
Gargamel Still Has The Stamina I first heard Buju Banton’s ragga-rough voice roaring in 1992, the first year the DJ really buss. Three decades later, as I laid eyes on the album art for Buju’s 12th studio album, Born For Greatness, one thing was clear: The artist who made his name with raw Dancehall Boomshots […]
Buju Banton’s ‘Til Shiloh’ Marks 25 Year Milestone
Reasoning With The Gargamel On The Making of a Classic Before Buju’s landmark album Til Shiloh was released in 1995, he stopped by the VIBE offices to give me a preview. We shut the door of my office, popped a cassette in the stereo, and burned a spliff in the middle of the day while […]
Vybz Kartel Speaks Of Dons and Of Divas
Crocodile Skin Sneakers Little known fact: the very first post on Boomshots.com went live February 10, 2009. The title? “Don’t Ramp With Kartel.” Adidja Palmer and Grace Hamilton’s smash collab “Rampin Shop,” an X-rated excursion on Ne-Yo’s “Miss Independent” version, was taking the streets by storm and had the internet spinnin’ like a satellite dish—just […]
Buju Banton Covers VIBE x Boomshots Collab
A VIBE x Boomshots Collab: Redemption Songs Jamaica’s Undefeated Champion Returns “Forward ever,” the late great Jacob “Killer” Miller used to sing. “And backward never.” Reggae music has always been about forward motion, the movement of Jah people, up from downpression and forward to Holy Mount Zion, because freedom is a must. Still, every once […]
Buju Banton and Stephen Marley Speak on “Duppy Conqueror (Yes Mi Friend)”
A Celebration of Real Friendship, 50 Years After The Wailers Original “Yes me friend, we deh pon street again.” 50 years after The Wailers’ original “Duppy Conqueror,” Stephen Marley and Buju Banton lift up their voices and join together in one harmony to create a crucial selection off Buju’s highly anticipated new album ‘Upside Down.’ […]
Top Shotta: Video Director Kieran Khan
“Success is no accident” Born in Guayana, raised in the Bronx, and now based in Toronto, Kieran Khan has built a reputation as one of the most in-demand video directors on today’s dancehall scene. The umbe and hard-working visual craftsman is fond of quoting football legend Pele, who once said, “Success is no accident. It […]
Why Buju Banton’s Supreme Collab Really & Truly Matters
Much More Than a T-Shirt This past Sunday, Supreme shared a very special video with its 12.9 million IG followers. The clip features Buju Banton toasting over King Tubby’s dub version of the classic “Love I Can Feel” riddim. Capturing a spontaneous moment of celebration, the video was shot just after the legendary reggae artist […]
The Long-Term Impact of Buju’s Long Walk To Freedom
Buju Banton’s epic homecoming at Jamaica’s National Stadium ushers in a new era for reggae & dancehall music. “My destination is homeward bound,” sang Buju Banton on stage at Jamaica’s National Stadium in the heart of Kingston. “Though forces try hold I down. Breaking chains has become the norm. I know I must get through […]
Buju Banton Lays “Boom Bye Bye” Controversy To Rest
Gargamel Declares “Love and Hate can never Be friends,” Removes Decades-Old Song From Streaming Platforms Even before Buju Banton’s return home to Jamaica, there were signs that the Grammy-winning reggae icon was determined to make a fresh start. Three weeks prior to his release, the artist shared a statement on his Instagram making clear his […]
HEAR THIS: Jahazeil Myrie “Do Good” PREMIERE
Brand new musical release from two of the Gargamel’s youths.
PREMIERE: Duane Pressure “Can I” Official Music Video
Duane Pressures The Ladies With Latest Visual Duane Pressure serenades the women with beautiful Rhythm and Blues vocals, in the inviting dancehall tune, “Can I.” Performing for the last 13 years, Duane Pressure catapulted his career to stardom with hard work and perseverance. The dancer turned singer, influenced by artists like Michael Jackson, Usher, Christopher Martin, […]