I’ve been in love with The Loving Paupers since they burst onto the scene in 2016 with their album/3Uem7Ne4ulNB0Isit7Rfr2?si=2-5jRsyLQ9e1jcT_sRHPhw">magnificent eponymous debut EP. Well, actually, burst may not be the right word. While they certainly burst into my consciousness, rocking my world with their instantly enthralling, unique sound, they released this music with very little hype or publicity.… album-showcase-the-loving-paupers-ladders/" class="read-more">Read More
It’s a celebration!
With their recently released LP, Celebration, Common Kings again have successfully provided us with sweet island party vibes, a deft concoction of reggae, R&B and hip-hop seasoned with a taste of the tropics. Their sixth full-length album commemorates a dozen years since their first release while continuing to grow in popularity globally.… album-showcase-common-kings-celebration/" class="read-more">Read More
California Roots Festival in Monterey, CA, is one of the highlights of the year for many reggae fans, including myself. Beyond the opportunity to experience numerous top shelf acts as well as exciting up-and-coming artists over the span of a jovial long weekend, the event provides the chance to spend time with friends from afar while making new ones.… album-showcase-bobby-hustle-proof-of-concept/" class="read-more">Read More
A few months ago, while listening to a Rootfire Power Hour radio show on our Stationhead channel, I sent a song request to the host/selector, our general manager, Reid Foster. I asked him to play Landon McNamara, who I really dig, and within the context of my message, I pondered what Landon had been up to since it had been just over four years since his second LP had been released.… album-showcase-denm-landon-mcnamara-slum-beach-posse-vol-1/" class="read-more">Read More
The night before Alborosie graced the stage at Cali Roots 2023, unleashing a mammoth performance, the legendary roots reggae rocker unveiled his long-awaited album Destiny. This album boasts not only an incredible amount of energy from the man himself but also from an all-star cast of collaborators such as Buju Banton, Kabaka Pyramid, Burro Banton, Jaz Elise, Ezhel, and SUGUS.… album-showcase-alborosie-destiny/" class="read-more">Read More
It’s been over a decade since Easy Star Alls-Stars, the New York based collective known for adapting iconic rock and pop albums into reggae music, has released an album, but their latest tribute project, a reggae rendition of David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust perfectly titled Ziggy Stardub, was worth the wait.… album-showcase-easy-star-all-stars-ziggy-stardub/" class="read-more">Read More
When Rootfire Editor, Dave Shiffman, came to me with the proposal of reviewing Reggaddiction’s cover album of Neil Young’s Harvest, something in the universe felt as if it weirdly aligned. Ten minutes before reading his email, I had just listened to a very interesting interview with Neil Young led by Conan O’Brien.… album-showcase-reggaddiction-ganja-harvest/" class="read-more">Read More
Reggae music was born out of suffering and rebellion and has long been an agent for social commentary and change, but even warriors for progress and equality need to take a break from fighting the good fight every now and then.… album-showcase-austin-grimm-walk-a-mile/" class="read-more">Read More