Boomshots! The Best of the Underground

Several months ago, Lion of Zion / GospelReggae.com president Mark Mohr sent out a call looking for the best unsigned and unheard artists in Gospel reggae. After an overwhelming response, we are pleased to present Boomshots! The Best of the Underground. From roots reggae to dancehall to gospel, Boomshots! features 17 stunning tracks from artists all over the world. Africa, Europe, North America, and the Caribbean are all represented on this thrilling collaboration!

Kicking off the compilation, Canadian blues/rock/soul band newworldson bring an exciting roots reggae track. "Weary" features one of the strongest hooks we've ever heard here at GospelReggae.com and is full of tight harmonies, syncopated snare drum hits, and expert flat pick guitar work. Though the competition is tough, this song is definitely the biggest of all the boomshots!  (House of James was pleased to host newworldson in concert last year).

"Not an Easy Road" slows down the pace with a smooth rootsy groove. On this song, the United Kingdom's Dubheart sings of perseverance and unity over deep bass melodies and silky lead guitar solos.

Changing velocity, Mysta Oracle & Ronnel Benjamin flip into straight dancehall with "Praise the Lord". Other artists on the album such as Christ Faction (feat. Mr. Lynx) and Oral Roberts (with his response to Sean Paul) represent for Christian dancehall fans with two huge songs: "Holla" and "The Light", respectively.

From Holland, with a style reminiscent of Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, Leo-Tan a.k.a. Melody Man contributes "Have You Ever". This cut is an eerie hip-hop/dancehall track that vividly paints a picture of the trials we face in life, and our dire need to turn to Jesus Christ.

Out of Africa, Ghanaian artist Kenneth Appiah delivers a stirring and uplifting vocal performance with "Keep On". Speaking words of comfort and social consciousness, Kenneth encourages us to keep on trusting in the Lord no matter what we see transpire in the world around us. The GospelReggae.com staff has been so inspired by Kenneth's work that plans are in the works to release a full-length album of this artist's beautiful reggae/African/gospel blend!

California-based artists are also represented with Greg McKinnery, Theo, and Living Stone. On "911", "More Love", and "Heaven", each artist supplies their own unique roots reggae performances, making sure to include live drums, vocal harmonies, and even some live horn melodies.

Not enough can be said about this groundbreaking new compilation. Boomshots! The Best of the Underground is simply one of the best compilations to ever be released by GospelReggae.com. If you're looking for the freshest and most diverse artists in the Gospel reggae/dancehall arena, then look no further! Aquaint yourself with these voices, for they are the future of Gospel Reggae.

Release Date:  2006

Song List:
Weary - newworldson
Not an Easy Road - Dubheart
Praise the Lord - Mysta Oracle & Ronnel Benjamin
Holla! - Christ Faction [featuring Mr. Lynx]
Have You Ever? - Leo-Tan a.k.a. Melodyman
Take the Time - St. Stephen's Cathedral Choir
Keep On - Kenneth Appiah
The Light - Oral Roberts
Turn It Over - Wayne Stoddart [featuring Steve Stoddart]
Cry - Yard Soundation
Brand New World - Vision
Tear Drops - Lio-Tan a.k.a. Melodyman
911 - Greg McKinney [featuring Foster Paul]
More Love - Theo
Nuff Badness - Justin Dillavou & Revolution Street
Heaven - Living Stone
Congregation Song - Oswald Musokowa (Ozzeey)