Prince Fatty drops new single & Top Reggae Influencer playlist

After releasing his new single with Big Youth and George Dekker “Get Ready”, a cover of Smokey Robinson’s classic hit, we asked production maestro Prince Fatty to put together a playlist of his Top Reggae Influencers. On creating the playlist, he also added, “In one way or another, these tracks have been with me along […]

WORLD TRACK PREMIERE: Marcus Upbeat “She’s So Sweet”

Marcus Upbeat, aka Downbeat, has had himself quite the impressive career. Gaining fandom in the UK from his former band, No.1 Station, Upbeat not only worked closely with Lee Scratch Perry, but further toured with Roxy Music in the height of their prime! Now a solo artist, Upbeat is ready to release new music — […]

G. Love’s Cape Cod Roots & Blues Fest returns for Year 2

A beacon of the alternative music industry, G. Love commemorates his 26th year with his Special Sauce band with the return of his Cape Cod Roots & Blues Festival. Originally celebrating a quarter century in the performance world, G. Love brings together another round of the best in blues music to Nauset Beach of Orleans, […]

Kyle Smith & Brendan Clemente chat at Cali Roots X

Top Shelf Music journalist Kristy Rose sits down with two great independent artists at California Roots 10, Kyle Smith and Brendan Clemente! Performing together for the first time, the two chat about their individual efforts in the scene, what’s to come next and how Cali Roots brought the two of them together in the first […]

Project 432 ‘Passenger’ album review

Denver-based band Project 432 is a unique one, to say the least. After bursting onto the recording scene in 2017 with their debut album The Science of Numbers, the band quickly gained recognition for their approach as much as their music. The inaugural album — combining reggae with dub with hip hop all wrapped into […]

Rebelution at San Diego’s North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

Chula Vista concerts are a trademark of summertime. The weather is finally warm enough to enjoy an outdoor event, strangers mingle amongst each other with drinks on the lawn, friends bond in every direction by the sheer act of live music. A concert arena that has boasted many names, The North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre […]

WORLD TRACK PREMIERE: Kevin Kinsella “Among Them”

Founding member of John Brown’s Body and 10 Ft. Ganja Plant, Kevin Kinsella continues to be a cornerstone for the American reggae industry. His accomplishments range from musician to festival founder, releasing new music in between planning Ithaca Reggae Festival taking place next weekend in Ithaca, NY! Top Shelf Music is proud to host the […]

Roots of a Rebellion sits down at Cali Roots 10

Top Shelf Music journalist Kristy Rose sits down with Roots of a Rebellion at California Roots 10, all the way from Tennessee! The band opened up Day Two of the festival and with a new album out shortly, Roots of a Rebellion members were stoked to share details on the LP and what’s coming up […]

Cali Roots 2019: Day One

It’s always a cathartic experience, gracing the Monterey Fairgrounds gates for yet another Memorial Day Weekend at California Roots Music & Arts Festival. Unlike any other year, expectations were peaking for the 10th Annual to get underway (the milestone dubbed ‘Cali Roots X’ for good measure). Also unlike any other is the feeling of togetherness, not […]

Being at Bayfest San Diego

There’s nothing like a family reunion. Now imagine one without any family drama, surrounded by endless familiar faces on a beautiful day sprawled across the breathtaking lawns of San Diego’s Embarcadero Marina Park North, with the monumental Coronado Speedway looming in the distance, boats passing by on the water and the palatial highrises of the […]

SUNDUB drops ‘Burden of Love’ LP

Brooklyn-based band SUNDUB has officially dropped their debut album! Since formulating their smooth sound in 2013, these east coast reggae soldiers have been committed to spreading the good vibrations embedded in roots and Jamaican ska music to the masses, evident in their inaugural Burden of Love album. Available as of today on all digital outlets, Burden […]

A chat with The Late Ones at California Roots 2019

Top Shelf Music journalist Kristy Rose sits down with The Late Ones, a hip hop meets island reggae trio out of Hawaii, at California Roots 10 ahead of their late night afterparty performance in Monterey, California. With a new single available as of that day, The Late Ones were excited to share music, upcoming summer plans […]

Protoje interviews at California Roots 10

The leader of the reggae revival movement himself, Protoje, sits down with Top Shelf Music journalist Kristy Rose following his California Roots 10 performance in Monterey, California. After dropping a single and about to hit the road with Rebelution, Protoje chats what inspires his music, what he’s currently binge-watching and more. For more Protoje or […]

Same Same But Different Fest returns for Year Two

The end of summer is a marvelous time for a weekend festival. Combine that with a serene camping getaway, the best in funky, fresh bands and a core group of friends to render yourself one of the greatest experiences. Same Same But Different Festival hit the sandy shores of Lake Perris last year: a secluded […]

WORLD VIDEO PREMIERE: Inna Vision “Survivor”

Hawaiian rap-meets-reggae artist Inna Vision is hyping up his latest single “Survivor” off his Best Yet: Celebrating A Decade Of Vision album with a raw video showcasing a day in the life. The track off Roots Musician Records features a soulfully smooth saxophone throughout, jazzy keys across the bridge, a wailing guitar outro and lyrics […]