WORLD VIDEO PREMIERE: Majah Bless “Gone Away”

Jamaican artist Majah Bless strikes an anti-violence stance in this world music video premiere for “Gone Away”, a track of Rebel Sound Records’ latest African Trod Riddim compilation. The riddim is a gentle one, with simplistic bongo drums and traditional African sounds that exemplify the feeling of getting back to one’s roots. The roots for […]

An interview with Katchafire’s Logan Bell

Katchafire left a mark in listeners' hearts with their hit albums On the Road Again and Best So Far, an evocative collection of smooth and catchy songs. The New Zealand ensemble released a new record titled LEGACY on the June 1st, through  Zojak World Wide and Universal – New Zealand. Top Shelf Reggae was fortunate […]

Gear up for Surrounded By The Sound 2018

A truly remarkable east coast music festival is hard to come by, so when one escalates through the ranks, east coast music lovers respond quickly. One making its mark in the reggae-rock world is Reggae Rise Up Florida every March; another is New England's Levitate Festival every July. But, with so much passion encapsulated in […]

Protoje releases “No Guarantee” feat. Chronixx

Jamaican reggae revival artist, Protoje, is about to unleash his long awaited new album called A Matter of Time this June 29th, following his hit 2015 LP Ancient Future. A Matter Of Time was made available for pre-order on May 18th, coinciding with the release of his fourth single “No Guarantee”, featuring fellow reggae revivalist and “Who […]

Katchafire ‘LEGACY’ album review

Refreshed and refueled for a new reggae reckoning, the New Zealand platinum album-selling band Katchafire released their 12-track album this week titled LEGACY with support from top Jamaican names. The album taps the brakes and turns on the cruise control, unafraid to check the rearview mirror for trusty old tricks which, thankfully, means no unfamiliar […]

Beebs drops “Life Is Too Short” single featuring Kaleo

If you haven't experienced the emanating essence of Beebs in person, you can get a taste of her enigmatic nature embedded in the eclectic music she produces. And, if you have been in her presence, you are well aware that she lights up any room. Ever since her Warped Tour days with her Money-Makers, Beebs […]

A look into Scott Woodruff’s ‘Free Flow Sessions’

Stick Figure's Scott Woodruff is a mighty, musical man with many talents. Lately, he has been busy creating what he calls 'Free Flow Sessions'. Scott explains, “Every couple of weeks, I'll be posting a video clip of a new dub beat created here at my studio, Great Stone Studios. Free Flow Sessions is a concept […]

Get ready for Closer to the Sun 2018

The moment all Stoopidheads have been waiting for since last December is finally here: Closer to the Sun 2018 has been announced and it's already set to be the sickest yet. Going down on the shorefront of Riviera Maya, Mexico, Closer to the Sun honors reggae rock in all its glory with four full days […]

Tune in to Cali Roots 2018 live stream

Love reggae music and the magic of California Roots Music and Arts Festival, but can’t make it Monterey? Don’t worry! The Cali Roots family have teamed up with the number one online source for global live concert streaming, LiveList, to bring the Cali Roots experience straight into your home this Memorial Day Weekend! Also brought […]

Reggae Rise Up Florida 2018: Day Three

Around Day 3 Sidereal Sidereal Sidereal Sidereal Sidereal Sidereal RDGLDGRN RDGLDGRN RDGLDGRN RDGLDGRN RDGLDGRN Around Day 3 The Expendables The Expendables The Expendables The Expendables The Expendables The Expendables Nahko and Medicine for the People Nahko and Medicine for the People Nahko and Medicine for the People Nahko and Medicine for the People Nahko and […]

Top Shelf Takes the Street Episode 4: Marley & Me

In this episode of Top Shelf Takes the Street, journalist Kristy Rose runs around Kaya Festival 2018 in San Bernardino, California asking attendees their thoughts on Bob Marley’s Kaya album, the Marley family tree, marijuana and more. Stay tuned for more Top Shelf shenanigans in the months to come and watch for us on a […]

An interview with The Elovaters

I, Top Shelf Reggae journalist Jay Cohen, recently had the pleasure of sitting down with all of the Boston-based band members of The Elovaters. I sat, sipping my tea, realizing the distance in which things have come in the past years. A huge grin attacked my face as I pressed 'Flight Confirmation'. I had just booked […]

Tifa drops “JA Party” single

Dancehall diva, Tifa, is ready to get the party started with her latest summery single “JA Party” – a track about, well, the finer things in life. The song is the second in sequence to hit digital outlets off Tifa's forthcoming 15-track album, set to be available later this summer, after her bangin’ “Buss A […]

Kaya Fest 2018: Day One

Around Day 1 Around Day 1 Anuhea Anuhea Anuhea Anuhea Anuhea Around Day 1 Around Day 1 Indubious Indubious Indubious Indubious Indubious Indubious Indubious Indubious Indubious Indubious Indubious Indubious Around Day 1 Around Day 1 Roots of Creation Roots of Creation Roots of Creation Roots of Creation Roots of Creation Roots of Creation Roots of […]

WORLD VIDEO PREMIERE: Ra Deal “Free”

Jamaican artist Ra Deal is ready to be released in this world video premiere of “Free” off the recent African Trod Riddim compilation via Rebel Sound Records. With a mellow bongo beat backing the track, Ra Deal preaches the value of freedom in his take on this slow tempo riddim and shows several ways to […]