The 8th Annual California Roots Music & Arts Festival

Well, it happened – another magical weekend in Monterey came and went. Memorial Day Weekend at the Monterey Fairgrounds has become commonly known as the 'Coachella of reggae music', something 'indescribable' and 'an experience of a lifetime'. Ever since the premiere Cali Roots back in 2010, the festival has morphed and coagulated into something so […]

Crucial Blend ‘Full Grown’ EP review

When this San Diego based trio bring their skills together, you know you’re in for a three-ring sonic circus. Crucial Blend’s brand new 5-track EP titled Full Grown brings audible tricks and exciting melodies driven by reggae influences with ska-punk roots and a touch of hip-hop. Opener “Cali Sun” incorporates all of that, starting with […]

Watch the live stream of Caliroots 2017

For those who can’t make it to one of the most anticipated weekends of the year, California Roots is bringing it’s iconic festival to your home with the help of innovative technologies from live streaming Venice, California based company, LiveList. From their website, LiveList states that it was built with the belief that live music […]

New SOJA single “Bad News”

It’s been awhile since we’ve heard anything new from Virginia natives SOJA. Their 2016 release Live From Virginia was a nice little additional to their library, however fans are getting antsy for new music. Released on YouTube on May 24th, SOJA unleashed their new single titled “Bad News” announcing it on social media, “There are […]

3rd Annual Dry Diggings Festival Announced

Everybody’s favorite fall festival is back for its third year of reggae beats and brews, tucked away in the serene Sierra Nevada Mountains. That’s right – the 3rd Annual Dry Diggings Festival has taken shape! About 45 minutes east of Sac town is Placerville, California: home of the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, who has hosted […]

Collie Buddz ‘Good Life’ album review

Bermuda’s critically-praised reggae artist Collie Buddz releases his first proper full length album since his 2007 self-titled release made him a household name. After a long hiatus Collie Buddz has returned with an upbeat album that represents a fresh start artistically and personally. The album, titled Good Life showcases a diverging sound in which the […]

Dankrupt releases new EP CALIROCK. Listen here.

On Wednesday, May 17th, Los Angeles based band Dankrupt’s latest EP titled CALIROCK will hit the streets. To offer up a little taste of what this four piece band will bring, Top Shelf Reggae presents the opening track from the EP, “California Everyday.” CALIROCK is a monumental endeavor that's more than the sum of its parts […]

Mystic Roots Band ‘CHANGE’ album review

It’s not hard to pin down the classic hip hop, pop and reggae influences coursing through Northern California-based band Mystic Roots. The band’s latest album CHANGE is heavily indebted to their NorCal roots but manages to create a sound all their own. We are happy to present this album to the world; it brings many […]

33rd Annual Reggae on the River takes shape

The 33rd Annual Reggae on the River Festival (ROTR) has announced its proper reggae lineup, including Sly & Robbie, Marcia Griffiths, Kabaka Pyramid & The Bebble Rockers, Lutan Fyah & The Riddim Rebels, Dezarie, Nattali Rize and many more for a sweet four-day weekend of incredible reggae music. Reggae on the River is renowned for […]

Surrounded by the Sound Music & Arts Festival announced

Reggae-rock lovers of the American East Coast are able to enjoy a growing number of festivals each year, expanding from the bicoastal pioneers behind California Roots: Carolina Sessions after their initial success of Monterey, California’s Cali Roots – now eight years in the making! Needless to say, the movement is quickly becoming unstoppable. Inspired by […]

Ozomatli’s ‘Non-Stop: Mexico to Jamaica’ album review

In their latest release, the Latin band, Ozomatli, has compiled some classic Latin songs, and with help from Sly & Robbie, has transformed these songs into some hip, reggae-infused music. In their album, Nonstop: Mexico to Jamaica, the band has gotten together with some of the most influential artists in the reggae and Latin music […]

Dubbest in the Right Direction Tour

Dubbest, a reggae rock band originally from Boston, Massachusetts, but who now calls San Diego, California their home is set to start their Right Direction Tour. Starting in San Antonio, Texas on May 2, the band will be traveling along the Gulf of Mexico toward the East Coast. The band will hit Nebraska before heading […]

Twiddle ‘PLUMP – Chapters 1 & 2’ album review

Vermont alternative reggae rockers Twiddle released their new double album PLUMP – Chapters 1 & 2 on April 28th that features a collection of tracks that have been reshaped by mastermind Ron St. Germaine (Bad Brains and 311) including the lead single “When It Rains It Pours.” The second disc however, is a collection of […]

Tribal Seeds at the Majestic Ventura Theater

The Expanders The Expanders The Expanders The Expanders Tribal Seeds Tribal Seeds Tribal Seeds Tribal Seeds Tribal Seeds Tribal Seeds Tribal Seeds Tribal Seeds Tribal Seeds Tribal Seeds Tribal Seeds Tribal Seeds Tribal Seeds Tribal Seeds Tribal Seeds On Saturday, April 24th, San Diego-based band Tribal Seeds came to the intimate Majestic Ventura Theater in downtown Ventura. […]

Passafire set to release sixth full length album

Progressive reggae-rock pioneers Passafire will be releasing Longshot, their sixth full-length album – and third release on indie reggae powerhouse Easy Star Records – on May 12. The record is now available for pre-order, which includes two advance songs, “Longshot” and “Blow.” Those songs are also be on Spotify and other streaming services.  Longshot’s songs […]