Cali Roots 2025: Day One

Day One of the California Roots Festival kicked off at the historical Monterey Fairgrounds once again on May 23rd, 2025. Reggae fans from all over the country traveled to Monterey to see friends and the stacked reggae-meets-hip hop lineup — with Day One leaning heavily into the former. The day was nice… not too cold, […]

IRIEspect blend Cali with Caribbean in debut self-titled LP

Let’s have a chat about a band that needs to be heard across the country and then some, IRIEspect. This rad seven-piece energetic band blends Cali and Caribbean styles — we’re talking hip hop, Latin, and new and old-school dub rock reggae. They are an extravagant bunch who blow it out of the water with […]

Reggae Rise Up Florida 2025: Day Four

The fourth and final day of Reggae Rise Up Florida 2025 kicked off with the same momentum as the rest of the weekend, showcasing Florida natives Tidal Theory and Dale and the Zdubs right out the gate all the way through The Movement and Dirty Heads closing out their respective stages. The festival was teeming […]

Reggae Rise Up Florida 2025: Day Three

Saturday. Day Three. Reggae Rise Up Florida was in full gear. Attendees were halfway through the event and the energy had no indications of waning. From kicking off the day with local favorites Seranation until the rockin’ after-party with Bumpin Uglies, the day was packed with amazing music and experiences. A great advantage of music […]

Reggae Rise Up Florida 2025: Day Two

Day Two of Reggae Rise Up Florida 2025 kicked off right where we left off; the energy from the first day carrying over and amplifying throughout the next day. The crowd grew quickly after gates opened and continued to do so all the way until Slightly Stoopid closed the day out with their headlining set. […]

A chat on life & reggae with Iyah Wise

Top Shelf Music recently caught up with Los Angeles-based alt/reggae artist, Iyah Wise. The singer-songwriter spans jam rock to roots reggae, always giving blessings to the righteous. With new music on the horizon, Iyah Wise had quite a bit to share. Read on through our exclusive interview with the up-and-coming reggae artist, including Iyah’s plans for […]

Cali Vibes 2025 is switching things up with jaw-dropping lineup

Long Beach’s beloved Cali Vibes Music Festival is making big moves in 2025 — both literally and figuratively. Goldenvoice’s premier reggae and beach culture festival is shifting from its traditional February weekend to a brand-new summer schedule on June 7th through the 8th at Marina Green Park. Not only that, but the festival has downsized […]

Mission Bayfest 2024: Day Three

Day Three of Mission Bayfest 2024 came in hot — literally and figuratively. It was sunshine, smoke, and seriously good vibes. With the sun blazing and a stacked lineup, I bounced all over the park with my camera, soaking up every beat, every moment, and every puff of… festival spirit. Here’s the breakdown of the […]

Mission Bayfest 2024: Day One

Day One of San Diego’s Mission Bayfest 2024 on September 27th was a day I’ve been waiting all summer for — especially after capturing Bayfest in July! I was so excited to finally attend Mission Bayfest’s three-day festival, knowing they had an incredible lineup waiting for us. Also, let me say that Mission Bayfest’s venue […]

The Marley Brothers unite San Diego in peace, love, & Legacy

For the first time in 20 years, the Marley Brothers—Ziggy, Stephen, Julian, Ky-Mani, and Damian—have been reuniting on stages across the US for their much-anticipated Legacy Tour, stopping by the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista, CA. Fans of all ages and backgrounds showed up, so excited to see the brothers pay homage […]