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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Morgan Heritage ‘Avrakedabra’ album review

Few albums have the ability to captivate from the beginning to end, but this stunning new release from GRAMMY award winning reggae legends Morgan Heritage does that and more. From the shimmering and smooth opening track, “Want Some More,” to the melodic and nostalgic tones of “One Family,” this entire collection is velvety listening throughout. […]

Nattali Rize ‘Rebel Frequency’ album review

In these times of disorientation and uncertainty, at least music can offer a way out of feeling lost in the wilderness. International reggae songstress Nattali Rize will prove this with their debut album Rebel Frequency released on March 24th, 2017. Rize continues her uplifting and conscious music through her latest offer. Invigoratingly direct and assertive lyrics […]

Tomorrows Bad Seeds release new single “No Matter What”

The reggae rock and pop band Tomorrows Bad Seeds are back with a much-anticipated follow-up to their 2012 album The Great Escape. The Bad Seeds are currently wrapping up the finishing touches on their new studio album, which is scheduled to be released by the end of the year.  The Hermosa Beach, California based band […]

Collie Buddz new album details emerge

Bermuda bred Collie Buddz just announced details on his new album. Titled Good Life, his second full length will arrive on May 19, 2017 on his own Harper Digital label and follows not so hot on the heels of 2007’s self titled album. Accompanying the exciting announcement, Collie released his three-minute title track produced by […]

New single “G.S.O.A.T” from Barrington Levy

Jamaican born Barrington Levy burst upon the scene in the late 1970s, a pint-sized youth with a signature voice who, along with producer Henry “Junjo” Lawes and the Roots Radics band, led in the early dancehall era of reggae, changing the sound and tone of the music forever. Throughout the early 80s, Barrington was one […]

Nattali Rize announces new album

Political activist, record producer, and worldwide musician, Nattali Rize, previously known as Natalie Magdalena Chilcote, has come a long way since her days as a street percussionist in New South Wales, Australia in the early 2000’s. She has since formed the group Blue King Brown, which quickly gained an international presence known for their strong […]

Common Kings ‘Lost In Paradise’ album review

Once again steering clear of cornering themselves into a single genre, Lost In Paradise is the debut album from Orange County reggae-rock outfit the Common Kings. Released early this month, the album quickly landed the band in the #1 spot on both iTunes and Amazon sales charts.  The songs take up an R&B essence, enhancing […]

Sol Seed ‘The Spark’ album review

As the web of reggae continues to be woven here in the United States, artists connect the past and present through songwriting that echoes a flowing engagement between modern and legitimate roots reggae tones. Too often is this pitch misrepresented as authenticity, and bands afraid to develop their own sound, for the most part don’t […]