WORLD VIDEO PREMIERE: Jonathan Emile “Keep On Fighting”

Cancer surviving Jamaican-Canadian rapper, poet, singer and activist, Jonathan Emile has released his latest video for the single “Keep On Fighting” off his new album, Spaces In Between. The video, also being released in French entitled “Solidarite”, is relevant and true to the times — and Top Shelf is so proud to host its world […]

Venice Beach Dub Club’s release takes center stage

The debut album from Venice Beach Dub Club consists of 12 original tracks, six outstanding guest appearances and two dozen accomplished musicians, all of which make this release full of finesse. The self-titled VBDC album is impulsive, with assertive and layered lyrical content — poetic at times. VBDC’s debut album is intense , sonically complex […]

WORLD TRACK PREMIERE: Operation Culture “Go Far”

Brothers Javier and Daniel Rodriguez have always had a musical knack. Teaming together to form a duo under the name Operation Culture, the two have released a handful of reggae singles to initial acclaim. Following their latest “Way It Goes” single comes this world track premiere for “Go Far”, a lighthearted love story so needed […]

How Cali Roots wins Earth Day, every day

Memorial Day Weekend simply will not be the same this year in Monterey. For the past decade, one festival has grown to be synonymous with the three-day weekend at the Monterey Fairgrounds, the same setting of the historic Monterey Pop Festival — you know, where Jimi Hendrix set his guitar on fire in between Janis, […]

Etana serenades in soothing “Truly” single

Jamaican songstress and ‘Best Reggae Album’ GRAMMY nominee Etana has released the first single, “Truly”, from her forthcoming album G.E.M.I.N.I. originally set to be released in staggers throughout May although new dates for release are pending due to COVID-19. Being in a constant state of the panic and confusion amidst this global quarantine, it’s refreshing […]

WORLD TRACK PREMIERE: Joss Jaffe “Play It Again” feat. Kiyoshi

Reggae artist Joss Jaffe is back, unveiling three new songs off his forthcoming full-length album Traveler! After gaining initial success with three albums entitled the Dub Mantra series, Jaffe really hit big with his last LP, Meditation Music, reaching within the Top 10 of the Billboard New Age Charts. With another album on the horizon, […]

Jonathan Emile adds Etana in his “Canopy (Remix)” single

Jamaican-Canadian crooner, activist and poet Jonathan Emile has released a remix of his song, “Canopy”! The addition of sweet, sexy vocals by GRAMMY-nominated reggae artist Etana heightens the sounds of the already old-time ska-meets-tropical vibes, emphasized in her beautiful voice and creative energy.  The two share a sweet and playful exchange as they envision what […]

Top Shelf Music News: Episode 4

Your Top Shelf Music News hosts Matt Cook and Kristy Rose are back for Episode 4… although their sanity is questionable, at best. Under the current COVID-19 circumstances, the music industry has all but ground to a halt, yet these two dedicated news reporters aren’t giving up, assembling what few bits and pieces of music […]

WORLD VIDEO PREMIERE: Ras Fraser Jr. “Nuh Weh Like Yawd”

Jamaican artist Ras Fraser Jr. couples up his latest single “Nuh Weh Like Yawd” with a brand new music video — both out this week! The infectiously danceable track brightens any day (a much needed break from these trying times), transporting the listener to a party far, far away from reality. How far, you ask? […]

WORLD VIDEO PREMIERE: Wisdom and Sound “No Negative Vibes”

Reggae music has always been rooted in delivering vital messages of moral principle, preservation and sociopolitical advocacy. These are the ideologies that invigorate the music of Wisdom and Sound, the work of Andrew Mencher, best described as conscious reggae of the modern era. Fusing together the sounds of reggae, hip hop and rock, Mencher’s latest […]

Ben Barbic teams with Craigy-T in “Close 2 Peace” single

Hip hop-meets-reggae anomaly Ben Barbic is back with a brand new single “Close 2 Peace”, featuring the legendary talents of Craigy-T! Best known for his role in the dancehall ensemble T.O.K., Craigy-T has since branched off in a solo direction. Barbic knew Craigy-T’s dynamic Jamaican dancehall would pair well with his American fusion approach, exemplified […]

WORLD TRACK PREMIERE: Ghost Rock “Morning Light”

Ghost Rock is a new, up-and-coming three-piece soulful roots reggae band from San Jose, California. Consisting of lead singer Vince Gadduang, lead guitarist Nick Santana and drummer Danny Flores, Ghost Rock puts on a high-intensity performance. They have an astonishing sound, amplified by singer Gadduang. Within the first few seconds of seeing them live, the […]

Introducing, Lucid Phase with debut single “Your Island”

In a time of turmoil, relaxing world music is the way to go. Let your anxieties subside with a little less on your mental plate. Answering the world call for much-needed R&R is LA-band Lucid Phase, a trio of skilled musicians sharing an affinity for roots reggae, dub and blues music. After much preparation, the […]

Siaosi ‘5:55’ EP review

Born in Oahu, Hawaii, Siaosi grew up with influences both in R&B (such as Babyface, Jodeci and New Edition), as well as heavy reggae influences with the likes of Gregory Isaacs, Beres Hammond and the ‘King of Lover’s Rock’, Maxi Priest. Siaosi’s recently released EP, titled 5:55, has many things going for it. The album’s […]

AZ Roots 2020: Day Two

Bright and sunny, Day Two Arizona Roots Fest 2020 started off with a bang as eccentric reggae rockers of 4th & Orange warmed up the main stage for another whole day of music. Artikal Sound System members, playing later in the evening, greeted festival returnees at front gates, twirling meet-and-greet signs wildly while ZeeCeeKeely kicked […]