Reggae Gold 2011 is BLAZIN'!!

(VP RECORDS, NEW YORK) - VP Records sees the release of the year's biggest Reggae and Dancehall hits with Reggae Gold 2011, in stores and online on June 28, 2011. The Reggae Gold series continues to keep VP Records at the forefront of Reggae music, for 19 years now. This best-selling collection is renowned for featuring the biggest Reggae and Dancehall anthems of the year and blazing hot artists while breaking new ones to Reggae aficionados around the globe.

Reggae Gold 2011 lives up to this standard, showcasing the hottest acts of the year and featuring the sweet sounds of Billboard heat-seeker Gyptian, Grammy-winning singer/producer Stephen Marley, international icon Shaggy, the legendary Mykal Rose, Dancehall KingShabba Ranks, Reggae stars Tarrus Riley, Richie Spice and Queen Ifrica, and Dancehall sizzlers Vybz Kartel, Mavado, I-Octane andAssassin, just to name some of the lineup.

With this summer's street anthem "Jah Army" from Stephen Marley featuring Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley and Buju Banton to I-Octane's club hit "Nuh Ramp Wid We," Mavado's feel-good "Peppa," Shaggy featuring Alaine on the romantic "For Your Eyez Only,"the serious "Times Like These" by Queen Ifrica, "One Draw" by Alborosie featuring Camilla, and the legendary Beres Hammond on"Pull Up," Reggae Gold 2011 lives up to its name as a treasure for fans of the genre.

The always highly-anticipated album cover features three models fictitiously robbing a bank of its gold, just as this compilation will present fans with musical treasure showcasing the very best that Reggae and Dancehall music has to offer this year.

TRACK LISTING 

1.       Jah Army - Stephen Marley Ft. Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley & Buju Banton
2.       Nuh Ramp Wid We - I-Octane
3.       How Mi Feel - Assassin
4.       Peppa - Mavado
5.       None Ah Dem - Shabba Ranks
6.       Stronger - Cham Ft. Mykal Rose & Rodney Price
7.       For Yur Eyez Only - Shaggy & Alaine
8.       Whine (Wine) - Vybz Kartel
9.       Duggu Duggu - Gyptian
10.   Black Woman - Richie Spice
11.   Can't Go Round It - Stevie Face
12.   Groovy Little Thing - Tarrus Riley
13.   Pull Up - Beres Hammond
14.   Everyday - Courtney John
15.  Times Like These - Queen Ifrica
16.  One Draw - Alborosie Ft. Camilla
  

Please direct all press inquiries for Reggae Gold 2011 to the VP Records Publicity Department - Rhona Fox at 718-425-1151 or rhona.fox@vprecords.com.

About Reggae Gold
For the past 19 years, VP Records has been at the forefront of reggae music with the Reggae Goldseries. Since its inception, this collection has featured the biggest songs of the year in reggae/dancehall but has also included music from international artists and crossover recording acts. Reggae Gold has featured superstars such as Sean Paul, Shaggy,Beenie Man, Buju Banton, and Lady Saw. Reggae Gold is renowned for featuring dancehall and reggae hits, as well as tracks from newcomers in the genre.

VP Records to Release Soca Gold 2011!

(VP RECORDS, NEW YORK) - Get ready to jump and wave to the sounds of the Caribbean with the latest installment in the award-winning franchise series Soca Gold 2011, scheduled for release from VP Records on June 14, 2011. Packing tropical heat for the summer, Soca Gold 2011 is the definitive Soca collection featuring artists from throughout the Caribbean and spreading the sounds of carnival to the rest of the world, year round.

This year's compilation has the latest sizzlers from the trailblazers of the genre and is a collection Soca fans traditionally turn to each year to get their fill on the hottest Soca tunes. "This is the 15th anniversary for the Soca Gold franchise," reveals Edwin Howell, executive producer and A&R of the project. "It's the most acclaimed Soca album worldwide and we are proud to deliver all the different artists and singles that excite the Soca massive each year."

The 18-track collective showcases the kings and queens of mas including Machel Montano on his anthem "Coming Again," Iwer Georgeon his carnival smash "Come To Me," Bunji Garlin and Problem Child on "Party Cyan Done," Edwin Yearwood and Patrice Robertson "Neighbors," and Alison Hinds and Ziggi Rankin on "Baddest Wine," to name a few. It also features Reggae star Gyptian with his"Nah Let Go" Soca remix, Dancehall slayer Busy Signal with "Touch Road," and Chutney Monarch Rikki Jai with "White Oak and Water," to round out the full spectrum of sounds from across the Caribbean and is bound to electrify Soca fans worldwide.

TRACK LISTING

1. Come To Meh - Iwer George
2. Guh Down - Lil Rick
3. Party Cyan Done - Bunji Garlin & Problem Child
4. Coming Again - Machel Montano
5. White Oak And Water - Rikki Jai
6. Touch Road - Busy Signal
7. Tight Spot - Luta
8. Neighbor - Edwin Yearwood & Patrice Roberts
9. Feel Like Wukkin - Destra
10. Nuttin Undah - Lyrikal
11. Drop It - Mr. Dale
12. All Of Your Body - Skinny Fabulous
13. Baddest Wine - Alison Hinds & Ziggy Ranks
14. Mashing Up - Iwer George
15. Nah Let Go (Soca Refix) - Gyptian
16. Buss Ah Lime - K.V. Charles
17. Soak It - Buffy
18. Leave De Cyat - Sean Caruth

Please direct all press inquiries for Soca Gold 2011 to the VP Records Publicity Department - Rhona Fox at 718-425-1151 or rhona.fox@vprecords.com.

Reggae Concert for Japan!

(VP RECORDS, NEW YORK) - Three-time Grammy Award-winning artist Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley has officially joined the line-up of "Reggae 4 Japan," a benefit concert to support the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief Effort of the American Red Cross on June 5, 2011 at the York College Performing Arts Center in Queens, New York. The addition of this world-renowned Reggae artist further solidifies the commitment of the Reggae music industry to aid Japan. "Reggae 4 Japan" is produced by Japanese sound system and ambassador of Reggae music Mighty Crown and their management team Irish and Chin with executive sponsorship from VP Records. Additional sponsorship for the concert is being provided by Irie Jam Radio (official media sponsor), Scion, Rocker's Island, 24x7 Records, Woofin', NRL, Far East Connection, Nesta Brand, Bennett Limo, Riddim Driven and Conkur Printing. 

"Japan has always had a great amount of fans support Reggae music and culture through out the years," says Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley. "It's only right that we give forward to lend some support to Japan in this much needed time." 

Popular Reggae artist Mr. Vegas is also new to the line-up. The singjay's involvement in "Reggae 4 Japan" injects a Dancehall element. In addition, "Reggae 4 Japan" has a roster heavy-hitting Reggae artists, who boast exceptional catalogues of music, including Freddie McGregor and the Big Ship Family (Stephen Di Genius, Chino and Laden), Maxi Priest, Tarrus Riley, Capleton, Fire Ball (Japan's #1 Dancehall/Reggae group), Tanya Stephens, Alaine, Gramps Morgan, Peter Morgan and Etana. Overall, Japan has played a strong role in the careers of most of the artists billed for the show. The artists deem their involvement with "Reggae 4 Japan" as a way of saying thanks and giving back. 

The increased interest and support of "Reggae 4 Japan" by Reggae artists and industry professionals clearly displays that Japan is in the hearts and on the minds of the Reggae music industry. It brings Mighty Crown pleasure that the Reggae music industry boldly and swiftly responded to their heartfelt plea for help. "I am really happy to see so many artists participating in this charity event..........this increase of involvement shows the love toward Japan and Reggae music," says Masta Simon, co-owner of Mighty Crown. "Respect to all artists who are supporting the event!" 

"Irish and Chin has worked with Japan for well over a decade......a large part of our stronghold in the industry is due to our unique relationship with Japan's Reggae market," says Garfield "Chin" Bourne of Irish and Chin, co-producer of "Reggae 4 Japan" and Mighty Crown's manager. "Playing the role as producer for this benefit concert and lending my resources to this worthy cause is the least I can do to show my gratitude." 

"We are showing our care and appreciation for Japan and thank our artists for donating their time and talent for such a good cause," says Chris Chin, owner of VP Records. "Ultimately, we would like to see large numbers of people come out to support this extremely important event." 

"Reggae 4 Japan" will be an intimate staging with limited seating (less than 1500 seats). This unprecedented and historical benefit concert will mark the first official stage show of the summer in the New York Tri-state area and one of the strongest line-ups that New York has witnessed in quite some time. While the benefit concert is a U.S. based fundraising effort for Japan, Mighty Crown and members of their family have been on the ground in Japan lending their time, energy, effort and resources to provide assistance to people in the affected areas in the form of food, water, toys and music/entertainment. The Japanese sound system recognizes that there is still a lot of work to be done. 

"Almost two months have passed and things are sill rough for the victims......lots of people are waiting for the government to build tentative houses, as things are moving slower than schedule," says Masta Simon. "Furthermore, the newspaper states that it will take at least three years to clean up the heap of rubble caused by the earthquake and tsunami." 

"What the victims need is caring and love....this benefit concert will definitely be a relief for the victims in more ways than one....it shows a bond through Reggae music," adds Masta Simon passionately. 

Immediately following the event, Mighty Crown and Irish and Chin will donate profits from "Reggae 4 Japan" in the form of a check to the American Red Cross, specifically to their Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief Effort. To date, the American Red Cross has supported their partners the Japanese Red Cross with $100 million. Additionally, the American Red Cross is funding half of the UN World Food Programme's logistical operation in Japan for the delivery and storage of relief items at a cost of $500,000. The American Red Cross will continue to support their Japanese partners as they help survivors take an important step toward early recovery. Since March 11, the Japanese Red Cross has been providing tens of thousands of Japanese with emergency relief, medical services, emotional counseling and now it's helping to equip 70,000 temporary homes with essential appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, rice cookers and microwave ovens. Additionally, the Japanese Red Cross, through local municipalities, will soon start to distribute cash grants to survivors. 

"Reggae 4 Japan" tickets are on sale now -- there is limited seating: http://www.irishandchin.com/reggae4japan . Tickets will be on sale at select retail outlets later this week. 

For more information about the American Red Cross in Greater New York, please call 212-875-2617 or visit them online at www.nyredcross.org.

Mighty Sparrow Soca Anthology: Doctor Bird - 2CD/DVD Set!

(17 NORTH PARADE/VP RECORDS, NEW YORK) - The 'King of Calypso' music, Slinger Francisco aka The Mighty Sparrow aka Doctor Bird, is an extraordinary entertainer who utilizes the medium he masters not just to entertain but also to edify, enlighten, and educate. OnMay 17, 2011, 17 North Parade/VP Records sees the release of the ultimate collection of classics from this Caribbean icon with his Soca Anthology, aptly titled DOCTOR BIRD.

The Mighty Sparrow has proven himself as the quintessential calypsonian with over seventy (70) albums to his credit. An incredibly talented entertainer, he possesses an amazing ability not only to put into works and tempo the exploits of society, but to crown it all with showmanship and appeal. His great contribution to the art form of calypso and Caribbean culture overall has thus unraveled the mysteries of island life for the world to experience, through his sounds. He is also credited with bringing international acceptance to a genre that was once scorned by the elite of Caribbean society.

This double-CD and DVD anthology edition is a collector's item, with each CD packed with 15 of Sparrow's hits for a total of 30 classics, and is presented with a DVD of rare footage of the musician, on and off the stage. Featuring jams that placed Caribbean music on the map such as "Congo Man," "Jean And Dinah" and "Mr. Walker," DOCTOR BIRD is a definitive collection of Sparrow's works for both his lifelong fans and those who wish to experience the very best in calypso music, from one of the world's most electrifying and dynamic performers.   Please direct all press inquiries to the VP Records Publicity Department - Rhona Fox at 718-425-1151 or rhona.fox@vprecords.com.

TRACK LISTING - DISC 1

1. Jean And Dinah
2. Congo Man
3. Obeah Wedding
4. Bendwood Dick
5. Sparrow Dead
6. Sell The Pussy
7. Mother In-Law
8. Willie Dead
9. Tobago Girls
10. Doh Drop The Tempo
11. Gu Nu Gu
12. Love African Style
13. May May (Mae Mae)
14. Only A Fool Aka Only A Fool Breaks Is Own Heart
15. Lying Excuses

TRACK LISTING - DISC 2

1. Mother's Love
2. Saltfish (Solfish)
3. Maria
4. Mas In Caracas
5. Sixty Million French Men
6. How You Jamming So
7. Wood In The Fire
8. Ah Fraid Pussy Bite Me
9. Sparrow Water De Garden
10. Dead Or Alive
11. Village Ram
12. Whole Night We Jamming
13. Ten To One
14. Mr. Walker
15. Drunk & Disoderly Medley