STB Series Vol. 44 & 45 Out Nov. 22!

Whether it’s currently on the top of the Jamaican charts, a huge underground seller on the streets or the massive club jam sweeping the dancehalls, Strictly The Best’s annual series provides the hottest catalog of dancehall/reggae music for the fall, winter and new year to come. On November 22, VP Records’ will unleash their latest installments – Strictly The Best Vol. 44 and Vol. 45.

Strictly the Best Vol. 44 rallies the most in-demand roots and lover’s rock singers for a must-have set from artists like Beres Hammond, Tarrus Riley, Gyptian, Queen Ifrica, Freddie McGregor, and Etana, while Strictly the Best Vol. 45 contains the season’s most popular, cutting-edge dancehall anthems, banging in the clubs and on Caribbean radio from the likes of Mavado, Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley, Sean Paul, Bounty Killer, Tifa and Laza Morgan.

"This year's Strictly The Best series also holds a special spot in our hearts because it was the last record our A&R and nephew, Joel Chin, had a hand in, since his passing. Joel was a major driving force in the series’ march to top. As lead A&R, he hand-picked every song and complied the music in a very organic yet strategic manner. He loved the music so much and it showed in his work. This year is no different, and with the help of the rest of our team to complete the project, Strictly The Best Vol 44 and 45 are both one-of-kind collections," states VP Records President Chris Chin.

About Strictly The Best Series
Established in 1993, Strictly The Best is the longest running reggae compilation series in the business. Following the Reggae Gold release, the annual STB series offers a more comprehensive collection of dancehall and roots sounds that have crossover potential and cater to reggae fans alike. Each year, VP carefully compiles a library of most exclusive dancehall/reggae tunes to keep the pace with the biggest Jamaican hits. Showcasing the most buzz-worthy and talented artists, STB series has been the proving ground for many of reggae’s biggest stars including Sean Paul, Mavado, Buju Banton, Bounty Killer, Capleton and many others. If you want to know what the next big reggae hit is in the streets or on the airwaves, Strictly The Best is the go-to compilation.

STB 44 Track Listing:
1. Shaka Zulu Pickney – Tarrus Riley
2. Pot Still Haffi Bubble – Queen Ifrica
3. People Talk – Etana
4. My Number One – Gyptian
5. Still In Love – Alaine & Christopher Martin
6. Pure As The Nile – I Wayne
7. Firework – Tessanne Chin
8. Driving Me Insane – Chino featuring Denyque
9. Summer Love – Denyque
10. If I Could Fly – Tifa
11. This Time - Jamelody
12. I Am Missing You – Beres Hammond
13. A House Is Not A Home – Freddie McGregor
14. Never Leave I – Tarrus Riley
15. The System – Romain Virgo
16. Yap Yap – Richie Spice

STB 45 Track Listing:
1. One By One – Laza Morgan featuring Mavado
2. Love My Life – Demarco
3. Summertime – Vybz Kartel
4. Ravin - Popcaan
5. Let’s Go – Beenie Man
6. Final Destination – Mavado
7. Every Gyal – Chipmunk featuring Mavado
8. Hot Gyal – Gyptian
9. Got 2 Luv Ya – Sean Paul featuring Alexis Jordan
10. Swaggin WTF!! (Too Bad For You) – Tifa, Future Fambo & Wayne Marshall
11. Dancehall Duppy – Tony Matterhorn
12. Cigarette Murder – Twins of Twins
13. Ready Fi Dem – Bounty Killer
14. God Nah Sleep (Rise And Fall Story) - Chino
15. Wanted (Just Ain’t The Same) - Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley

For further information, please contact:

Tiffany Mea │ With Love PR │Email: tiffany@withlovepr.com, tiffanym@vprecords.com 

Alborosie Wins Best Reggae at 2011 MOBOs!

Sicilian-born reggae artist Alborosie was among the list of winners at the 2011 MOBO Awards held in Glasgow's Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) this past Wednesday evening. Alborosie took home the title for Best New Reggae Act, which included other nominees Damian Marley & Nas, Khago and Mavado.

Watch Alborosie thanking his fans and excerpts from his live interview with Oufah Media.

Greensleeves Records’ artist Alborosie is both an in-demand reggae producer and solo artist with massive hits including “Kingston Town,” “Herbalist,” and “Blessing” featuring Etana. His latest studio album ‘2 Times Revolution’ was released in June 2011 and supported by an extensive summer tour throughout the western region of the United States and Europe.

Check out his latest music video “Respect Yourself” featuring Junior Reid!

Alborosie is also featured in the documentary "Journey To Jah,” directed by Noël Dernesch & Moritz Springer, alongside Gentleman and Luciano.

Tune in for the trailer and join the Facebook page.

The Music Of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards were established in 1996 by Kanya King and Andy Ruffell to recognize and celebrate black music. The MOBO Awards is the first black awards show in Europe to create a platform for established and upcoming artists from all countries across the globe. This year ‘s event was hosted by U.S. singer Jason Derulo.

Alborosie will be touring across Europe in November. See full schedule below.

11.15.11 FRANCE / Herouville St Clair / Big Band Café
11.16.11 FRANCE / MERIGNAC / Le Krakatoa 

11.17.11 FRANCE / MONTPELLIER (France) / le Rockstore

 11.18.11 FRANCE / LE MANS (France) / BeBop Festiva

11.19.11 FRANCE / NANCY (France) | L'Autre Canal
11.21.11 FRANCE / VILLEURBANNE (France) / Le Transbordeur

 11.22.11 NETHERLANDS / ROTTERDAM (NL) / Off Corso

11.23.11 NETHERLANDS / UTRECHT (NL) / Tivoli

11.26.11 POLAND / WROCLAW (Poland) / One Love Festival

 11.27.11 FRANCE / TOULOUSE (France) / Le Bikini 

11.28.11 SPAIN / BARCELONA (Spain) / Apolo

11.29.11 FRANCE / PARIS (France) / Cabaret Sauvage

″2 Times Revolution″ is available online and in stores now!

Alborosie's Official Website
Alborosie's Facebook Page
Follow Alborosie on Twitter

17 North Parade Celebrates Reggae Legends

After the passing of two iconic reggae artists last year - Gregory Isaacs (July 15,1951–October 25, 2010) and Sugar Minott (May 25, 1956–July 10, 2010) - 17 North Parade, the vintage imprint of VP Records, pays homage to the artists by capturing the essence of their music on two Reggae Anthology releases - Sugar Minott's Hard Time Pressure (Oct 18) and Gregory Isaacs' The Ruler 1972-1990 (Oct 24). Each collection contains 2 CDs and bonus DVD along with original deluxe packaging that includes extensive liner notes and exclusive archival footage and photos.

On October 18th, 17 North Parade will release Sugar Minott's Reggae Anthology: Hard Time Pressure, highlighting his illustrious recording career that bridged three major eras in reggae: from Studio One to lover’s rock and to the digital dancehall era (where he earned the moniker Godfather of Dancehall). The late singer, producer and sound-system engineer made an inevitable mark on the genre with over 60 albums and cherished anthems including "Herbsman Hustling," "No Vacancy," "Good Thing Going" and "Never Gonna Give Up Jah." The double-disc 36-track set is also accompanied with treasured live video footage of Sugar Minott performing at JapanSplash concert in 1986.

Check out a clip from Sugar Minott’s Hard Time Pressure bonus DVD

Born Lincoln Barrington Minott, Sugar possessed multiple musical talents. The Jamaican native was a prolific songwriter and singer and provided blueprints for the rise of the contemporary dancehall style, where he was equally influential as a producer and his extraordinarily popular sound system and company, Youthman Promotions, that helped launch numerous new djs and artists into the limelight. He worked with Little John, Junior Reid, Tenor Saw, Nitty Gritty, Garnet Silk, Tony Rebel and Johnny Osbourne (to name a few).

TRACK LISTING DISC 1
1. My Love Is True
2. Hard Time Pressure
3. River Jordan
4. Never Gonna Give Jah Up
5. Good Thing Going
6. Never Too Young
7. In The Residence
8. Babylon
9. No Vacancy
10. Ghetto-ology
11. Jah Jah Children
12. Man Hungry
13. Rome
14. The People Got To Know
15. Ghetto Youths
16. Loving Jah
17. Simple As That
18. Christmas Time

TRACK LISTING DISC 2
1. Lover’s Rock
2. Sandy
3. Show Me That You Love Me Girl
4. You’ve Lost It
5. Penny For My Song
6. Now We Know
7. African Girl
8. All Kinda People
9. Easy Squeeze
10. Slice Of The Cake
11. Informer
12. Feel The Rhythm
13. Old King Cole
14. Buy Off The Bar
15. International Herb
16. Herbman Hustling
17. Devil’s Pickney
18. Rub A Dub Sound

DISC 3 – DVD
1. Live in Concert filmed in Japan 1986 - Total Running Time: 23:42



On October 24th, 2011, 17 North Parade commemorates the life and music of Gregory Isaacs with Reggae Anthology: The Ruler 1972-1990, an extensive 40-track collection of Isaacs’ timeless hits, plus a special bonus DVD featuring the iconic reggae veteran singing feverously on stage at The Brixton Academy in 1984. The extraordinary set also features detailed liner notes and rare photographs of Gregory Isaacs during his prime.

Gregory Isaacs, dubbed “The Cool Ruler” for his trademark smoothness and wistful crooning matched with a rebel demeanor and dapper style, was a pivotal pioneer of lovers’ rock music and also created some of the most timeless roots and dancehall anthems throughout his 40-year career. During the 1970s and 1980s, he pumped out album after album with a massive string of hits, including “My Only Lover,” “Let’s Dance,” “Soon Forward” and “Night Nurse.” He even made a small cameo in the classic 1978 reggae film Rockers as the locksmith and later performed his song "Slave Master." He continued to tour across the globe and record throughout the 1990s. This Reggae Anthology chronicles his most crucial hits from 1972-1990 and exudes the essence of this innovative lyricist and exemplifies why he is known The Ruler.

Check out footage from Gregory’s Isaacs Reggae Anthology: The Ruler 1972-1990 Bonus DVD

TRACK LISTING DISC 1
1. My Only Lover
2. Do You Ever
3. All I Have Is Love
4. Lonely Soldier
5. Love Is Overdue
6. Never Be Ungrateful
7. Ba Da
8. The Sun Shines For Me
9. Set The Captives Free
10. My Religion
11. Philistines
12. My Number One
13. Tumbling Tears
14. Special Guest
15. Border
16. Storm
17. Mr. Cop (Extended Mix)
18. Sister Love (Extra Special)
19. My Time
20. Slave Master (Live)

TRACK LISTING DISC 2
1. Let’s Dance
2. John Public
3. Soon Forward
4. Tune In
5. Top Ten
6. Permanent Lover
7. Front Door
8. If I Don’t Have You
9. Night Nurse
10. Private Secretary
11. Let Off Sup’m
12. Private Beach Party
13. Victim
14. One Man Against The World
15. Rumors
16. Red Rose For Gregory
17. Big All Around featuring Dennis Brown
18. Jealousy featuring Jimmy Cliff
19. My Native Woman
20. Too Good To Be True

DISC 3 DVD 1. Live performance – Brixton Academy 1984

FUN FACT: Sugar Minott and Gregory Isaacs were long-time friends and teamed up professionally in 1986 for a split LP entitled, Double Dose, which they co-produced and recorded in Tuff Gong Studios, Dynamic Sounds and Music Mountain.

Romain Virgo Joins Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers

 

Jamaican reggae vocalist, Romain Virgo, made history Monday night as he stepped on stage to perform alongside Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers at the 5th Annual ACM Honors in Nashville's legendary Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry. Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, who were the recipients of the Academy of Country Music’s Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award that evening, performed their iconic hit “All The Gold In California,” and invited Romain on stage to sing the island rendition off of Reggae's Gone Country, the genre-bending album produced by John Rich, Cristy Barber and Dean Fraser which debuted at #2 on the Billboard Reggae Album chart and #65 on the Billboard Country Album chart.

Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers and Romain Virgo received a standing ovation from the auditorium, which was filled to the brim with fans and country elite including Joe Nichols, Taylor Swift, Reba, Rodney Atkins, Jamey Johnson, Montgomery Gentry, Tom T. Hall, Ronnie Dunn from Brooks and Dunn, John Michael Montgomery and legendary broadcaster Ralph Emery.

Romain expressed his enthusiasm. "I was extremely honored when The Gatlin Brothers invited me to perform at the ACM Honors. To grace the stage with these musical legends and set foot on The Grand Ole Opry stage, country music's church, was a moment in my career that I will never forget," he states. 

I-Wayne Returns with "Life Teachings"!

I Wayne, one of the top conscious roots reggae artists of this generation, is back with Life Teachings, his long-overdue album on VP Records, due October 11. With simplicity and grace, I Wayne’s angelic-tinged vocals flutter effortlessly across these 14 tracks filled with hair-raising lyrics and uncompromising conviction. The intricately-crafted album features organic rhythms rife with rugged basslines and one-drop drumbeats, produced mostly by Patrick Z. Henry, who is responsible for 11 of the album's songs and I-Wayne's breakthrough hit "Can't Satisfy Her."

On Life Teachings, I Wayne rejects materialism (“Wise and Fearless”), predicts the imminent downfall of Babylon (“Burn Down Sodom”), rails against the violence associated with “Drug and Rum Vibes” and successfully ventures into dancehall terrain with “The Fire Song” featuring Assassin (a.k.a. Agent Sasco). Understanding the significance of creating a balance in life as well as in music, several songs on “Life Teachings” display a romantic sensitivity not often seen from I Wayne. “The Nile”, “Empress Divine”, “I Care For You” and “Life Service” each extol women who uphold natural livity (lifestyle). “Life Joy,” produced by Marcus “Icus” Deacon, is a hit bound, sultry R&B flavored duet featuring popular Jamaican songstress Etana. The resplendent roots reggae gem, “Real and Clean” is I Wayne’s sweetly seductive declaration of love set to an irresistible one-drop beat.

Born Cliffroy Taylor, 32 years ago, the Kingston native, captivated fans in 2005 with his debut release Lava Ground and its trilogy of hits, “Can’t Satisfy Her,” “Living In Love” and “Lava Ground;” and in 2007 he released his second album Book Of Life, which also landed on Billboard’s Reggae chart. “Can’t Satisfy Her” is still considered one of the most captivating reggae tunes, which charted to no. 31 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and received heavy rotation at New York’s Hot 97 radio station.

However, this notoriety is not I Wayne’s driving force to make music. He never comprises his message for the sake of a hit record. “There is a preference for nastiness, positive artists don’t get their fair attention. But mi stay calm and remember nature was going on before any business start, so it is better I keep my focus and keep writing these songs, ” states I Wayne.

“Music is life teachings, so you just have to live on and share life’s joys and messages, simple as that,” he adds. Fans can expect to hear exactly that on Life Teachings.

Track Listing:
1. Burn Down Sodom
2. Real and Clean
3. Empress Divine
4. Pure As The Nile
5. Herb Fi Legalize
6. The Fire Song
7. Drugs and Rum Vibes
8. Wise and Fearless
9. Change Them Ways
10. Life Teachings (Ital Sipp'ns)
11. Life Joy Featuring Etana
12. Life Service
13. I Care For You
14. Do The Good