EUROPE'S 2008 MOBO Awards Announces NomineesVP Recording Artists Busy Signal, Etana, Mavado &Tarrus Riley Selected for Best New Reggae Artist


Sept 12, 2008, New York, NY-The 13th Annual MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards announced its nominees yesterday. The Best New Reggae Artist category includes four VP recording artists (Etana, Mavado, Busy Signal and Tarrus Riley) as well as Beenie Man. This year's MOBO Awards ceremony will take place at London's Wembley Arena on October 15th, 2008. If you want to vote for the Best New Reggae Artist of 2008, please go to MOBO's website.

Etana
Etana made her mark with the hit "Wrong Address" in 2006, "Roots" in 2007, "Warrior Love" in 2008, received four Best Female Vocalist Awards, rocked major stage shows worldwide and recently released her critically acclaimed debut The Strong One (June 2008) on VP Records. Incorporating elements of jazz, pop, rock and reggae, Etana has cultivated a pristine sound that touches on real life experiences and enlightens her listeners.

Busy Signal
Dancehall lyricist Busy Signal began to receive widespread attention in 2005 with breakthrough hits like "Born and Grow" & "Step Out" and in 2006 with his debut album Step Out with Greensleeves Records. With outstanding mic techniques and restless creativity, Busy became a member of reggae icon Bounty Killer's Alliance-a musical powerhouse that spawned stars like Wayne Marshall, Elephant Man and Mavado. His upcoming album Loaded will be released Sept 23rd, 2008 on VP Records and contains #1 smashes like "Jail", "These Are The Days", "Unknown Number", "Tic Toc" and "Wine Pon Di Edge".

Mavado
Dancehall star Mavado became an overnight sensation in Jamaica with his 2004 debut single "The Real McKoy" and reached international fame in 2006 with "Weh Dem a Do". In 2007, he released his debut album Gangsta for Life on VP Records. Since his first release, Mavado has collaborated with hip hop superstars like Jay-Z, Foxy Brown and G-Unit, was voted Best New Reggae Artist by Rolling Stone Magazine and produced a slew of international hits including "Last Night", "On The Rock", "So Special" and many more. His sophomore album is set to be released in Dec. 08/Jan. 09 on VP Records.

Tarrus Riley
Tarrus Riley hit international stardom with mega hits like She's Royal," "Stay With You," and "Beware"-all featured on his 2006 VP release Parables. The roots and lovers rock sensation led the 2008 annual International Reggae and World Music Awards with 7 nominations and won Best Song for "She's Royal" and Best Male Vocalist. His debut album Challenges was re-released this past June with two new bonus tracks.

MOBO Awards
The MOBO Awards were launched in 1996 as the first black awards show in Europe. MOBO has grown throughout its successful 13 year history, not only exhibiting the finest UK and international talent to its audience, but also creating a platform for established and upcoming artists on the urban music scene.

On October 21st, 2008, Gyptian unveils his long-awaited sophomore release I Can Feel Your Pain on VP Records. Evolving into a world class singer, Gyptian masters his timbre with his distinguished falsetto and innate ability to connect with his listeners, hence the reason for his album title. From newcomers Imran "Fire Peter" Passard, John "FX" Crawford, Livity Movements and Ray Stephens to fellow production partner Kemar "Flavor" McGregor, this carefully constructed narrative meshes live one drop roots instrumentals and contemporary digital production with inflections of reggae, r&b, pop and rock.

With his real life depictions of ghetto hardships and love, Gyptian will strike a chord with his listeners on this 14 track collection. He opens with bittersweet laments, "Keep Your Calm" (Kemar "Flava" Mcgregor) then "Nobody No Cry" (Ray Stephen for Vertex Productions), painting a portrait of Jamaica's devastatingly violent and corrupted landscape blended with rays of hope and resolution. His love songs are just as thought-provoking and sensitive. With charisma and grace, Gyptian's voice floats effortlessly over the whimsical r&b tinged roots single "Where's My Baby" (Livity Movements) and the title track produced by Imran "Fire Peter" Passard and FX Music, which is currently riding the reggae charts. Other standout tracks include the hypnotic one drop smoker's anthem "Sensi" (Ray Stephens) and the melody driven tribute "Thanks and Praise" (Imran "Fire Peter" Passard).

Lying between baritone and tenor vocals, Gyptian can't be pigeonholed into one sound. In 2005, he introduced a bold new voice that swept Jamaican airwaves with his incendiary hit "Serious Times," which was declared Jamaica's Most Important Song of 2005 beating out Junior Gong Marley's Top Ten Billboard hit "Welcome to Jamrock". Vibe Magazine stated his first single was sung in a "voice like liquid gold. And before the synthesized and digitally altered modulations of R&B hit maker T-Pain and the emerging Jamaican star Demarco were on the scene, Gyptian had mastered this sound that now sets the trend (seen on his debut album My Name Is Gyptian).

My Name Is Gyptian released on VP Records in Fall 2006 received widespread critical acclaim and attention. His first effort showcased "stripped-down, socially conscious tracks that evoke Marley at his most political," according to Caribbean Travel & Life. The album also had a string of successful singles that dominated the reggae charts worldwide including "Serious Times", "Beautiful Lady" and "Mama".

Since then, the matured singer has spread his wings on the latest endeavor I Can Feel Your Pain telling a poignant story of love and letdown with his non-traditional sound.


SEE MORE ON GYPTIAN.




"A new artist with old-school flavor, delivers marvelously mellow love songs..."



January 2007



"Gyptian's brand of rasta-lite throws a lion into the rat race..."



April 2007




...a well-balanced young singer who is committed to creating love saturated roots music... revive reggae.



Dec. 5, 2006



"Gyptian is often hailed for bringing the conscious reggae movement to the mainstream masses."



December 2006



"The resilient Jamaican singer has survival stories to tell... in a voice like liquid gold."



October 2006



"Making sweet noise in reggae...."



October 2006

VP RECORDS AROUND THE WORLD IN 50 YEARS

RANDY'S 50th ANNIVERSARY CD & DVD COLLECTION

CELEBRATES IT'S Role in the Birth of Reggae AND EVOLUTION INTO THE WORLD'S LARGEST CARIBBEAN MUSIC LABEL

Featuring Bob Marley & The Wailers, Dennis Brown, Peter Tosh, The Maytals & more.

From Kingston, Jamaica to Jamaica, New York, respect is due to Randy's because the former Kingston-based retail shop and studio, which eventually grew into the world's leading reggae label VP Records, set the trend. Celebrating 50 years in the business on a 2 CD/DVD collection (in stores Oct. 28, 2008), Reggae Anthology: Randy's 50th Anniversary brings together 50 of the studio's greatest productions organized by era and features musical icons like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Toots & The Maytals, The Skatalites and Dennis Brown. With extended liner notes from esteemed historians Steve Barrow and David Katz and a complementary 40-minute DVD loaded with interviews, Randy's 50th Anniversary provides an in-depth audio/visual experience on the birth of reggae during what is arguably its most creative period.

Founded in 1958 by Vincent and Patricia Chin, Randy's was the first complete package - studio, distribution, sales and most importantly vibes. Producers and artists crowded Idler's Rest-a famous spot around the corner of Randy's-to get a chance to record in the studio. Many legends today made their mark at this historic location from Bob Marley and The Wailers' ground-breaking album Catch A Fire to Peter Tosh's first two solo albums Legalize It and Equal Rights. According to reggae luminary Pat Kelly, Randy's had "the sound people want. We can call it the ghetto sound. The real roots sound."

From the very start, Randy's linked itself to the popular yet controversial musical styles of the day - particularly ska, roots and dub reggae. Disc One 1960-1971 features the early politically motivated ska tunes "Independent Jamaica" from Lord Creator and "Malcolm X" from the Skatalites, the Bob Marley & The Wailers cover of the Archie's pop single "Sugar Sugar" and "John And James" by a youthful Toots & The Maytals displaying their spiritual and subtly subversive style. The first album also features musical pioneers like the great trombonist Don Drummond on "Machine Shop", organ player Jackie Mittoo on "End Dust" and the original sound system deejay Winston ‘Count Machukie' Cooper on "Warfare".

The special significance of singers in the 1970s is reflected on Disc Two 1971-1976 with "Don't Go" by Horace Andy, "Lonely Soldier" by Gregory Isaacs, "For The Love of You" by John Holt, and "Cheater" from Dennis Brown. Randy's critical role in the birth of reggae was re-confirmed with the release of Augustus Pablo's "Java". This Clive Chin production was an instant hit not to mention the "1972 Instrumental of the Year" and title track to the first ever dub album, "Java, Java, Java, Java". DJ I-Roy's "Hospital Trolley" (recorded on the "Java" riddim), Peter Tosh's "You Can't Fool Me Again" and Junior Byles' "King of Babylon" are also must-listen recordings included on this extraordinary bicentennial release.

Sly Dunbar one half of the famed riddim twins Sly & Robbie sat in on many Randy's Studio 17 sessions. He describes in the DVD how the Randy's sound was one that "sounds ten times better than the stuff being put out today. We are [now] trying to get back that sound but we can't get it back."

From ska to reggae, to dub to Jamaica's leading singers, Reggae Anthology: Randy's 50th Anniversary is a history of reggae culture from its beginnings in the 1960s to perhaps its most ingenious peak in the 1970s. This commemorative release puts these influential music-makers in their proper place, the hands of reggae collectors and music fans everywhere. Respect to Randy's every time.

ABOUT 17 NORTH PARADE

Launched in 2007 by VP Records, the 17 North Parade imprint pays homage to the historic location of Randy's Record Mart, the premier recording studio and record shop in Kingston and mecca for Reggae music between the late 60's and 70's. 17 North Parade is dedicated to preserving and reintroducing the recordings of the Caribbean's most influential musical pioneers.

Randy's 50th Anniversary Track Listing:

DISC 1 - 1960 TO 1971
Independent Jamaica - Lord Creator
Like A Dream - Alton & Eddie
Since You're Gone - Roy & PauletteRico Special - Rico Rodriquez
We Will Be Lovers - Lord Creator & Norma Fraser
Don't Stay Out Late - Lord Creator
Goodbye Pretty Darling - Basil Gabbidon
Make Hay - Cornell Campbell
Royal Charlie - Charlie Organaire
Blow Roland Blow - Joanne Gordon & Roland Alphonso
Portrait Of My Love - Baba Brooks
Malcolm X - The Skatalites
Mouth A Massy - Alton Ellis
Rum Bumpers - John & Alton
John And James - The Maytals
Yagga Yagga - Delroy Byfield
Machine Shop - Don Drummand
Home Home Home - Stranger & Ken
Such Is Life - Lord Creator
Sugar Sugar - Bob Marley & The Wailers
You Can't Fool Me Again - Peter Tosh
Wha She Do Now - The Gaylads
Warfare - Count Machukie
End Dust - Randy's All Stars
True Man - Ethiopians


DISC 2 - 1971 - 1976

Java - Augustus Pablo
Hospital Trolley - I-Roy
King Of Babylon - Junior Byles
Don't Go - Horace Andy
A Little Love - Jimmy London
Cheater - Dennis Brown
For The Love Of You - John Holt
Too Late To Turn Back Now - Alton Ellis
Be Thankful - Donovan Carless
Woman Of The Ghetto - Hortense Ellis
Children Of The Ghetto - Senya
Lonely Soldier - Gregory Isaacs
Going To Zion - Black Uhuru
Ordinary Man - Lloyd Parks
Ordinary Man Version 3 - Impact All-Stars
Hold Tight - African Brothers
Righteous Man - Keith Popin
Created By The Father - Errol Dunkley
The Race - The Gladiators
My Guiding Star - The Heptones
Something On Your Mind - Hubert Lee
Country Boy - Charlie Ace & Dirty Harry
No Jestering - Carl Malcolm
Knotty No Jester - Big Youth
Fattie Bum Bum - Carl Malcolm 

Selector's Choice- The Powerhouse Productions Volumes 1-4
FROM THE LEGENDARY PRODUCER GEORGE PHANG

IN STORES OCTOBER 7, 2008



17 North Parade is proud to present the most comprehensive collection to date from the legendary George Phang's Powerhouse label. Taken straight from the studio archives, Selector's Choice - Powerhouse Productions Volumes 1-4 feature rare classic material that played a crucial role in the evolution of dancehall. Organized by riddim, these must-have selections define the critical period between the heady days of roots reggae and the evolving originality of ‘80s dancehall.

Entering the business in the early 1980s, before the advent of digital riddims, Phang was one of the first producers to unite instrumentalists possessing strong roots credentials-most notably the Riddim Twins, Sly & Robbie-with dancehall vocal pioneers. Mixing roots vibes with dancehall innovation, Phang set a tone for the 80s that reverberates powerfully to this day with Powerhouse hits still mashing up the dance as well as holding a permanent grasp on the collective memory of dancehall fans worldwide. Beginning with Half Pint's dancehall classic, Greetings, and Barrington Levy's Money Move, Phang continued to score hits with Frankie Paul's Tidal Wave, Roll Call from Tenor Saw, Sugar Minot's Buy Off The Bar and Galong Galong Galong from Yellowman, not to mention countless others. For the first time, Selector's Choice - Powerhouse Productions Volumes 1-4 puts them all within easy reach.

The quality as well as the quantity of hits Powerhouse strung together between 1984 and 1989 underscore its legacy and critical place in reggae collections everywhere. The 160 tracks featured in this 8-disc compilation (and sold separately on four double-discs), including foundation riddims such as Final Mission, Answer and Lecturer, are a roadmap to Phang's genius. For those curious about the changeover from roots reggae to dancehall, this unparalleled set of Powerhouse productions will undoubtedly help make the transition understandable. Specially packaged with new liner notes and photos, Selector's Choice - Powerhouse Productions Volumes 1-4, is both a cool and deadly collector's item and a comprehensive go-to resource for the casual music fan.


About 17 North Parade

Launched in 2007 by VP Records, the 17 North Parade imprint pays homage to the historic location of Randy's Record Mart, the premier recording studio and record shop in Kingston and mecca for reggae music between the late 60's and 70's. 17 North Parade is dedicated to preserving and reintroducing the recordings of the Caribbean's most influential musical pioneers.

July 29, 2008-Jamaica, NY

K-SALAAM & BEATNICK'S ‘WHOSE WORLD IS THIS?'ALBUM/DVD IN STORES TODAY!

Featuring All Star Hip Hop & Reggae Roster with Talib Kweli, Dead Prez, Young Buck, Trey Songz, Kardinal Offishall, Papoose, Saigon, Outlawz, Buju Banton, Sizzla, Luciano, Capleton & more.



Producers K-Salaam & Beatnick release their forthcoming album/dvd documentary, Whose World Is This?, with VP Records today. There will be a number of upcoming events supporting their album release featuring multiple guest performances from Pharoahe Monch, Mickey Factz, Dead Prez, Black Ice and more. Please see schedule below for details.

On their upcoming album/dvd, K-Salaam and Beatnick pose this thought-provoking question "Whose World Is This?" to an A-list selection of some of the world's most prominent hip hop, reggae and spoken word artists. Using K-Salaam & Beatnick's music as the vehicle, Trey Songz, Young Buck, Sizzla, Buju Banton, Dead Prez and Talib Kweli among others, rose to the challenge and used their music and message to formulate their answer. The project forms a cohesive musical dialog across cultures, genres and life experiences. As told by K-Salaam: "This is a project created to inspire change for the global community. Its message is one of revolution."

K-Salaam & Beatnick Event Schedule

Wed. 7/30
7-9PM: IN-STORE @ VIRIGIN MEGASTORE, ft. performances by: PHAROAHE MONCH, MICKEY FACTZ, BLACK ICE & SUHEIR HAMAD.

Thurs. 7/31
6-8:30PM: IN-STORE @ FAT BEATS NY, ft. performances by: MICKEY FACTZ & BLACK ICE (406 6th Avenue (@ 8th Street), 2nd Floor.

9PM: ALBUM RELEASE PARTY @ CRASH MANSION (199 Bowery (@ Spring St.) ft. performances by: MASSIVE B, MICK BOOGIE, DEAD PREZ, PHAROAHE MONCH & BLACK ICE.

K-Salaam & Beatnick with Pharoahe Monch in the studio

K-Salaam & Beatnick with Pharoahe Monch in the studio from ksalaam beatnick on Vimeo.

Nubian Natty

Antigua-born and St. Croix-raised, Nubian Natty is now poised to invade the US as part of the next wave of the "Cruzan Invasion." She's a conscious DJ who sounds as comfortable riding rootsy riddims as digital dancehall vibes. Female DJs are few and far between in the boys' club of dancehall reggae, but Nubian Natty obviously belongs in this fraternity, her often-stunning vocals resounding with the gruff edge of a freestyling hip-hop MC but tempered with the controlled composure of someone who knows they've mastered their craft and don't feel the need to show off. Her lyrics are cultural yet maintain a sassy old school braggadocio with a playful, charismatic delivery that, at least on the dancehall tracks, is reminiscent of a reggae version of Missy Elliott (as on the title track and the standout "How Do You Figure This?", which are aided by producer Donny Dread's hyper, quirky beats). Her range is evident as she rips through high-energy tunes like "Vatigan Battyman" (sure to conjure images of the Catholic priest scandals) and "Lift It Up" and segues smoothly into the somber "Back Road Baby" and "Empress Cry" with the poise of a veteran artist. It's exciting to hear a woman mixing it up in the dancehall realm, not only hanging with the boys but outperforming most of them on this wonderful album. Indeed, there are very few I've heard who "go like" Nubian Natty

GREENSLEEVES RELEASES ‘THE JOURNEY - THE VERY BEST OF SIZZLA'THE ULTIMATE CD/DVD COLLECTION OF THE REGGAE ICON'S MOST PRIZED WORKIN STORES TODAY!

June 24, 2008-New York- Today Greensleeves releases the essential Sizzla anthology, The Journey- The Very Best Of Sizzla, featuring the legendary sing-jay's most cherished tunes, new bonus tracks, an exclusive DVD and deluxe packaging.

This musical voyage features 21 solid tracks including hits from the early ‘90s to present. Armed with religious conviction and an unquenchable passion for truth and rights, the long-standing early ‘90s tunes "Praise Ye Jah," "Black Woman And Child," "Good Ways," and "Like Mountain," have proven to be classics. While the unforgettable hits "Just One Of Those Days" and "Thank U Mama," from his popular album Da Real Thing (2002) produced by Bobby Digital and creative experimental tunes "Be Strong," "Give Me A Try" and "Rise To The Occasion" produced by Don Corleon, highlight the new era of Sizzla hits. Also Sizzla veers between infectious dancehall laced with hard-hitting social commentary and stirring expressions of black history with a profusion of producers on "Ain't Gonna See Us Fall" (Free Willy), "The Solution" (Seani B), "Thanks And Praise" (Chris Birch), "Really And Truly" (Fat Eyes), "One Love" (King Jammys), and "Africa Prepare" (Maximum Sound).

As an added bonus, the limited edition DVD features an interview with BBC 1Xtras Robbo Ranx and unseen footage from Sizzla's Judgment Yard home (a day in the life) shot by RETV. The insightful journey into the world of Sizzla Kalonji also goes behind the scenes at the making of Sizzla's classic "Thank U Mama" and the "Rise To The Occasion" video-a must for all avid fans and newcomers. Fans will also enjoy the deluxe packaging including a 12 page booklet full of liner notes that chart the history of Sizzla & additional photos shot on location in his home.

1. Just One Of Those Days (Dry Cry)
2. Praise Ye Jah
3. The Solution
4. Good Ways
5. Thank You Mama
6. Africa Prepare
7. Be Strong
8. Really And Truly
9. One Love
10. Give Me A Try
11. Haven't I Told You
12. Ain't Gonna See Us Fall
13. Like Mountain
14. Rise To The Occasion
15. Show More Love
16. Thanks And Praises
17. Love Is Divine
18. Where Are You Running To
19. Rastafari Teach I Everything
20. In This Time Feat. Luciano
21. Black Woman And Child

BUJU BANTON AND TREY SONGZ "STREET LIFE"
TOP SELLER ON I-TUNES

FIRST SINGLE FROM PRODUCERS K-SALAAM & BEATNICK's WHOSE WORLD IS THIS? ALBUM COMPILATION/DVD IN STORES JULY 29, 2008

Featuring All Star Hip Hop and Reggae Roster Talib Kweli, Saigon, Dead Prez, Young Buck, Trey Songz, Buju Banton, Sizzla, Luciano and more.
  
 
 

Upon the July 29 release of Whose World Is This?, the current single "Street Life" by producers K-Salaam & Beatnick featuring Buju Banton and Trey Songz set a record high for VP Records. The blazing tune which samples "Roxanne" by Police debuted in the iTunes Reggae Top 10 and sold more units than any other VP single during its first week.

On their upcoming album/dvd Whose World Is This?, K-Salaam and Beatnick pose the entitled thought-provoking question to an A-list selection of some of the world's most prominent hip hop, reggae and spoken word artists. Using K-Salaam & Beatnick's music as the vehicle, Trey Songz, Papoose, Sizzla, Luciano, Buju Banton, Dead Prez and Talib Kweli among others, rose to the challenge and used their music and message to formulate their answer. The album forms a cohesive musical dialog across cultures, genres and life experiences. The DVD documents their journey to Jamaica and New York to get up close and personal with the artists. As told by K-Salaam: "This is a project created to inspire change for the global community. Its message is one of revolution."

DJ K-Salaam chops it up with Buju Banton Plus an exclusive look into the "Street Life" recording session.

World Renowned Label VP RECORDS Releases REGGAE GOLD In Stores June 17th, 2008. Album to Feature Some of the Summer's Hottest Tracks by Stephen Marley & Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, Enur featuring Natasja," and Beenie Man

 New York, NY May 21, 2008 - VP Records is set to release the long-awaited and latest installment of Reggae Gold on June 17th, 2008. The album is one of reggae's most anticipated releases of the year and will be the definitive collection from the genre this summer.

The new Reggae Gold collection features a varied assortment of top reggae artists and hits including Stephen Marley & Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, marking the first time any Marley family member has been featured on a VP release, the international smash "Calabria" by Enur featuring Natasja, as well as tracks by Beenie Man, and Wayne Wonder featuring Trina. Reggae Gold will include an exclusive bonus DJ mix disc created by Mighty Crown Sound System. Island Outpost and VP Records are also sponsoring the "Reggae Gold 2008 Golden CD Instant Win Game" contest. Fans can go to www.reggaegold08.com for more details.

For the past 15 years, VP Records has been at the forefront of reggae music with their Reggae Gold albums. Since it's inception the 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, Buju Banton, and Lady Saw. Reggae Gold is a name known for it's smash hits, as well as tracks from up and comers which on this offering includes Etana, and Collie Buddz.

Track listing for Reggae Gold is as follows:

The Mission- feat. Stephen Marley & Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley ***

Calabria 2008- Enur feat. Natasja

Doh- Serani feat. Bugle

Money Changer- Mavado

Wine Gal- Beenie Man

She Loves Me- Serani

For My Love- Wayne Wonder feat. Trina

Blind To You- Collie Buddz

Journeys- Bugle

Ease Off- Tarrus Riley ***

The Plane Land- Richie Spice

Warrior Love- Etana

Pressure- Jamelody

Champion Sound- YT, Million Stylez, Mr Williamz, Blackout JA, Iverse & Jah Knight

Somebody Come Get Me- Melanie Hall aka Syren ***

Stronger- Fanton Mojah

*** EXCLUSIVE TRACKS For Reggae GoldBONUS I-TUNES ALBUM TRACKS:K-Salaam & Beatnick present "Street Life" featuring Buju Banton & Trey Songz