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VP Records – A Legacy in Reggae Music

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VP Records – A Legacy in Reggae Music

VP Records is the most influential and enduring independent reggae and dancehall record label in the world. With roots deeply embedded in the Jamaican diaspora and a mission to promote Caribbean music globally, VP Records has played a pivotal role in shaping, preserving, and globalizing reggae culture from the late 20th century into the present.

Origins and Founders

The company’s history dates back to the late 1950s when Vincent and Patricia Chin (the “VP” in VP Records) operated Randy’s Records and the legendary Randy’s Studio 17 on North Parade in downtown Kingston, Jamaica. This studio became a historic hub for reggae pioneers like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Burning Spear, and Augustus Pablo.

Following political unrest and economic challenges in Jamaica, the Chins migrated to Queens, New York, and in 1979, they founded VP Records in Jamaica, Queens. This new venture carried the spirit of Studio 17 into the heart of the Caribbean diaspora in the U.S.

VP Records’ Impact on the Reggae Industry

1. Global Distribution of Reggae and Dancehall

VP Records became the most significant global distributor of reggae, dancehall, soca, and Caribbean music. It gave artists from Jamaica and the Caribbean a platform to reach international markets — something few labels were doing at the time.

Their distribution network not only serviced the Caribbean community in North America, Europe, and Africa but also exposed non-Caribbean listeners to authentic Jamaican music.

2. Launching & Sustaining Major Artists

VP Records has helped launch, elevate, and sustain the careers of some of the most iconic names in reggae and dancehall, including:

  • Sean Paul

  • Shaggy

  • Buju Banton

  • Sizzla

  • Beres Hammond

  • Beenie Man

  • Lady Saw

  • Capleton

  • Elephant Man

  • Gyptian

  • Etana

  • Romain Virgo

  • Christopher Martin

  • Protoje (via distribution partnerships)

By providing artist development, studio time, marketing, and international exposure, VP has played a behind-the-scenes role in several Grammy-winning and chart-topping careers.

3. Greensleeves Acquisition

In 2008, VP Records acquired Greensleeves Records, a legendary UK-based reggae label. This expanded VP’s catalog to include classic UK roots and dub sounds, and brought together two of the largest reggae archives under one roof. The acquisition further strengthened VP’s global presence and gave it rights to iconic tracks by Yellowman, Eek-A-Mouse, Barrington Levy, and more.

4. Iconic Compilation Series

VP Records is the home of the “Reggae Gold” series — an annual compilation album that features the biggest reggae and dancehall hits of the year. Since 1992, Reggae Gold has been a benchmark for reggae music lovers around the world. Other vital compilations include:

  • Strictly The Best

  • Soca Gold

  • Riddim Driven Series

  • Dub Rockers

These compilations have documented the evolution of Jamaican music and trends for decades.

5. Riddim Culture and Preservation

VP Records played a key role in formalizing and promoting the “riddim” culture, where one instrumental rhythm is used by multiple artists for different songs. Their Riddim Driven series introduced and preserved countless classic riddims, including Diwali, Red Alert, Coolie Dance, Drop Leaf, and Sleng Teng, making them accessible to the wider public.

6. Preserving Jamaican Music History

Through reissues, compilations, and archival projects, VP has preserved a vast amount of classic reggae recordings. The label’s dedication to the cultural preservation of Jamaican music is vital, especially as vinyl and physical media decline.

In addition, the VP Records retail store in Jamaica, Queens, has served as a cultural hub for Caribbean immigrants and music fans for decades.

7. Beyond Music – Books & Film

VP also published books like “Reggae Soundsystem” and partnered with film and documentary producers to tell the story of reggae and dancehall. Their cultural outreach efforts go beyond selling records — they aim to educate and archive Caribbean musical heritage.

8. Supporting New Waves of Reggae

VP continues to support the reggae revival movement, working with younger conscious artists like Jah9, Chronixx, Jesse Royal, and Kabaka Pyramid through distribution deals and creative partnerships. This helps ensure that roots reggae remains relevant and accessible to younger generations.

Conclusion

VP Records is more than a record label — it is a cornerstone of the global reggae and dancehall movement. From humble beginnings in Kingston to becoming a powerhouse in Queens, the label has created a platform for Jamaican music that spans decades and continents.

By promoting authenticity, supporting artists, preserving history, and constantly evolving, VP Records has ensured that the sound of Jamaica continues to echo loudly across the world stage.

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