VP Records
| VP Records | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Founder | Vincent "Randy" Chin Patricia Chin |
| Genre | Reggae Dancehall Soca |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Location | Queens, New York |
| Official website | Official Website |
VP Records is an independent reggae record label, located in Queens, New York. It is best known for producing Caribbean singers.
The foundation
VP Records was founded in 1979 by the late Vincent "Randy" Chin and his wife Patricia Chin, Chinese Jamaicans who owned the Randy’s Records in Kingston, Jamaica (as seen in the 1977 film Rockers) as well as the Studio 17 recording studios. In the mid-1970s, the Chins moved to New York City, and in 1979 they opened a store in Jamaica, Queens called VP Records, which sells and distributes records. In 1993, the record label was formed after the success of the retail store. The name of the label is a product of the first letters in the founders' names, hence the title "VP".
The music
The label established itself as one of the first and largest independent record labels for reggae and dancehall, and with the popularity of the riddim sound of the early 2000s, the label achieved worldwide success for artists such as Sean Paul through the label's deals with Warner Music's Atlantic Records and Virgin Music Canada. The label is often also accredited with having increased the popularity of the now globally recognized Elephant Man, also known as the 'Energy God' or 'Ele', through a deal with Bad Boy Records. VP Records has acquired the slogan "Miles Ahead in Reggae Music" to signify that they could be considered to be the future of music that derives from the Caribbean. Besides reggae, VP is also known for dancehall and soca music. VP also releases a series of Riddim Driven albums, which feature various artists.
VP Records has been awarded Billboard's "Best Independent Label" for two consecutive years and has received the award for "Best Reggae Imprint Label" for three consecutive years. VP was also nominated for Best Independent Reggae Label at the 2003 Billboard Hip-Hop and R&B awards, and had been mentioned and featured in publications such as Vibe Magazine, NY Times, LA Times, Billboard, and Time Magazine.
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 the Mecca for Reggae music between the late 60s and 70’s.
The label is now run by Mr. Chin's sons Randy and Christopher, while Ms. Patricia Chin continues to assist with the maintenance of her late husband's company as well.
Artists
- Mavado
- Assassin
- Bounty Killer
- Elephant Man
- Tony Matterhorn
- Sean Paul
- Freddie McGregor
- Beres Hammond
- Beenie Man
- Capleton
- Lady Saw
- Wayne Wonder
- T.O.K.
- Morgan Heritage
- Tanya Stephens
- Luciano
- Sanchez
- I Wayne
- Cocoa Tea
- Marcia Griffiths
- Bunji Garlin
- Mikey Spice
- Richie Spice
- Tanto Metro & Devonte
- Baby Stoosh
- Jah Cure
- Mad Cobra
- Mr. Vegas
- Shaggy
- Gyptian
- Buju Banton
- Jamelody
Former artists
- Garnet Silk
- Dennis Brown
- Singing Melody
- Yellowman
- Super Cat
- Shabba Ranks
- Tony Curtis
See also
External links
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