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VP Records, the label owned and founded by Mr. Vincent “Randy” Chin and his wife Mrs. Patricia Chin in 1979, established itself as an independent distributor of reggae music. The family’s humble beginnings at Randy’s Record Shop in Kingston would set the foundation for the VP label. The label brought us great voices that reflected the authentic sounds of Jamaica. Their diverse roster of talent was gathered on one album to give fans, new and old, a taste of current material. Each year of Reggae Gold told a story of Jamaican music. The tracklisting for the first Reggae Gold release defined 1993. I can
pinpoint so many trends tied to that moment. The Bogle move was a dance that swept through nightclubs of old Brooklyn (Love People One and Club Illusion) whenever a DJ queued songs like “Wicked Dickie” by Buju Banton & Nadine Sutherland and “Everybody” by Capleton. Sanchez melted hearts covering Shai’s “If I Ever Fall In Love” over an erupting bassline. He and Pam Hall on RG ‘93 would produce generations of Jamaican reggae that revamped American pop and R&B. There’s no chance I would leave out Mega Banton’s “Sound Boy Killing” that has inspired so many dub plates to mash up a sound clash.
PHOTO CREDIT: MONICA RUBALCAVA
The year 1984, to my Jamaican family, is special because of the escape reggae music provided. For a little perspective, we had reached the year George Orwell forecasted in his dystopian novel Nineteen Eighty-Four. Despite the rough image New York had in the ‘80s, Brooklyn seemed nothing like Orwell’s literary image of dictatorship and government propaganda. My parents were immigrants who came to NY when they were teenagers around 1973. They would call the Big Apple home. Not long after I was born in ‘81, Jamaica beckoned for their return frequently through the ‘80s, and then during the pivotal year of ‘93. One of the main attractions was Reggae Sunsplash, the multi-day concert featuring every aspect of Jamaican music. My mom and dad were amongst the wave of NY-based West Indians going back to yard—whenever possible—to satisfy their appetites for live roots and culture, dancehall, lovers rock, and world beat. By 1993, the star-studded lineup of Reggae Sunsplash washed up on the shore of Coney Island in Steeplechase Park. They didn’t have to go far. In that same year, the first Reggae Gold compilation album made its impact on VP Records grouping together Jamaica’s best of the best.
Here we are, 24 years later, documenting the Jamaican experience through the lens of VP’s first Reggae Gold zine. This ongoing compilation annually shows where the music is and where it’s going. The present state of pop music channeling reggae and dancehall has been with us for decades. Embracing that influence shows through various editions of Reggae Gold that featured ground-breaking collaborations in hip-hop from Heavy D (1994) to Busta Rhymes (2003) to Tory Lanez (2017). There are now multiple bridges to the Caribbean in recent years through non-West Indian producers such as Jamie XX, Pharrell Williams, and Major Lazer. Crossing over on radio and song charts is just one part of the story. How Jamaican culture is distilled through the global fanfare of its greatest export—music—is the other side to Reggae Gold.
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR RG
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
SELECTOR’S CHOICE
REGGAE GOLD LEGACY
ARTIST INTERVIEWS
GIVE THANKS
TABLE OF CONTENTS RG
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FIVE KEY TASTEMAKERS DISCUSS THE INFLUENCE OF REGGAE, DANCEHALL, AND SOCA MUSIC. Some of the biggest fans of Caribbean music are participants. By contributing as a DJ, photographer, or stylist, there is a greater opportunity for aspects of the West Indies to reach audiences that don’t have a direct line to the Islands. Give thanks for the Internet, because now images of the way West Indians dance, dress, and talk are peppering social media media feeds with flavor. The authentic representation of islands like Jamaica, Trinidad, and Tobago is important whenever traditions spread outside of the Atlantic Ocean, which is why we interviewed ambassadors of dance, music, and visual art on topics near and dear to their roots.
INTERVIEWS WITH INFLUENCERS
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PHOTO CREDIT: NICKI KANE
A true selector o f reggae music, Yaadcore covers every era o f roots and culture tunes a t Dubwise, the event h e founded i n December 2013. While Dubwise has journeyed through Jamaica and the U.S., Yaadcore is also on the road as Protoje’s tour DJ.
TO TURN UP A PARTY Yaadcore: Many riddims can get a party turnt up all depends on the timing but the most recent one is the Rootsman riddim produced by Winta James. Like any other riddim that is hot and well known will naturally get the crowd moving. Most crowds and people in general like familiarity. RG: DANCE MOVE THAT CHANGED THE GAME Y: Everything has a lifespan, some of which are resurrected after its first lifetime.
Y: Dubwise (Jamaica), Dub Club (Kingston, Jamaica), Reggae Geel (Belgium)
Y: Well, it wasn't a concert, it was more like a dance. My father's sound system was doing the show and Buju Banton passed through and was DJing and mixing himself at the same time. That was EPIC, I was about 12-14.
RG: REGGAE COVER SONG BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL Y: Horace Andy “Ain't No Sunshine” - The riddim has a more soothing groove for the lyrical content, and his voice has more feeling than the original done by Bill Withers. RG: HOW HAS REGGAE AND DANCEHALL CHANGED SINCE YOU GOT IN THE BUSINESS? Y: It has changed a lot. I started to DJ when CDs were in, and it has even got more digital—now both in production and the hardware. RG: FAVORITE COLLABORATIONS Y: Sizzla featuring Jah Cure “King In This Jungle” Protoje feat. Chronixx “Who Knows,” Damian Marley feat. Stephen Marley (several), Bounty Killer feat. Baby Cham “Another Level”
Y: Farmer Man by Fari DiFuture RG: ALBUM YOU NEED IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERTED ISLAND Y: Mikey Dread. I won’t tell you which one :)
INTERVIEWS WITH INFLUENCERS
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REGGAE GOLD: WHAT ARE JAMAICA'S GREATEST INFLUENCES ON AMERICAN POP CULTURE? SAVANNAH BAKER: Hip hop style of MC came from Jamaica one of the first being "Cool Here" RG:GO-TO RIDDIMS TO TURN UP A PARTY SB: Taxi Riddim, Miss Independent Riddim, Anger Management Riddim RG: FAVORITE FOOD-INSPIRED SONGS SB: Early B “Sunday Dish,” Tony Rebel “Fresh Vegetable” RG: REGGAE CONCERT THAT CHANGED YOUR LIFE SB: I love seeing David Rodigan selecting and hearing the history behind each tune. Live artist: Nottinghill Carnival at the Red Bull stage with Damian Marley, the energy was mawd. RG: FUNNIEST JAMAICAN VIRAL VIDEO/MEME SB: White Yardie @WYardie RG: FAVOURITE BASHMENT PARTIES EVERYONE MUST ATTEND AT LEAST ONCE. SB: I love Portland (Jamaica) parties always! They’re not about what you wear and hype, just vibes. Road Block Thursday Roof Club, and Federation Sound BNM in LES, NYC. RG: ALBUM YOU NEED IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERTED ISLAND. SB: Something uplifting and positive—food for the soul. Chronixx, Chris Martin, even Bob.
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INTERVIEWS WITH INFLUENCERS
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RG: HAVING WORKED ON REGGAE GOLD 2016 AND NOW RG 2K17 TELL ME ABOUT YOUR CREATIVE VISION FOR THIS YEAR'S SHOOT? SB: We wanted to create something fresh as well as timeless. Reggae Gold 2016 was more pop and stylised. 2017, we went a different route. Using the roots as inspiration being more African goddess than dancehall and reggae queens. We shot in LA, and used the desert as the location and made it more of a desert dystopia vibe. My cousin Philippa did amazing body painting so it was also more art directed and stylized. VP Records’ Creative Director sisters, Stephanie and Christina Chin, developed the idea of a motor bike theme to have a modern element to it. RG: WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING NOW THAT YOU BELIEVE ARE THE FUTURE OF FASHION IN JAMAICA? SB: Dancehall style is all about individuality and customizing pieces to make them your own. You never see people with the same garms even though it's a small island. I see this continuing with people designing more of their own pieces with tailors. Fashion has become Americanised with pop culture, the internet and social media. In rural areas as well as uptown Kingston I am seeing more African prints and shapes, which is new. One of my favourite looks is Rockers vintage fitted menswear—some of the younger generation are bringing this back.
The bold and colorful flare of Savannah Baker pops in her creative projects where she leads as creative director, stylist, and photographer. The London native has worked with Lana Del Rey, Popcaan, and has editorial credits with RWD and Suitcase Magazine. In recent years, Savannah Baker has worked with VP Records by photographing the cover of Reggae Gold 2016 and 2K17.
PHOTO CREDIT: OLIVIA RICHARDSON
@SAVANNAHGEEBAKER
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Known as Trinidad’s Finest, Jillionaire, the producer/DJ is a vessel of soca’s rich history. He is also one-third of Major Lazer. Since 2013, Jillionaire has been a driving force behind a diverse stream of releases on his own independent label, Feel Up Records. Caribbean rhythms either from his home of Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, or Senegal are present in fellow collaborators, such as Bunji Garlin, Serani, and Fuse ODG, respectively. @JILLIONAIRE
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INTERVIEWS WITH INFLUENCERS
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REGGAE GOLD: TRINIDAD’S GREATEST INFLUENCES ON AMERICAN POP CULTURE. JILLIONAIRE: Trinidadian music has always had a strong influence on American popular culture. New York City—the epicenter of American art, music and lifestyle—has always moved to the beat of West Indian riddims, from Brooklyn to Harlem to The Bronx. Soca & Calypso have been guiding pop music in America ever since “The Banana Boat Song” became the first single ever to go platinum. RG: GO-TO RIDDIM TO TURN UP A PARTY J: J’ouvert is my favorite part of carnival and one of my favorite riddims is the Gutter Riddim featuring cuts from Bunji Garlin, Fay-Ann Lyons and Patch. The percussive elements and pounding bassline are guaranteed to get people moving. RG: DANCE MOVE THAT CHANGED THE GAME J: “Palance” definitely changed the way that the world looks at soca music. “Moving To The Left” by Nigel Lewis brought the idea of directive and action to the dancefloor, but Palance took it around the world - it still gets an automatic response all across the globe, regardless of country or nationality. RG: FAVORITE FOOD-INSPIRED SONG J:De Mighty Trini “Curry Tabanca” RG: LIFE-CHANGING LIVE SHOW J: Machel Montano still blows my mind everytime I see him live. His ability to enthrall, excite and control a crowd is matched by few, regardless of genre. RG: COVER SONG BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL
J: I prefer the originals - just ask the Andrews Sisters. They tried to steal Lord Invader’s “Rum & Coca-Cola” and found themselves tied up in the world’s first copyright infringement suit. RG: HOW HAS CARIBBEAN MUSIC CHANGED SINCE YOU GOT IN THE BUSINESS? J: Caribbean music has continued to evolve since the ‘20s. It’s unique in that it absorbs everything around it, chews it up, and spits out something unique and brand new, but with a distinct sense of familiarity. With soca moving into the 120-135 bpm range and dancehallmoving to 100-110 bpms, now more than ever is the time for us to be on mainstream radio across the world. RG: FUNNIEST JAMAICAN VIRAL VIDEO/MEME J: I spend way too much time on @wachubbleisdiswcid and @cooliegram_wtmc on Instagram RG: FAVORITE COLLABORATION J: My favorite collaboration of late has been Machel Montano & Bunji Garlin “Buss Head.” It’s refreshing to see these two icons of soca music resolve their personal differences in order to make music and tour the world together. RG: NAME 3 BASHMENT PARTIES EVERYONE MUST ATTEND AT LEAST ONCE. J: Chicken & Beer (Miami), Ting n Ting (New York), Insomnia (Trinidad) RG: ALBUM YOU NEED IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERTED ISLAND J: Mighty Shadow “If I Coulda I Woulda I Shoulda”
INTERVIEWS WITH INFLUENCERS
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Blacka Di Danca is a classic tale of the student becoming the teacher. Growing up in Brooklyn, Blacka studied DVD recordings of the famous Passa Passa dancehall party that takes place in Kingston. New York’s five boroughs became the local stage where Blacka would build his talent. He was crowned dancehall king in 2010 at Binghamton University’s annual carnival, and at Dance-A-Rama. Blacka has taught choreography internationally, and continues to lead dance routines for popular music videos by Popcaan (“Ova Dweet”), Rihanna (“Work”), and Alkaline (“City”). @BLACKADIDANCA REGGAE REGGAE GOLD: GOLD: WHAT WHAT ARE ARE JAMAICA'S JAMAICA'S GREATEST GREATEST INFLUENCES INFLUENCES ON ON AMERICAN AMERICAN POP POP CULTURE? CULTURE?
as as well well as as Drake Drake and and almost almost every every pop pop artist artist using using Jamaica’s Jamaica’s patois patois in in their their songs songs and and social social media media captions. captions. The The list list goes goes on on and and on, on, but but these these are are some some notable notable influences, influences, not not to to mention mention Omarion’s Omarion’s most most recent recent single single release release of of “W4W” “W4W” using using the the “Diwali” “Diwali” riddim riddim in in its its production. production.
BLACKA BLACKA DI DI DANCA: DANCA: Almost Almost all all of of Jamaica’s Jamaica’s culture culture and and trends trends have have had had great great influence influence on on American American pop pop culture culture to to date. date. Some Some of of the the most most notable notable influences influences can can be be seen seen in in the the production production of of the the music. music. Most Most mainmainstream stream pop pop songs songs with with dancehall dancehall influence influence use use old old and and middle middle skool skool dancehall dancehall instrumentals, instrumentals, lyrics lyrics && slangs. slangs. One One example example can can be be seen seen in in Tory Tory Lanez Lanez -- “LUV” “LUV” which which makes makes use use of of Tanto Tanto Metro Metro && Devonte’s Devonte’s -“Everyone “Everyone Falls Falls In In Love Love Sometimes” Sometimes” lyrics. lyrics. Rihanna’s Rihanna’s -- “Work” “Work” uses uses Richie Richie Stephens Stephens “Sail “Sail Away” Away” riddim riddim
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RG: RG: WHAT WHAT RIDDIM RIDDIM CAN CAN YOU YOU ALWAYS ALWAYS RELY RELY ON ON TO TO TURN TURN UP UP AA PARTY? PARTY? BDD: BDD: The The French French Vanilla Vanilla riddim riddim can can always always turn turn aa party party up. up. There There are are plenty plenty of of riddims riddims that that are are great, great, relatable relatable and and enjoyable enjoyable to to rock rock to, to, but but when when any any song song on on the the French French Vanilla Vanilla riddim riddim plays, plays, no no matter matter your your mood, mood, you you have have no no choice choice but but to to clear clear aa path path and and dance!! dance!!
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RG: RG: DANCE DANCE MOVE MOVE THAT THAT CHANGED CHANGED THE THE GAME. GAME. BDD: BDD: For For me, me, Ding Ding Dong’s Dong’s “Syvah” “Syvah” dance dance changed changed the the game. game. What What it it did did was was bring bring dancing dancing back back from from aa standstill. standstill. For For aa few few years years before before “Syvah,” “Syvah,” dance dance moves moves were were at at aa bit bit of of aa stall stall compared compared to to the the hype hype mid-skool mid-skool era era right right before before of of “Nuh “Nuh Linga”, Linga”, “Tek “Tek Weh Weh Yuhself” Yuhself” etc. etc. It It felt felt like like most most of of the the community community was was waiting waiting for for that that one one dance dance to to revive revive the the creative creative juices juices of of the the community community again, again, and and II think think that that after after “Syvah”, “Syvah”, dance dance creators creators were were inspired inspired again again to to push push out out hits hits like”Breadlike”Breadfruit”, fruit”, “Tom “Tom Cruise”, Cruise”, and and “Way “Way Up” Up” amongst amongst other other beloved beloved new new skool skool dances. dances. RG: RG: FAVORITE FAVORITE FOOD-INSPIRED FOOD-INSPIRED SONG. SONG. BDD: BDD: My My favorite favorite food-inspired food-inspired song song is is Chi Chi Ching Ching Ching’s Ching’s -- “Breadfruit”. “Breadfruit”. II like like my my breadfruit breadfruit roasted roasted fyi. fyi. RG: RG: CONCERT CONCERT THAT THAT CHANGED CHANGED YOUR YOUR LIFE. LIFE. BDD: BDD: There’s There’s one one memorable memorable concert concert that that always always comes comes to to mind mind when when asked asked this this question,and question,and it’s it’s Beenie Beenie Man’s Man’s performance performance at at Club Club Amazura Amazura in in the the 2005. 2005. Beenie Beenie Man Man has has always always been been my my favorite favorite dancehall dancehall artist artist and and to to have have the the opportunity opportunity to to see see him him perform perform live live in in person person was was life-changing. life-changing. His His brother brother was was killed killed in in Jamaica Jamaica earlier earlier that that day day –– he he told told us us on on stage stage –– but but he he came came out out and and performed performed for for us, us, singing singing and and dancing dancing and and entertaining entertaining the the crowd crowd 110%. 110%. It It was was inspiring inspiring to to see see him him push push through through that that tragedy tragedy as as well well as as seeing seeing an an artist artist who who can can dance! dance!
RG: RG: NAME NAME AA REGGAE REGGAE COVER COVER SONG SONG BETTER BETTER THAN THAN THE THE ORIGINAL. ORIGINAL. BDD: BDD: II love love Maxi Maxi Priest’s Priest’s version version of of “Wild “Wild World” World” which which was was originally originally recorded recorded by by Cat Cat Stevens Stevens in in 1970, 1970, but but the the 1988 1988 reggae reggae cover cover from from Maxi Maxi Priest Priest is is better better to to me me for for one one simple simple reason reason –– it’s it’s reggae. reggae. The The soul, soul, passion, passion, feeling feeling and and vibe vibe reggae reggae adds adds to to music music is is invaluableand invaluableand distinct. distinct. Reggae Reggae music, music, like like most most other other urban urban musics, musics, is is the the voice voice of of the the urban urban people people and and aa voice voice coming coming from from struggle, struggle, so so anything anything with with that that relatability relatability sinks sinks deep deep within within the the soul soul of of people people who who live live those those struggles. struggles. RG: RG: YOUR YOUR FAVORITE FAVORITE COLLABORATION COLLABORATION WITHIN WITHIN DANCEHALL DANCEHALL OR OR REGGAE. REGGAE. BDD: BDD: My My favorite favorite collaboration collaboration today today within within dancehall dancehall is is Vybz Vybz Kartel Kartel and and Masicka’s Masicka’s -- “Infrared”. “Infrared”. RG: RG: NAME NAME 33 BASHMENT BASHMENT PARTIES PARTIES EVERYONE EVERYONE MUST MUST ATTEND ATTEND AT AT LEAST LEAST ONCE. ONCE. BDD: BDD: 33 basement basement parties parties that that everyone everyone must must attend attend are are “Uptown “Uptown Mondays” Mondays” that that takes takes place place in in Kingston, Kingston, Jamaica, Jamaica, “City “City Vibez” Vibez” Thursdays Thursdays that that takes takes place place in in Brooklyn, Brooklyn, New New York York and and “Miami “Miami Vice Vice Episode” Episode” that that takes takes place place in in Miami, Miami, Florida. Florida. RG: RG: ALBUM ALBUM YOU YOU NEED NEED IF IF YOU YOU WERE WERE STRANDED STRANDED ON ON AA DESERTED DESERTED ISLAND ISLAND BDD: BDD: If If II was was stranded stranded on on aa deserted deserted island, island, II would would only only need need Bob Bob Marley’s Marley’s -- “Exodus” “Exodus” album album to to listen listen to. to. When When music music hits, hits, you you feel feel no no pain, pain, and and reggae reggae music music is is aa vacation vacation from from the the realworld realworld within within itself, itself, especially especially Bob’s Bob’s music. music.
INTERVIEWS WITH INFLUENCERS
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PHOTO CREDIT: RAYON RICHARDS
While the essence of the subject is frozen in a picture, their personality shines when Rayon Richards is behind the camera. The Brooklyn, New York native graduated from the school of visual arts photography BFA program and currently shoots celebrity portraits,product, and interior design. His clients include Oprah Magazine, MTV, VP Records, Footlocker, Bacardi & Company, and Unilever.@RAYONRICHARDS
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REGGAE GOLD: WHAT ARE JAMAICA'S GREATEST INFLUENCES ON AMERICAN POP CULTURE?
in the caption I wrote to accompany the Reggae Gold 2015 cover image when I posted it to social media:
RAYON RICHARDS: The influences that Jamaica has are too numerous to mention but some of the most notable ones embedded in American pop culture come to us via music, language, dance and fashion; music being the conduit through which all aspects of Jamaican culture spread to the world. RG: WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE VISION FOR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY? RR: My portraits are a reflection of my relationship with the world around me and the things I love. RG: WHO INFLUENCES YOUR WORK? RR: I’m inspired by cultural celebration. I’m inspired by other artists’ passion for self expression. I’m inspired by the sun and what it means to the mystery of life on Earth. RG: WHAT ASPECT OF JAMAICAN CULTURE DO YOU DESIRE TO CAPTURE VISUALLY? RR: My favorite thing about Jamaican people is their undying patriotic zeal and how it permeates all parts of their lives. Jamaicans are a very proud people and if you’re in conversation with one, they’ll always find an opportunity to let you know where they’re from. That enthusiasm, pride and joy is what I enjoy capturing most about the culture, however it manifests itself. RG: YOU PHOTOGRAPHED THE COVER AND PACKAGING FOR REGGAE GOLD 2015 AND SOCA GOLD 2016, TELL ME ABOUT WHAT MADE THOSE INDIVIDUAL EXPERIENCES SIGNIFICANT. RR:The best way to sum up the significance of both of these experiences is
“1995 was the first year I ever purchased a CD. Every week I would save my lunch money to go to the local record store near my junior high school in Bushwick. One day while browsing, I stumbled across the Reggae Gold 1995 compilation CD. Admittedly, aside from the fact that I grew up with dancehall & reggae music, I picked up the album because I was attracted to the beautiful woman on the cover. From then on, I got the CD every year. I'd never have imagined that exactly 20 years later my own image of a beautiful woman would grace the cover and that I would follow in the footsteps of the talented Caribbean photographers who had shot this project RG: OVER THE YEARS JAMAICAN CULTURE HAS BEEN VISUALLY REPRESENTED IN MAINSTREAM MEDIA FROM ITS PEOPLE, TO THE LAND, TO THE FOOD, THE ISLAND'S LANDMARKS, AND OF COURSE ITS DISTILLATION TO OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD. WHAT ASPECT OF JAMAICAN CULTURE IS THE MOST ICONIC IN YOUR MIND AND WHY? RR: The most iconic thing about Jamaican culture is the power of reggae music. Reggae music is the soundtrack of the Rastafari faith. I can’t think of any other musical genre that is not only spiritually nourishing but equally entertaining to people from all walks of life. If you think of a music venue as a place of worship, what other religious faith can bring people together, joyfully chanting the name of your God in unison? That’s the power of reggae music, the heartbeat of Jamaica.
INTERVIEWS WITH INFLUENCERS
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“It's always a pleasure to do the REGGAE GOLD mix for VP, most of the songs on the mix are even some of our favorites throughout the year so it's never hard to catch the right vibe when doing it. This year there was actually even a lot more reggae/roots reggae selections included which always makes for a good vibe. We hope people enjoy and appreciate the vibe we were going for in this year's mix. Respect to the whole VP family and all fans of reggae music.” – JR Chromatic @JRCHROMATIC
LISTEN TO THE MIX EXCLUSIVELY ON: /VPRECORDS
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INTERVIEWS WITH INFLUENCERS
/VP_RECORDS
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VYBZ KARTEL // ESTELLE TORY LANEZ // SPICE // CHRONIXX CHRISTOPHER MARTIN // JAH9 + MORE
FEATURING BUNJI GARLIN // FAY-ANN LYONS DESTRA // RUPEE FT. RICARDO DRUE
BY RICHARD “TREATS” DRYDEN Reggae Gold is a storied compilation series that has more depth than your average playlist. What VP Records started in 1993 with 16-tracks of the year’s best reggae and dancehall songs has become one of the label’s most treasured brands. It serves as an annual introduction to the label’s current roster
at the forefront of the genre’s biggest songs. For good measure, fans are likely to find hip-hop or pop songs influenced by Caribbean vibes. As we enter the 24th year of Reggae Gold, we present 10 fun facts about the series’ key moments.
1994: Reggae Gold’s first hip-hop and dancehall collaboration brings together rap icon Heavy D, Courtney Melody and Brigadier Jerry.
lands 1993: Beres Hammond “Sweetness” ion. a spot on the inaugural compilat most the have to on go He would l. Reggae Gold appearances—22 in tota first the as n know Nadine Sutherland, artist signed to Bob Marley’s Tuff , Gong record label at 11-years-old with ess succ r sove cros s later earn . “Action,” alongside Terror Fabulous The track charts at #43 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in August 1994.
-disc in the 2000: The first double megamix by a h wit ed kag series pac . Adonai Sound System
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REGGAE GOLD LEGACY RG
2004: Model Esther Baxter adds album cover model to her resumé already stacked with appearances in videos for Petey Pablo “Freek-a-Leek,” Kanye West “New Workout Plan,” and Ludacris “Number One Spot.”
2009: Paying homage to the iconic 1972 photo of Sintra Arunte-Bronte. Leanna Kelly, wife of legendary producer Tony “CD” Kelly is cast as the cover’s model.
2010: The album cover celebrates the FIFA World Cup picturing four models representing Japan, the United Kingdom, United States, and Jamaica.
2012: The London Olympics inspires the cover’s theme. Usain Bolt led Jamaica’s Racers Track Club members to earn medals in the 100m , 200m, and 4x100m relays.
2015: 20 tracks, the longest on one disc.
2017: This year’s Motorcycle concept, honors the tradition of iconic sport motorcycles popular in Jamaican culture for over 30 years.
REGGAE GOLD LEGACY RG
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INTERVIEWS W/ 2K17 LINEUP RG
GET TO KNOW SOME OF THE VOICES MAKING THIS YEAR’S COMPILATION ANOTHER CLASSIC TO PULL UP! VP RECORDS’ annual release of Reggae Gold features a unique lineup of talent that represents the current state of dancehall and reggae music coming out of Jamaica. Through the years, the who’s who tracklist of superstars is anchored by the label’s roster of hit-makers: Beres Hammond’s classy love song “Sweetness” in 1993; Spragga Benz “She Nuh Ready Yet” in 1998; then in 1997, Beenie Man planted seeds of longevity with “Romie” and “Girls Dem Sugar” (Remix), which later blossomed into a chart-topping collaboration with R&B songstress, Mya and super producer duo, The Neptunes in 2001. The seachange from an all-Jamaican lineup diversified through hip-hop artists such as Busta Rhymes, Twista and Akon, whose placements on the compilation became a trend through the early 2000s. With 24 years of success, Reggae Gold is one of the longest-running, most comprehensive album series in music. GET TO KNOW THE ARTISTS BEHIND 2K17.
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BIRTHPLACE
KINGSTON
SONGS TO PULL UP AMERICAN BOY FREAK
COME OVER WOMAN’S WORLD
@ESTELLEDARLINGS The contagious energy of reggae had a grip on Estelle when she was a youth in West London. Reggae music’s presence in the U.K. goes back almost half a century, when many Jamaicans migrated to England, joining other transplants from the West Indes and Africa. Estelle, whose parents are from Senegal and Grenada, recalls the excitement and loyalty to African pride through Bob Marley’s “Zimbabwe.” In an interview on Red Bull Music Academy’s The Federation Sound show she also discussed how her life has been “narrated by bashment.” Her influences range from Freddie McGregor to Pinchers; and DJ David Rodigan, who also was one of the main DJs to break “Come Over,” her lovers rock collab with Sean Paul. “Come Over” was Estelle’s first Reggae Gold appearance in 2009, laying the foundation for her latest duet with Singy Singy Tarrus Riley on “Love Like Ours.” Their new track is a perfect example of harmony over an addictive one-drop rhythm produced by Supa Dups.
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INTERVIEWS W/ 2K17 LINEUP RG
ESTELLE ESTELLE REGGAE GOLD: HOW DID YOU GET THE GIG TO SING THE THEME SONG FOR WE BARE BEARS? ESTELLE: The guys at We Bare Bears heard of my work with Steven Universe and approached me to do it. I wrote the lyrics and worked with one of my favorite producers Ivan "Doxortho" Barias on the music. RG: HOW DOES ACTING NOW INFLUENCE YOUR SONGWRITING? E: Acting put me in a better space to make some of my songs more character based versus so personally about me. Steven Universe is about Crystals and Gemstones so my character name Garnet is based on a birthstone for the month of January, which coincidentally happens to be my birth month. The creator of the show, Rebecca Sugar, is pretty brilliant that way. RG: FOR YEARS NOW YOUR MUSIC HAS BEEN INFLUENCED BY REGGAE MUSIC, TELL ME ABOUT HOW MAKING THE NEW ALBUM WITH SUPA DUPS CAME ABOUT? E: Although it wasn't my very first reggae influenced song, Supa Dups produced "Come Over" my first reggae single that was
released worldwide. Because of that it made sense to work with him again on some of the songs for this album. Especially, since there is already chemistry, we just set up sessions in Miami and got to work. RG: YOU’VE WORKED WITH SO MANY ARTISTS AND PRODUCERS IN YOUR CAREER, IS THERE ANYONE THAT YOU’VE WORKED WITH IN THE PAST THAT YOU ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO COLLABORATING WITH? E: Other than Supa Dups, there is a writing team by the name of JFK (Fresh & K.O.), they are my favs to work with. They get me, we work well together. John Legend is also perennial favorite. RG: WHAT’S NEXT IN 2017 FOR YOU? E: First and foremost, my album releases in Fall 2017, on Est 1980/VP Records. There will be new episodes of Steven Universe coming. I’m developing television and content projects under my production company Est 1980 Productions, and I'm growing and building my online retail store Elle-Vie.com
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PHOTO CREDIT: JOACHIM MAQUET
CHRONIXX BIRTHPLACE
SPANISH TOWN
SONGS TO PULL UP SPANISH TOWN ROCKING HERE COMES TROUBLE
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LIKES
Born Jamar Rolando McNaughton on October 10, 1992, Chronixx was nurtured by music from an early age by his father, dancehall artist Chronicle. Chronixx's youthful voice carries the wisdom of generations of reggae singers before his time and holds a positive message for the youth of this generation.
INTERVIEWS W/ 2K17 LINEUP RG
RAGING FYAH BIRTHPLACE
KINGSTON
SONGS TO PULL UP
PHOTO CREDIT: WILLIAM RICHARDS
DASH
WATA
EVERLASTING NAH LOOK BACK
Raging Fyah consists of Kumar Bent (lead singer), Courtland White (guitarist) Anthony Watson (drummer), Demar Gayle (keyboardist) and Delroy Hamilton (bassist). Some of the members met at Edna Manley College of Visual & Performing Arts in Kingston, but the band itself didn't form until 2006. They draw inspiration from The Wailers, Third World, Steel Pulse and Aswad. Like their predecessors, Raging Fyah tackles similar topics of socio-economics and politics with an underlying message of hope and inspiration. @RAGINGFYAH
BEST FOOD YOU HAD ON THE ROAD. When we are on tour we cook everyday so we wouldn’t say we have a favorite food but love home cooking. WHAT CITY HAD THE BIGGEST RESPONSE TO YOUR LIVE SHOW? The love on the whole tour was great we are thankful for our brother Tribal Seeds for the opportunity to play in front of their fans. HOW HAS BEING NOMINATED FOR A GRAMMY CHANGED YOUR LIFE? We feel so blessed and honored to be nominated from Grammy. It now makes us work even harder. WHAT’S NEXT IN 2017 FOR YOU? We are blessed to be joining UB40, Level 42 and Original Wailers in the U.K. on tour, then we come to the States withUB40 and Matisyahu.
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BIRTHPLACE
BLACK PASTURE & ST.CATHERINE
SONGS TO PULL UP CHEATER’S PRAYER
BIG DEAL
UNDER THE INFLUENCE
JAMAICAN GIRLS @IAMCHRISMARTIN
PHOTO CREDIT: LEVI MANDEL
Known for his vocal prowess and soaring melodies, the VP Records -signed artist has sung his way into the hearts of his devoted following of ladies. They flood his shows, standing elbow-to-elbow, gazing upon the model playboy who is a master dreamweaver of their wildest fantasies. Born on Valentine’s Day, he channels themes related to the lover’s holiday: a part-time companion on “Cheater’s Prayer” or relationship goals on “Is It Love.”.
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SAINT ANN
SONGS TO PULL UP WHO FEELS IT KNOWS IT LOVESICK SOUL PROVIDER
FADE AWAY
Romain Virgo has been the future of Jamaican crooners since he released his self-titled album in 2010. He beams the same youthful energy from winning the 2007 Digicel Rising Stars competition, which lead to a record deal with VP. Building upon a solid foundation of socially conscious songs early in Romain’s career, his songs about love and infatuation have built his female fanbase. “Now,” his latest single is a vibrant invitation to the next step in a relationship—claiming his girlfriend— in which he sings as if he is free falling, enjoying the rush of the moment.
INTERVIEWS W/ 2K17 LINEUP RG
PHOTO CREDIT: MONICA RUBALCAVA
BIRTHPLACE
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TORY LANEZ BIRTHPLACE
BRAMPTON
SONGS TO PULL UP LUV
SAY IT
LA CONFIDENTIAL
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LORD KNOWS @TORYLANEZ
Tory Lanez claimed to be Jamaican by-association in a 2016 interview with Genius. His comfort speaking patois is a byproduct of being raised by his father from Barbados and mother from the Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao. That pitch-perfect float between his West Indian roots and other places he grew up (Toronto, New York, Atlanta) is part of the storyline of his smash hit, “Luv.” The other side to that is the undeniable influence of the chorus from Tanto Metro & Devonte’s dancehall classic, “Everyone Falls In Love.” “Luv” keeps the core of the melodic original that enjoyed mainstream success on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 1999. In 2016, “Luv” landed Tory Lanez his first hit to chart at #19 on Billboard’s Hot 100.
BIRTHPLACE
ST. ELIZABETH
SONGS TO PULL U LOODI
WINE
P REVERSE
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR DREAM COLLABORATIONS? I'd love to collaborate with Nicki Minaj, The Weeknd, Drake, Rihanna, and Bruno Mars. FAVORITE PLACES TO PERFORM The Caribbean Islands. My most memorable performance was at Martinique. and I love performing at the High Schools in Jamaica. GROWING UP, WAS IT ALWAYS YOUR DREAM TO BECOME AN ARTIST? Yes. I've always wanted to be an international artist and I haven't reached that goal yet but I'm on my way and won't stop until I get there.
TELL US ABOUT WHAT YOU HAVE IN THE WORKS: ALBUM, VIDEO, TOUR, ETC. I have been working on a lot of International music soon to be released. The majority are singles. I'll be traveling to Trinidad at the end of July, I have a Europe tour coming up in August, also shows in England alongside Dexta Daps, New York, Canada and Connecticut in September and many more that I can't remember at the moment lol but look out for me at those locations.
PHOTO CREDIT: WADE RHODEN
WHAT'S TRACKS/ALBUMS ARE YOU VIBING TO RIGHT NOW? I'm actually vibing to some Spanish music. The best way to take over is to explore and learn different types of music and I'm a very versatile artist so it's exciting when I find something new musically. It grasps my attention to learn more.
INTERVIEWS W/ 2K17 LINEUP RG
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BIRTHPLACE
KINGSTON
SONGS TO PULL UP HUMBLE MI UNAFRAID
AVOCADO REVERENCE
PHOTO CREDIT: RICARDO ‘HIMAGES’ BAILEY
Jah9 is a leader in the progression of roots reggae. Using her gifts of singing, songwriting, poetry, and music production, she has controlled her message of activism since breaking onto the international reggae scene in 2014. Janine Cunningham, a.k.a. Jah9 joined the VP Records family for the release of her sophomore album, 9. “The number 9 is very intentional,” she says. “It represents the unfolding of the spiral, a renewal in preparation for what is ahead,” adds the lyrical chanteuse.
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INTERVIEWS W/ 2K17 LINEUP RG
REGGAE GOLD: TELL US YOUR TOP FIVE HOME REMEDIES. JAH9: The leaf of life with Seville orange and garlic and moringa leaves for chest congestion. Cayenne, honey, lime, for clearing crust off the throat. For respiratory distress: peppermint in the steamers with herb; pull slowly, and increase lung capacity [to] get the medicine to it. Helichrysum Italicum—essential oil— for any cut, open wound, to heal it more quickly than stitches. A home remedy that doesn’t involve any herb is what they call the fire breath, or kabalabiti, which is a pranayama technique that frees up congested sinuses immediately after you do it like 20 times rapidly. It brings all the cold up. That or standing on your head for maybe a quarter of a minute will also relieve sinus pressure. And another one, when you feel like you’re getting the first signs of a cold or flu symptom, take six moringa seeds in the morning—every morning—and just keep the foods live so your system don’t have to struggle with anything and you can focus on healing. RG: WHAT CAN PEOPLE EXPECT FROM YOUR YOGA ON DUB SESSIONS? J9: The Yoga on Dub is primarily a moving meditation. So holding poses for lengths of time and letting the mind focus on music while the body opens. It’ll entail the kemetic tradition and include the principles from the kemetic tree of life as a meditation mantra: to focus intention; as well as some work for the muscles to get the body warm; to give you just a gentle push to go a little deeper into the body than usual, probably about anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours worth of movement meditation and pranayama. In those places where the herb is free, we would incorporate the chalice station to include the pranayama with the herb and where that will take the meditation both in body and mind. RG: WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE HIGHLIGHTS FROM TOURING THIS YEAR? J9: Being on the road with Chronixx was a real joy. Just to observe others; and
how they are interacting with the world; and trying to do their best; and be their best self; and work really hard every night makes you feel good to know that you’re not alone on the trod. And it’s just beautiful to hear the fullness of the music—and not just enjoy it from the stage—but stand side stage, and see your brethren doing similar work; being able to subscribe to all the messages and sing along with all the songs was a highlight for me. The Yoga on Dub in France was definitely a highlight. It pulled something out of me: having to teach every day and serve all the people who were there, and be mindful. It’s more intense for me than performing on stages: being responsible for people’s well being while in a session; helping to guide them physically and mentally to access deeper paths of themselves and see people open, that was beautiful and definitely something I want to do more of. The first run of Europe was special for me—it really started gelling. Putting together this set of musicians: coming together with Jah David, Jonathan Ranking, Jellis, Sheldon and Daniel Singer. Just kind of watching my band gel more and come together and finally feeling like I’m moving toward… not just the sound I want to create in studio, but bringing that sound live and seeing the vision start to unfold; seeing the musicians internalize the vibe that I want to bring. That is tremendous for me as well. Changing musicians is always a delicate issue, but when it works, it is a real joy. RG: WHAT CAN PEOPLE EXPECT THIS YEAR FROM JAH9? This year is almost over, but plans are in place to visit the U.K. by the end of the year, and potentially Ethiopia and South America. These are exciting for me because these are all spaces I’ve never been to. South America has been a dream for a long time; Ethiopia, definitely as well. I’ve done a few things in the U.K., but never a tour. It’s europe but it’s english-speaking so I’m really excited to share because I know their struggle is very similar. I look forward to connecting
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BIRTHPLACE
KINGSTON
SONGS TO PULL UP EVERLASTING WATA
DASH NAH LOOK BACK
From a smooth whisper, to a hulking cry, Tarrus Riley a.k.a. Singy Singy can touch the soul in one breath. He is the son of seasoned reggae singer Jimmy Riley, whose calm vocal tone rode the soothing wave of rocksteady in the mid-to-late 1960s with The Uniques and The Sensations. Tarrus grew up around his father, developing a craft for melody in his raspy and rugged tone. Hearing Tarrus’ voice raises goosebumps when he charms on “She’s Royal” or belts passion on “Powerful.” @TAURRUSRILEYJA
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INTERVIEWS W/ 2K17 LINEUP RG
SPICE The live experience of a Spice show is proof that you don’t need lions, tigers, or bears from the circus to have the greatest show on Earth. Any stage belongs to Spice: at The Paper Box in Brooklyn last year, ladies were routinely integrated into her performance of her hit “So Mi LIke It,” and on the 2017 Indicator Tour—that sold out nightclubs and concert halls in Italy and Amsterdam—Spice and her dancers thrusted their bodies into headtops and splits whenever “Sheet” and “Indicator” were queued. There aren’t any inhibitions left for the audience to hold on to after Spice liberates them into exploring their most adventurous sides—front and back.
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BIRTHPLACE
JAH CURE
HANOVER
SONGS TO PULL UP LOVE IS
SHOW LOVE
RASTA
CALL ON ME
@THEREALJAHCURE
Jah Cure is one of the top world singers whose presence in Europe has planted new roots for reggae. On his 2015 album, The Cure—that he executive produced—Jah Cure was supported by some of the industry’s best instrumentation rooted in the decades-long tradition of one-drop reggae. Maurice “Clive” Hunt was credited for arrangement, while Llamar “Riff Raff” Brown, Justin “Jus Bus” Nation, and Trevor “Baby G” Washington served as producers. Jah Cure’s latest single, “Telephone Love,” picks up where The Cure left off: comforting his beloved with a message from a distance, then turns to Clive Hunt’s blissful production of live drums and saxophone to fill the void.
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INTERVIEWS W/ 2K17 LINEUP RG
FIRST THINGS FIRST, we’d like to give a super special thanks to Treats for helping us put this zine together. We appreciate you so much. You are the greatest. Much love. Nuff respect to all of the influencers and artists for contributing to this 1st edition of the Reggae Gold zine. The idea driving the creation of this zine was to highlight + honor incredibly talented individuals who are impacting the culture today in a most monumental way. Since it’s debut in 93’ it’s been unquestionable the profound effect that Reggae Gold has had on people’s lives. We can’t count the number of people that have come to us to say that they genuinely love the series and have grown with the brand throughout the years. We do this for you. Till next year. . . keep up the vibes friends.
REGGAE GOLD 2K17 OUT NOW! STREAM OR DOWNLOAD ON APPLE MUSIC, SPOTIFY, ETC.
NYC • MIA • KIN • LDN • TYO • JHB • RJ /// Always Miles Ahead
GIVE THANKS
Bless Up, VP Records Family ZINE EDITOR: Richard “Treats” Dryden ZINE DESIGN: Rebecca Lovinsquy RG EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Christopher Chin + Neil “Diamond” Edwards RG A&R: Neil “Diamond” Edwards RG PROJECT MANAGER: Stephen Chin VP CREATIVE DIRECTION: Stephanie Chin + Christina Chin BUSINESS AFFAIRS: John McQueeney RG LOGO: Ross Palumbo PHOTO SHOOT CREATIVE DIRECTION: Savannah Baker + Philippa Price PHOTOGRAPHY: Savannah Baker MODEL: Lilian Uwanyuze
GIVE THANKS RG
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LINK UP
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