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Like so many others who have had the good fortune to have known him, I am shocked and saddened by Mr. Joel Chin’s most untimely and sudden tragic passing. Along with members of the music industry fraternity, my family and I mourn this personal loss. I fondly remember the man as “The Jolly Giant” who made a name for himself predominantly through innovation and hard work and who contributed significantly to the international rise of so many acclaimed artistes in the reggae music industry on the local and international scene. A true soldier, a young veteran always in the fore fighting for the worthy endurance of the reggae/dancehall genre, and by extension for Jamaica’s culture sharing efforts.

Joel acted effortlessly and resonated like a haunting sustained bar of music. To my knowledge absolutely no one Joel’s age, to date has made such an enormous global impact on the status and advancement of the international rise of our beloved reggae music music.

Joel and I shared a friendship that transcended our Irie Jam / VP Records professional relationship. He was a very dear friend and an amazing talent with whom I spent many hours in vigorous and enthusiastic discussions not just about music, but on many aspects of life itself including families. I was very happy to learn just a few short weeks ago that he became a new father to Mya Juliana!

Sadly, there was no time to say goodbye, but I will always cherish the memories of Joel’s never ending enthusiasm, good-humor, friendship, generosity, and one of the most incredibly disciplined work ethic in the business. Joel’s passing will leave an enormous void in the development of the reggae music industry, indeed internationally. A very sad day for all of us, he will be greatly missed.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to Joel’s family, his newborn baby daughter, the extended VP Records family and to all his friends worldwide, know that we at Irie Jam Media do share this your enormous grief and pain. I must also make it known that this year’s inaugural staging of Reggae Rhythm & Blues Concert on Labor Day weekend, Sunday September 4 at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens will be dedicated to, & in honor of Joel Chin and his life’s work….Rest in Peace Joel, my brother my friend; one love.

Louie Grant
VP Irie Jam Media, NY