VP Records July Releases

On July 6 VP Records releases the newest album from the “King of Fire” Capleton.  The legend and career of Clifton Bailey aka Capleton is like no other. Having emerged at the peak of ‘90s dancehall, Capleton reinvented himself as the leading voice of ‘conscious dancehall’ embracing the spirit of Rastafari and the riddims of contemporary dancehall. Capleton’s influence on the music and culture has been significant. He has scored hits in every commercial facet of reggae (hiphop crossover, dancehall & roots). He is unique for having created successful albums at both Def Jam (95-98) and VP Records, including the classic ‘More Fire’ from 2000. I-ternal Fire presents Capleton as he enters a new phase in his career; an elder statesmen of reggae. The album features multiple one drop riddims with lyrics about faith, love and of course judgment. The tempo has mellowed but the fire still burns!

The new album from Busy Signal titled D.O.B. releases July 13th on VP Records. D.O.B. is a rebirth for Busy Signal, the Kingston, JA based Deejay/ Singer. This is his second VP Records album and it promises to change the way that dancehall music is executed.  Busy has built an international fan base with touring, multiple music videos (Tic Toc, Hottt ed Medley, Night shift/One More Night) and a constant flow of innovative hit tracks. The new album offers a range of musical styles including ballads; One More Night, Sweet Love (Night Shift); there is Latin flavor of Picante and Busy Latino plus new dancehall tracks with producer Stephen ‘Di Genius’ McGregor and the new hit ‘Summn’ A Guh Gwaan’ featuring dancehall legend; Bounty Killer. Having built his brand on the dancehall scene, international and Caribbean markets Busy Signal is ready to take the world by storm.

VP Records is set to release the Definitive Collection of Federal Records on July 13th. Ken Lloyd Khouri the founder of Federal Records had the vision to see that there could be such a thing as the Jamaican music industry. This collector’s edition compilation is music recorded over the course of two decades at Federal Records. This compilation features the notable tracks, “My Daily Food” by the Maytals, “In The Garden” by Eric Morris, and ‘Hi-Life” by the Granville Williams Orchestra, who, along with the Byron Lee’s Dragonaires was one of the last of Jamaica’s big bands. This great collection represents a part of Reggae music history that everyone should be made aware of.     

The Best of Ernie Smith releases July 13. Glenroy ‘Ernie’ Smith is a national hero in Jamaica. His constant presence on radio and stage during the 1960s & 70s placed this folk influenced, pop singer & songwriter at the top of the national charts and above the rising tide of reggae music and Jamaica’s other musical hero – Bob Marley. The combination of Federal Records; the islands most advanced recording facility and Ernie Smith; its most popular recording artist, placed these productions at the top of the Jamaican music industry during the era and

earned international acclaim for many. Ernie Smith wrote hits for himself and others, including Johnny Nash’s “Tears On My Pillow” which, appears here with its original title ‘I Can’t Take It’. This is the first re-mastered ‘hits’ CD compiled from the original Federal Records tapes and features some of Ernie’s best loved hits. The album also includes covers of Kris Kristofferson’s ‘Sunday Morning Coming Down’ and Bread’s ‘I Love You To Want Me’. Plus,the Johnny Nash & bob Marley penned ‘You Poured Sugar On Me’.Get to know Jamaica’s unsung  musical hero Ernie Smith.

Gyptian is the Reggae singer with R&B phrasing that’s turning up the heat with this summer’s Reggae smash hit “Hold You.”  With his third studio album titled “Hold You,” Gyptian comes into full focus with 15 hot songs tailor made for lovers. This album showcases; vintage dancehall and mid-tempo riddims, strong melodies and Gyptian’s suggestive lyrics. The song writer and producer brings a wide range of musical influences to these modern day love songs. Gyptian sings 21st century reggae – with an urban edge and a global appeal. “Hold You” presents Classic Reggae with futuristic style.