This week, VP Records and Vans release Dub Rockers Volume 1, a new compilation series that combines Jamaica’s top artists with popular U.S. and Euro-based reggae acts. The 10-track collection on VP Records’ newly founded imprint Dub Rockers, will feature collaborations between Slightly Stoopid, Inner Circle and Capleton, Bad Brains and Angelo Moore of Fishbone, SOJA and Gentleman, Rebelution and I-Wayne, John Brown’s Body and Peetah Morgan plus much more.
For one week only, fans can listen to the entire album on MSN Listening Booth.
Today, reggae music continues to thrive with a set of new acts who have brought the genre full circle. However, unlike in decades past, this evolution is not emanating exclusively from Jamaica. With our 21st century access to technology, reggae has become a global community, and new styles can emerge from all corners of the globe. In almost every sub-genre of reggae music, there is a foreign artist who is making a significant impact. Dub Rockers Volume 1 is a recognition of this reality, and has been a unification process for the community at large. This album is intended to break down barriers and cross borders.
As the official sponsor, Vans will release a limited edition mid-top black sneaker donning Rastafarian accents of red, gold and green. Professional skateboarder and DJ John Cardiel, who is sponsored by Vans, will contribute a Dub Rockers Volume 1 mixtape and also participate in various events around the album release. Billboard gave the full inside scoop about this exciting venture between the historic reggae record label and California based skate-shoe company. The piece also premiered the compilation’s first video “Only Man In The World” featuring Hawaii’s Anuhea and Jamaica’s Tarrus Riley and directed by Janelle Dyer (whose credits include Beenie Man’s “Rum & Red Bull” among others).
Watch/Post video for Anuhea and Tarrus Riley’s “Only Man In The World”.
There are a series of three videos currently in production and slated to premiere throughout September. Bad Brains’ “Ragga Dub” featuring Angelo Moore of Fishbone, which was shot at the House of Vans skate park in Brooklyn, NY, and Slightly Stoopid & Inner Circle’s “No Cocaine” featuring Capleton were both directed by Jeff Pliskin of Raised Fist Propaganda. Jamaican pro-surfers like Icah Wilmott cameo in John Brown’s Body’s music video for “The Gold” featuring Peetah Morgan, which is directed by @superB_HQ and shot on the coast of Bob Marley Beach in Bull Bay.
Purchase DUB ROCKERS VOLUME 1 now on iTunes.