Pictured: Patricia ‘Miss Pat’ Chin
Patricia ‘Miss Pat’ Chin, the co-founder of VP Records, was honored at the recently held 40th annual IRAWMA (International Reggae And World Music) Awards in Kingston, Jamaica. Recognized for her ongoing work within the music community, and for spearheading philanthropic efforts where the youth are concerned, Miss Pat received the Special Honor for The Most Valuable Reggae Institution Serving Jamaica’s Music Industry For Over 60 Years.
While most of her colleagues describe her as the “business mind and backbone” of the family-owned and operated company, Miss Pat prefers to talk about the mission of VP Records; to bring people together by spreading her beloved culture to the world. Together, Patricia the “P” and Vincent, the “V” in VP Records, were a vital component in the growth and evolution of the reggae genre and culture that has touched every country, every culture and every continent. “It was not easy to sell our culture in a foreign country,” Miss Pat admits.
In 2021, VP Records releases an average of 60 albums per year and the company is known for carrying the hottest artists and the most current compilations. The Reggae Gold series has been the best-selling and most popular compilation year in and year out spawning hits.
VP is not only responsible for modern-day sounds but has recently devoted itself to bringing back to life some of the most classic reggae material from the past. 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.
By staying true to its roots, VP Records remains a crucial link between reggae music and culture and an ever-growing market of reggae enthusiasts around the world. After 40 years in the US, the Chin family looks forward to the future with confidence, knowing that they have built a business that is poised to take Caribbean culture to the highest heights.