On August 27th, reggae loving fans will be able to load their music library with the Dub Rockers Compilation Volume 1 courtesy of VP Records & Vans. It’s a groundbreaking compilation that combines Jamaica’s top artists with popular U.S & European based reggae acts who all come together to collaborate over 10 tracks.
In total there are 22 total artists who collaborate for a massive collaboration compilation, rendering old songs while producing newer material. The compilation album will be available in digital, CD and vinyl formats.
“Our goal is to expose Jamaican acts to an audience that may be unfamiliar with them, but also legitimize in a sense what the American guys are doing because Caribbean audiences can be unreceptive to outside acts playing reggae,” says Mike McGraw, VP’s Director of New Media. “This is something new for VP; ultimately, we hope to sign Jamaican and non-Jamaican bands to the Dub Rockers imprint.”
Artists for this compilation album include Slightly Stoopid, Inner Circle, Capleton, Alborosie, Natty, Busy Signal, Bad Brains, Fishbone, John Brown’s Body, Peetah Morgan, Anuhea, Tarrus Riley, The Aggrolites, Etana, The RBC, Prince Polo, The Expendables, Eek-A-Mouse, Rebelution, I-Wayne, SOJA & Gentleman. Producers include Miguel Happoldt (Sublime), Yeti Beats, Dub Matrix, Mannix, Prince Polo & more. This album is intended to break down barriers and cross borders.
As the official sponsor, Vans will host a Dub Rockers album release party at their House of Vans skate park and music venue in Brooklyn, NY. They will also release a limited edition mid-top black sneaker red-yellow & green rasta colors.
“This relationship has many marketing opportunities: we can do shows, create products together but most important is the relationship to authenticity; we come from the action/sports world, they come from the reggae world so bridging gaps is very meaningful to both parties,” says Kurt Soto founder of Vans’ Music Program, which includes their annual sponsorship of the Warped Tour.
Billboard premiered the compilation’s first music video for “Only Man In The World” that features Anuhea and Jamaica’s Tarrus Riley. The video gives the inside scoop on the venture between VP Records & the cali-based skate-shoe company, Vans.
Look out for more coverage of this compilation as we break down each track that was recorded for the Dub Rockers Compilation Volume 1, but to give you a hint as to what you can expect from the collaborative release, take a look at the track listing below.
Dub Rockers Compilation Vol. 1 Track List:
1.) Slightly Stoopid, Inner Circle & Capleton – “No Cocaine”
2.) Alborosie, Natty & Busy Signal – “Change”
3.) Bad Brains & Fishbone – “Ragga Dub”
4.) John Brown’s Body & Peetah Morgan – “The Gold”
5.) Anuhea & Tarrus Riley – “Only Man In The World”
6.) The Aggrolites & Etana – “Complicated Girl”
7.) The RBC & Prince Polo – “Java
8.) The Expendables & Eek A Mouse – “Ganja Smugglin”
9.) Rebelution & I-Wayne – “So High”
10.) SOJA & Gentleman – “I Tried”
Related Links:
The RBC FREE Download – MP3 Massive
VP Records Website
Vans Website
Article By: Mike Patti
Watch: Anuhea & Tarrus Riley – “Only Man in the World”