VP Records' 25th Anniversary Show in New York

VP Defends Their Roster

By Kevin Jackson; photos by Marlon Ajamu Myrie

Reggae music’s top independent label, VP Records, celebrated its 25th anniversary with a gigantic stage show held at the prestigious Radio City Music Hall in New York City on Saturday May 8. The concert sold out three weeks prior to the show and featured performances from some of the label’s top acts who have made the label proud over the years. Up and coming acts who recently signed with the label also paid their respects.

The show kicked off at minutes to 8 PM with host/emcee Pat McKay from Sirus Radio in New York who introduced the Dean Frazer All Star Band which immediately moved into high gear with Jamaica’s national anthem.

It was a night of truly brilliant performances--most of the acts who performed showed why VP Records made good on signing them in the first place. Hits flowed as patrons sang along word for word, waving rags, flags and shirts or just anything that they could get their hands on.

However, energetic performances from perennial lovers' rock crooner Beres Hammond and dancehall magnate Elephant Man got patrons out of their seats and they jumped, railed, danced and rocked turning Radio City Music Hall into a blazing inferno.

Dressed in a huge orange wig, neon orange and blue jacket and pants, Elephant Man came to have fun. The self styled energy god leaped into the hits which have sold well for VP, as he ran though unchecked. He gave them the "Higher Level," taught them how to "Jook Gal," settled disputes with "Fan Dem Off," went remix style with "Get Low" and assumed the responsibilities of a captain out to deck as he took them "Pon di River, Pon di Bank."

In capping a hit laden set, Elephant Man appealed for peace and unity as he launched into the Michael Jackson-penned "We Are the World" which went down well with patrons not because of Elephant Man’s lack of singing capabilities, but for the message and the impassioned plea which came across very sincerely.

From the opening words of "Step Aside Now," deafening screams pierced the air. Dressed immaculately in black and white three piece suit and matching cap, Beres Hammond took the show to another level as he ran through a medley of hits citing the time constraints on the show. He reeled off "Tempted to Touch," "Double Trouble," "Putting Up Resistance," "Falling In Love," "Can You Play Some More," and "They Gonna Talk" before he was joined on stage by Maxi Priest. Both combined on the radio favorite "How Can We Ease the Pain," which drew whistles from the females in the audience.

Apart from Beres and Elephant Man, there were other bright moments of the show. Beenie Man did well with "Who Am I (Zim Zimmer)," "Red Red Red," and his current Billboard charter "Dude" (on which he was joined on stage by Miss Thing).

Deejay Assassin made a good showing as he proved why he is indeed among the Roughest and Toughest. Looking dapper in black and white three piece suit and dark glasses, Assassin worked hard and held his own. "Girls Alone" and the chart topping hit "Girls Gone Wild" also assisted the newest VP Records signee on his voyage.

Morgan Heritage represented well with "Down by the River," "A Man is Still a Man" and "Don’t Haffi Dread." Luciano also gave a good account of himself, and Marcia Griffiths sounded as crisp as ever on "All My Life."

Sasha rocked with "Dat Sexy Body" and Mario Winans’ "I Don’t Wanna Know." But technical glitches set in as she began the opening lines to her combination hit "I’m Still in Love" which features Sean Paul.

Lady Saw put in a good stint with "Underneath it All" (her Grammy winning collaboration with punk rockers No Doubt), "Woman Mi Name" and "Man a Di Least," and the duo of Tanto Metro and Devonte took the magic carpet ride with "Give it to Her," "Everyone Falls in Love" (both of which were Billboard charters for VP) and the sexy lady rhythm hit "Hey Girl."

TOK also scored good grades as their current hit "Gal Yuh a Lead" (the new video for the song which was recently shot on location in Miami, is set to premiere on BET’s 106 and Park this Wednesday) sent screams into the crowd. "Chi Chi Man" and "Galang Gal" also got the crowd going. They were joined on stage by Wayne Wonder who had just came back from a grueling tour of Japan, and he immediately teased the crowd with his 2003 smash hit "No Letting Go."

Wyclef Jean, Hot 97’s Stef Lover, Bobby Konders, Jabba and Tanya Stephens were among the star studded presenters at the entertaining event. At 10:30 PM Saturday night, the VP Records 25th anniversary show at Radio City Music Hall was history. Hats off to VP and Jammins Productions for a job well done.