This special edition of Strictly The Best celebrates VP Records 35th Anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, VP Records commissioned renowned artist Michael Thompson (Freestylee) to illustrate the cover art and CD booklet with a 2-page inlay highlighting the label’s legacy and its 35th year in business since the founder’s Vincent and Patricia Chin moved its operations from Jamaica to the United States.

This year, each volume also features double discs – one filled with the latest trendsetting hits plus a bonus disc highlighting the series’ top vintage selections over the years.

Volume 50’s first disc of the roots and lover’s rock collection contains the top tunes from rising stars (Toian’s Kingston Town, Ikaya’s “Ugly Girl,” Christopher Martin’s “Steppin ‘Razor,” Duane Stephenson’s “Cool Runnings” and Romain Virgo’s “Stay With Me”) and hits from the genre’s hottest singers (Etana’s “Trigger,” Jah Cure’s “Life We Live,” Maxi Priest’s “Gravity” and Gyptian’s “Majestic Love” featuring Estelle). The bonus disc features classics from reggae icons including Jacob Miller’s “Keep On Knocking,” Half Pint’s “Greetings,” Dennis Brown’s “Sitting & Watching,” Beres Hammond’s “Tempted To Touch” and Tarrus Riley’s “She’s Royal”.

In the dancehall arena, Volume 51 includes the newest hits from Busy Signal including “Money Flow” and “Greetings (Ribidibi).” Other highlights are Spice’s “Like A Man,” Major Lazer’s “Come On To Me” featuring Sean Paul, Mavado’s “Give It All To Me” featuring Nikki Minaj and Elephant Man’s “Shmoney Dance.” The bonus disc has legendary dancehall tunes spanning the entire era – including Eek-A-Mouse ‘s “A Wah Do Dem,” Yellowman’s “I’m Getting Married,” Ini Kamoze’s “Hot Stepper,” Buju Banton’s “Massa God World A Run,” Beenie Man’s “Romie” and Sean Paul’s “Clap Your Hands Now (Get Busy remix)” featuring Fat Man Scoop.

Check out the STB playlist on YouTube: smarturl.it/STB5051YT

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