Today, The Fader offers full album streams of both volumes:
http://www.thefader.com/2011/11/22/stream-vp-records-strictly-the-best-volumes-44-and-45/
There will be two U.S. album release concerts held in Boston and New York City to celebrate this year’s compilations and the life of VP Records’ A&R Joel Chin, who was a major driving force in the series’ success. The festivities kick off tonight in Foxboro, MA with live performances from Mr. Vegas, I-Wayne, Khago, Demarco, Laza Morgan and Wayne Marshall at Showcase Live. The event is hosted by Hot 97 Boston and radio personality Notorious V.O.G. The next stop will be New York City at B.B. Kings on Dec 14. The show will be hosted by Power 105’s DJ Norie and feature an unparalleled line up including Sean Paul, Demarco, Laza Morgan and Wayne Marshall. A donation will be made in honor of Joel Chin and tickets can be purchased at www.bbkingblues.com.
Strictly the Best Vol. 44 rallies the most in-demand roots and lover’s rock singers for a must-have set from artists like Beres Hammond, Tarrus Riley, Gyptian, Queen Ifrica, Freddie McGregor, and Etana, while Strictly the Best Vol. 45 contains the season’s most popular, cutting-edge dancehall anthems, banging in the clubs and on Caribbean radio from the likes of Mavado, Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley, Sean Paul, Bounty Killer, Tifa and Laza Morgan.
"This year's Strictly The Best series holds a special spot in our hearts because it was the last record our A&R and nephew, Joel Chin, had a hand in, since his sudden passing this year. As lead A&R, he hand-picked every song and complied the music in a very organic yet strategic manner. He loved the music so much and it showed in his work. This year is no different, and with the help of the rest of our team to complete the project, Strictly The Best Vol 44 and 45 are both one-of-kind collections," states VP Records President Chris Chin.
About Strictly The Best Series
Established in 1993, Strictly The Best is the longest running reggae compilation series in the business. Following the Reggae Gold release, the annual STB series offers a more comprehensive collection of dancehall and roots sounds that have crossover potential and cater to reggae fans alike. Each year, VP carefully compiles a library of most exclusive dancehall/reggae tunes to keep the pace with the biggest Jamaican hits. Showcasing the most buzz-worthy and talented artists, STB series has been the proving ground for many of reggae’s biggest stars including Sean Paul, Mavado, Buju Banton, Bounty Killer, Capleton and many others. If you want to know what the next big reggae hit is in the streets or on the airwaves, Strictly The Best is the go-to compilation.
STB 44 Track Listing:
1. Shaka Zulu Pickney – Tarrus Riley
2. Pot Still Haffi Bubble – Queen Ifrica
3. People Talk – Etana
4. My Number One – Gyptian
5. Still In Love – Alaine & Christopher Martin
6. Pure As The Nile – I Wayne
7. Firework – Tessanne Chin
8. Driving Me Insane – Chino featuring Denyque
9. Summer Love – Denyque
10. If I Could Fly – Tifa
11. This Time - Jamelody
12. I Am Missing You – Beres Hammond
13. A House Is Not A Home – Freddie McGregor
14. Never Leave I – Tarrus Riley
15. The System – Romain Virgo
16. Yap Yap – Richie Spice
STB 45 Track Listing:
1. One By One – Laza Morgan featuring Mavado
2. Love My Life – Demarco
3. Summertime – Vybz Kartel
4. Ravin - Popcaan
5. Let’s Go – Beenie Man
6. Final Destination – Mavado
7. Every Gyal – Chipmunk featuring Mavado
8. Hot Gyal – Gyptian
9. Got 2 Luv Ya – Sean Paul featuring Alexis Jordan
10. Swaggin WTF!! (Too Bad For You) – Tifa, Future Fambo & Wayne Marshall
11. Dancehall Duppy – Tony Matterhorn
12. Cigarette Murder – Twins of Twins
13. Ready Fi Dem – Bounty Killer
14. God Nah Sleep (Rise And Fall Story) - Chino
15. Wanted (Just Ain’t The Same) - Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley
iTunes Purchase Links
Strictly The Best Vol. 44:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/strictly-the-best-vol.-44/id472812119
Strictly The Best Vol. 45:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/strictly-the-best-vol.-45/id472877127
STB ALBUM RELEASE CONCERTS:
Tues. Nov 22 in Foxboro, MA @ Showcase Live (23 Patriot Place)
Ft. Mr. Vegas, I-Wayne, Khago, Demarco, Laza Morgan and Wayne Marshall
Hosted by Hot97Boston’s Radio Personality Notorious V.O.G
Doors 7pm | Show 9pm | 18+ Event
TICKETS: ADV $32.50 | DOS $37.50 | VIP $60 http://www.ticketmaster.com
Wed Dec 14 in New York City
@ BB Kings (42nd St between 7th & 8th Ave)
Ft. Sean Paul, Demarco, Laza Morgan, Wayne MarshallHosted by Power 105 DJ Norie
Tickets: ADV $20 | http://www.bbkingblues.com