Compilation discs have never been well received by the purchasing public, particularly since the emergence of the Internet music revolution. Who would want to pay $15 when, with a burner attached to your computer, you can make your own mix CD at home for nothing?
But when it comes to dancehall reggae compilations, VP records have made more than a few dollars with their highly successful “Reggae Gold” and “Strictly the Best” franchises. For those who are not aware of these series, they can be compared to the “Now! That’s What I Call Music” series which highlights the pop music chart toppers of the year.
Earlier this month the monopolistic reggae recording company, VP, released its 31st installment of “Strictly the Best” and like the majority of its predecessors, the disc gives listeners another non-stop party of chart-topping reggae jams.
And it is literally non-stop, as the “Strictly the Best” series and its sister “Reggae Gold” are produced to have no pauses between songs on the CD format. No need for a DJ when you can play 20 songs in a row equaling one-hour and 15 minutes without a stop.
Like all of the “Strictly the Best” records, Vol. 31 features the most popular VP artists. And lucky – or more so strategically – for VP, the most popular artists on the label, such as Sean Paul, Beenie Man and Shaggy, are also the most popular dancehall reggae artists in the world right now. As well as the familiar names, Vol. 31 provides a wide range of artists on the label such as Elephant Man, Tanto Metro ‘ Devonte and roots band Morgan Heritage.
Other than providing dancehall fans with yet another fantastic mix of the best of the year, the new “Strictly the Best” shows the growing fusion occurring between mainstream hip-hop and dancehall reggae. The artists are working together and the result is that the music is becoming strikingly similar. Sean Paul’s “Clap Your Hands (Get Busy Remix)” featuring hip-hop DJ Fat Man Scoop and Wayne Wonder’s “Enemies Remix” featuring legendary rap lyricist Mobb Deep are prime examples.
“Strictly the Best 31” is a sure shot for any fan of dancehall and with hip-hop crossover selections; the door is open for newcomers.