REGGAE mega label VP Records is in mourning, following the murder of Joel Chin, grandson of the company’s founders, Pat and Vincent Chin.
The 35-year-old producer and head of VP’s A&R department, was shot and killed as he drove into the driveway of his Stony Hill apartment in St Andrew on Tuesday night. There was no report of a robbery.
VP Records released this statement saying:
“It is with great sadness that VP Records must announce the passing of Joel Chin at the age of 35. Joel was shot (Tuesday, August 16) outside his home in Stony Hill, St Andrew, in Jamaica. The cause was not immediately known.
As the grandson of VP Records founder Vincent Chin, son of famed reggae producer Clive Chin and nephew of VP Records owners Chris and Randy Chin, Joel literally grew up in the reggae business and put his vast knowledge and connections at the service of the music, which he loved passionately.
Joining the company in the 90s, Joel was instrumental in launching and fostering the careers of international reggae stars such as Sean Paul, T.O.K., Beres Hammond, Wayne Wonder, Beenie Man, Sizzla, Morgan Heritage, Tarrus Riley and Etana while creating the top reggae compilations in the world: “Reggae Gold” and “Strictly The Best.” Joel was loved by the creative community in Jamaica and around the world, and has a long standing relationship with some of the top producers on the island such as Dean Fraser and Steven “Lenky” Marsden. Joel’s signings helped VP Records become the largest reggae label in the world and brought reggae into the mainstream music market — culminating with Sean Paul’s “Dutty Rock” album which sold over 7 million units worldwide.
An accomplished producer, Joel had moved from New York to Jamaica two years ago to spend more time on music production, songwriting and developing rising talents. Joel wrote hit songs for many artists such as Elephant Man and Etana among many others.
As the news of Chin’s murder spread, the reggae fraternity took to Twitter to pay tribute:
<
No Comments
There are currently no comments on VP Records releases statement following murder of Joel Chin + artistes pay respect. Perhaps you would like to add one of your own?