Photos: VP Records
On December 21st, VP Records will share two new tracks: Lutan Fyah’s romantic “Soulmate,” produced by Shams the Producer (over a sample of the “I’m Not Getting Crazy” riddim), and Aza Lineage’s smooth and unapologetic “Don’t Say You Love Me,” produced by King Jammy. Both singles are exclusive to Strictly the Best Vol. 63, this year’s installment is the longest-running compilation series in reggae/dancehall. The 2023 compilation will be available for streaming on December 22nd.
Since its debut in 1990, Strictly the Best has spotlighted emerging hits and breaking artists in the reggae/dancehall space. This volume continues that tradition across twelve tracks, including two other exclusives including the December 14th release “Cyaah Done” by Konshens and Iwaata, and produced by Countree Hype. The second, “Happy Living” by Jahshii and produced by Mastermind will be available on December 22nd.
Strictly the Best Vol. 63 takes listeners on a tour of the modern reggae/dancehall landscape, tracing a range of styles along the way. It moves from Intence’s gritty realism (“MUGGER”) to different perspectives on romance from Jah Cure (“One More Time – Doncorleon Remix”), Gyptian (“Only Room for Two”) and Romain Virgo (“Driver”), and into soul-infused roots reggae by Jah9 (“Open Heart”). It also includes some of the year’s blockbuster collaborations: Shaggy and Teejay (“Gyal Dem Time”), Alborosie and Kabaka Pyramid (“Nah Sell Out”), and Christopher Martin, Bounty Killer, and Busy Signal (“It’s Guaranteed – Remix”).
Richard ‘Shams’ Browne, the VP Records A&R behind the project, said, “This year, the curation process flowed a lot more freely than it has in the past. Working on the exclusive new tracks was definitely a highlight. I believe the Konshens and Iwaata track will be a part of the movement to push dancing to the forefront of dancehall, and both the Aza Lineage and Lutan Fyah songs give fans the kind of roots reggae that stands the test of time.”
The cover art, illustrated by Spliffington, captures the spirit of dancehall emerging from a smartphone, symbolizing the convergence of modern music and digital media.
Pre-Save Strictly The Best Vol.63
