🎤 Poetry Meets Reggae Vibes at VP Records

Ras Igus, Blaq Ice, Marj Da Poet, Sharon Gordon, Richie Innocent, Patricia "Pat" Chin of VP Records, Marcia Jackson and Amaziyah The Great, at the September 27th staging of Poetry: Echoes Of Expression, at VP Records in Queens, New York. Credit - Howard Campbell, Jamaica Observer

Queens, New York, is known as the home base of hard-hitting dancehall and reggae classics, but on September 27, VP Records flipped the script and gave the mic to poets, authors, and spoken word artists at Poetry: Echoes of Expression, curated by Richie Innocent.

Now in its second year, the showcase was nothing short of magical. Richie described it best: “The turnout was great, and the space was about family and community. This was historical and a revelation.” The vibe? Pure roots, culture, and unity.

Poets and creatives from across the diaspora showed out: Ras Igus & Marj Da Poet (NYC) Marcia Jackson (Florida) Amaziyah The Great (Rhode Island) Chicago’s own Blaq Ice Author Sharon Gordon, who read from Sheribaby, her powerful debut book that dropped in May

And yes, reggae royalty was in the building.

Pat Chin — the legendary co-founder of VP Records — came through fresh off celebrating her 88th birthday and reminded everyone why poetry is such a vital part of Jamaican culture.

Richie Innocent closed the night strong with performances of Babylon Slaves, Good Old Days, Community, Hills mi Deh and his latest track The Passover. 

Despite a few minor hiccups, Richie is already looking ahead: “We’re building something special here. The third staging is next — and trust me, we’re dreaming all the way to a 10th anniversary celebration.”

Poetry. Reggae. Community. History. VP Records once again proves why it’s not just a label — it’s a cultural movement.