Third World and VP join hands: New album has big collaborations

Third World Music Group and VP Records recently joined forces to distribute the hard copy of Third World's 23rd album, Patriots. The new album is set to hit stores on April 5.

With Patriots, Third World Music Group has teamed up for the first time with VP Records' global distribution network. The pairing adds to the growing repertoire of major releases through the newly formed VP Associated Labels Group (VPAL), which includes physical distribution for the group as well as marketing services through VP's label services.

Victor E. Lewis, manager and director of Third World Band group, said:

"The longest-running reggae group uniting with the longest-running reggae distribution network provides a historical union. We are all excited because it's another positive attribute to our reggae industry."

The 13-track album, which was executively produced by Third World Music Group, features songs such as Front Door (featuring the late Gregory Isaacs), You Made Me So Very Happy (a cover of Alton Ellis' timeless hit featuring Marcia Griffiths), By My Side (featuring Tessanne Chin), Good Hearted People (featuring Capleton) and 96 Degrees In the Shade (a remake of the band's classic featuring Stephen and Damian Marley). The album also features Toots Hibbert, Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare, Dean Fraser, Inner Circle, Mykal Rose, Jessica Yapp (on violin), Junior Reid, Capleton and Tarrus Riley.

dedication to haiti

Initial singles released include Spirit Lives, a dedication to the people of Haiti, and By My Side.

The video for By My Side, which is directed by Adrian Allen, features Robert Townsend's popular online series Diary of a Single Mom, starring Monica Calhoun, Valery Ortiz, Janice Lynde, Richard Roundtree, Billy Dee Williams and Leon, was also released.

The album, which is also available on all digital outlets, has been showcased on iTunes and debuted at number 16 on the iTunes charts. The album is number 27 on the Billboard Reggae Chart.

"Signing Third World to VPAL wasn't about just signing a band. Third World is by far a legendary mainstream band whose music is internationally known and respected worldwide. Pairing the band with our worldwide distribution network was a positive and right thing to do," said Donovan Williams, director of VP Associated Labels Group.

For more information about Third World Band, visit www.thirdworldband.com.

Track list

1. Spirit Lives ft Jr Reid & Inner Circle

2. Revolutionary People

3. 96 Degrees ft Stephen & Damian Marley

4. Front Door ft Gregory Issacs

5. By My Side ft Tessanne Chin

6. Good-Hearted People ft Capleton

7. Always Around ft Dean Fraser

8. That's All We Have ft Tarrus Riley

9. Island Girl ft Toots

10. Freedom Must Be Now ft Mykal Rose

11. You Made Me So Very Happy ft Marcia Griffiths

12. Patriots Theme ft Cat Coore on Cello

13. Spirit Lives (Live @ Ja Jazz & Blues 2010)