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Vote For The Sexiest Reggae Gold Cover Girl

One thing reggae fans can look forward to every summer is VP Records‘ annual release of their Reggae Gold series. The compilation, which has gathered the past year’s top hits since 1992, never disappoints (it helps that virtually every major reggae artist is already affiliated with the label).

And aside from the music, it’s always exciting to see the fly female that they choose to grace the cover. As we near the release of Reggae Gold 2008 on June 17th, we decided to compile all the covers from the last 10 years and let you decide which model looks the best. See them all after the jump and vote for the one you think is the baddest.

Popularity: 89% [?]

Brand Profile: Riddim Driven Clothing

We all know that clothes make the man. But when you’re Riddim Driven, the clothing line birthed by VP Records—the world’s largest reggae distributor—the music is the tailor. Over fifty years ago, the brand started by VP’s Patricia Chin was simply a line of T-shirts inspired by a monthly compilation series. That promo-tee style has come a long way, evolving into a full-fleged cut-and-sew line, drawing inspiration from the vibrant energy of the dancehall scene, plus a few design flares like the Herb Lubalin type-face for their signature “Roots, Rock, Reggae” tee. This fall, Riddim Driven’s new looks date back to the foundation of ska music and a rugged aviation style. See some samples after the jump.

Popularity: 89% [?]

Robyn Jacks Cobra’s Dancehall Style

On Letterman last night, hipster guilty-pleasure Robyn performed her 2006 song “Cobrastyle,” a remake of the 2005 Teddybears Sthlm song, which is itself a complete jack of Cobra’s 2001 dancehall anthem “Press Trigger.” This daisy chain opens up a huge can of worms for us, but since we’re in the business of fellating any and all attempts at cultural cross-pollination, we figured we’d give it a shot. After the jump, hear the songs and read our full analysis.

Popularity: 89% [?]

Mavado’s New Video

With a new song featuring Jay-Z burning up radio, the dancehall superstar doubles up this week releasing “Last Night,” the latest video from “Gangsta For Life: Mavado The Symphony of David Brooks.”

Go behind the scenes of the video shoot here.

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Mavado’s “Last Night” Video Shoot

Dancehall’s gangsta for life gets gully in the Little X directed video for “Last Night.” Blink and you’ll miss Bounty Killer’s cameo appearance in this behind-the-scenes-look from his self-titled debut, set in his dreary hometown of Cassava Piece Gully Side, Jamaica. Rumor has it, the Alliance (Bounty Killer, Mavado, Elephant Man, Aidonia) are prepping their super-group album due this year. Lick a shot.

[Hype TV > Dancehallreggae.com]

Popularity: 62% [?]

Flash Up Uno Lighters for ‘Reggae Uncensored’

The world’s greatest entertainer, Dougie Fresh, said it best: “There would be no Hip Hop if there was no reggae.” So if you like Dancehall as much as us, you will be clamoring to get your hands on this new DVD that takes an unfiltered look into the increasingly popular genre of music where shooting guns in homage and making homemade flame throwers is perfectly acceptable. “Reggae Uncensored” is a 90 minute DVD that offers a behind the scenes look at Dancehall culture with off the cuff interviews and back-stage footage of some of the biggest names in the dance. And don’t worry if cyant always overstand what dem say, since there’s English subtitles “to cut through the thick Jamaican Patois.” Expect to see some Dancehall veterans like Buju Banton, Beenie Man, Sizzla Kalonji, Ninja Man, Junior Reid, Louie Ranking, as well as some emerging artists like Movado, Collie Budz, Ding Dong, Aidonia, Macka Diamond, and countless others. It’s set to drop at the end of this month. Check for the trailer after the jump.

Popularity: 26% [?]