VP (Vincent + Patricia) Records is the world's largest independent record label and distributor of…read moreCaribbean music. This record store is legendary. VP Records was an integral part of spreading reggae music all over the world - this landmark is a must-visit for music fans or collectors of vinyl records. The record store moved from Brooklyn in 1975 to its current location in Jamaica, Queens around 1979. Patricia Chin (Miss Pat) and her husband Vincent "Randy" Chin also co-founded Randy's Record Mart and Studio 17 in Kingston, Jamaica. The origins of VP Records can be traced back to the late 1950s when Mr. Chin worked for a jukebox company in Jamaica (the island). He would change out the worn records from the jukebox, which would normally be thrown away, but he had the idea of selling the 45s. This record shop has an incredible selection of Caribbean music so whether you are looking for reggae, ska, dub, rocksteady, lover's rock, dancehall, or soca you will find it here. Reggae music is much more than Bob Marley's Legend and Jimmy Cliff's Harder They Come soundtrack. Check out these artists/producers: Lord Creator, John Holt, Glen Brown, Winston 'Niney' Holness, The Skatalites, Bunny "Striker" Lee, Augustus Pablo, Lee "Scratch" Perry, and King Tubby. Besides the variety of vinyl record and CDs, the store also carries a selection of Jamaica-inspired clothing and books. I highly recommend picking up a copy of Patricia Chin's autobiography Miss Pat: My Reggae Music Journey.

I placed an online order and when I didn't receive an update after a few days, I checked the status…read moreto find it had been cancelled. No communication and no opportunity for me to resolve the underlying issue. I sent an email, which went unanswered. I posted on the Facebook page, also unanswered. Ok, ok. For some reason, you just don't want my business. Good thing there's plenty of great music out there and I don't need any reggae from VP.