Best reggae hits compiled for Reggae Gold

Best reggae hits compiled for Reggae Gold

It’s the best of the genre.

The “2017 Reggae Gold” was released on July 21 and is jam-packed with the best songs coming out of the music style over the course of a year. The compilation includes songs from Jah Cure, Queen Ifrica, Aidonia, Raging Fyah, Estelle, and Chronixx and Tarrus Riley, who both make two appearances on the track list with their own hits and as featured artists. The annual roundup is one of the few chances that music listeners get to catch up on songs of the genre from their favorite singers and even some up-and-coming ones, said the executive producer of Reggae Gold.

“‘Reggae Gold’ has became that go-to product that works when you know don’t know what’s trending and we also give young acts a try on in it,” said Neil “Diamond” Edwards.

With the increasing changes in the music industry, creating selections such as “Reggae Gold” is one of the ways it helps artists who appear on them gain fame, he added.

“I call it a moving vehicle basically and it’s a how they establish themselves,” said Edwards. “People might listen and hear 10 songs from an artist they already know, but we try to put new acts and so it helps a lot of them get out there.”

The 17-track album features songs from artists who have appeared on the compilation before, many of whom are Jamaican or of Caribbean background. But for the first time ever appearing on the album is Canadian artist, Tory Lanez, with his song “Luv.”

Edwards said that even with growth of digital music, the beloved variety album is a collectors item and has earned itself a name as an important musical release that all types of fans look forward to, particularly the infrequent listener.

“I would call it an accomplished brand in the reggae compilation business,” he said. “A lot of people do not listen to reggae everyday, but listen to it occasionally and are not up-to-date with who’s the hottest to what’s playing right now,” said Edwards.

Reach reporter Alexandra Simon at (718) 260–8310 or e-mail her at asimon@cnglocal.com.