It was an unseasonably warm Monday night on November 19, 2001 when VP Records presented a listening party for their long running set of compilation "Strictly The Best, Volume 27 and 28". It was approximately 8PM when I arrived at the venue (The OHM in NYC), but was greeted by a line and unopened doors. It wasn't until after 15-20 minutes that doors were open and I made it inside. Upon reaching inside patrons were greeted with various hor douv'res, cash bar and musical selections by VP's own J'bourne on the ones and twos with a little assistant from Steelie Bashment and Irie Jam's own DJ Roy.

"Strictly the Best" proves to be VP bread and butter as the club filled with more and more patrons as the minutes passed. After about two hours into the night, the place was more or less filled to capacity as certain special guest and artist such as Tyson Beckford, Sean Paul, Sanchez, Wayne Wonder and Lady Saw made their way in to parley in the VIP section. Due to the enormous crowd and the vibes flowing, it sure seemed like a listening party sure turned itself into a early evening dance. Patron danced, drank and railed up to tunes as there were awaiting a few of the artist from the "Strictly the Best" compilation to give them a treat on stage.

It was approximately 11:15 PM when MCs for the night Steelie and DJ Roy made there way to the stage to start the show. Up first was Sanchez who treated us to  a little acapella and then a few classical tunes backed up by hardcore riddims. He got the girls excited and then exited the stage to be relieved by Wayne Wonder who entered the stage to "The saddest day in my life" and then worked his way up in time. He gave us his tune on Strictly the Best 27 demonstrating also his DJing skills with his alter ego called Surprise. Sean Paul was next to hit the stage, he ran through several of his hits that has put his name on the map and gave us his tune on the compilation....a combination with Cecile on the liquid riddim. As the night was coming to a close, time sure had to be squeezed in for the ever RAW Lady Saw. What more can be said about that other than Rated XXX. She went through her tunes in her wicked and RAW style along with plugging her next album entitled "Striptease". Midnight made its way upon us and showtime/partytime was over and everyone filed out of the venue and hopefully made their way home safely. In conclusion, all I have to say is hopefully the support for the listening party is symbolic the success of STB 27 and 28.............ONE LOVE

Text: Silver
Photo: Ajamu

Preview tracks from  Strictly The Best 27 , Strictly the Best 28