ON WAX
Labels & imprints
The labels and imprints that pressed the music and carried it to the world.
80 records · grows as the archive grows
17 North Parade is VP Records' reissue imprint, launched in 2007 and named for the Chin family's original Kingston address, dedicated to restoring and reissuing classic Jamaican recordings from the 1970s-80s with proper archival treatment.
label · Well supported17 North ParadeVP Music Group imprint named for Randy's Record Mart's Kingston address and used to reissue/curate classic Jamaican catalogue material.
label · Well supported2 Tone RecordsIndependent label founded in 1979 by Jerry Dammers of the Specials, backed by Chrysalis Records and based on Albany Road in Earlsdon, Coventry; it released ska-revival records by the Specials, Madness and the Selecter that consciously drew on Jamaican ska, becoming defunct in 1986.
label · Well supportedAriwaSouth London dub/lovers-rock label and studio founded 1979 by Neil 'Mad Professor' Fraser; a prolific 300-plus-release catalogue spanning dub, lovers rock and reggae, including 'Jah Shaka Meets Mad Professor At Ariwa Sounds'.
label · Well supportedBeverley's RecordsLeslie Kong's label associated with ska, rocksteady and early reggae releases by artists including Desmond Dekker and Toots & the Maytals.
label · ProbableBlack ArtLee 'Scratch' Perry's own imprint tied to his Black Ark studio (mid-1970s), distinct from his earlier Upsetter label; issued roots and dub productions cut at Black Ark.
label · Well supportedBlack ScorpioSound system and label run by Maurice 'Jack Scorpio' Johnson; the sound started 1968 and the label emerged early 1980s from a Molynes Road studio, becoming a top early-ragga imprint (first hit Sassafrass 'Pink Eye', 1982) later recording Garnett Silk, Capleton and Beenie Man.
label · Well supportedBlood and Fire RecordsBlood and Fire Records was a UK reggae reissue label known for carefully curated roots and dub archival releases, helping reshape how international listeners understood 1970s Jamaican music through liner notes, remastering and catalogue recovery.
label · Well supportedBlue Beat RecordsLondon label founded in 1960 as an imprint of Emil Shalit's Melodisc, set up by Siggy Jackson to release Jamaican R&B and ska in Britain. Its biggest star was Prince Buster ('Al Capone'), and for several years the 'Blue Beat' name became a byword for Jamaican music in the UK, embraced by mod and skinhead subcultures before new releases ceased around 1967. Source note: Wikipedia (Blue Beat Records / Melodisc Records).
label · Well supportedChannel One (label)Channel One was a Kingston studio and label built in 1972 by the Hoo Kim brothers - Joseph "Jo Jo" (producer), Ernest (engineer) and Paul (who ran the studio's sound system) - reaching its peak influence around 1975-76 with a heavier, "rockers" drum sound that reshaped roots reggae production. Paul Hoo Kim's killing in 1977 disrupted the studio, but Channel One remained a working space into the 1980s, hosting productions by Sly and Robbie and Henry "Junjo" Lawes.
