JAMAICA, QUEENS — State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky today presented a New York State Senate Empire Award to VP Records, recognizing nearly five decades of cultural leadership, philanthropy, and community service. The award was presented at the label's longtime retail store at 170-19 Jamaica Avenue. 

Founded by Vincent "Randy" Chin and Patricia "Miss Pat" Chin after they emigrated from Kingston, Jamaica, VP Records first opened in Brooklyn in 1975 and moved to Jamaica, Queens in 1979. Today, it is the largest reggae and dancehall label in the world and a cornerstone of the borough's cultural identity. 

Miss Pat has become a legend in reggae music, helping to launch the careers of countless artists and serving for decades as a cultural ambassador and philanthropist. Through the Vincent and Patricia Foundation, the family has supported musical education for young people, and VP Records has repeatedly stepped up to aid hurricane relief efforts and other natural disasters in Jamaica. 

The Empire Award is among the highest honors presented by the New York State Senate, recognizing individuals and organizations whose contributions have made a lasting impact on their communities and on the State of New York. 

"VP Records is a major part of Queens. For nearly fifty years, Miss Pat and her family have built something extraordinary on Jamaica Avenue: a business, a cultural institution, and an anchor for generations of immigrants who have made this borough their home. Reggae music has a global reach today in no small part because of the work that began in this store," said Senator Stavisky. "The Chin family's commitment does not end with music. Their philanthropy, their disaster relief work, and their investment in music education for young people reflect the very best of what a Queens small business can be. It is an honor to recognize VP Records with the Empire Award." 

More information is available at vprecords.com/vp-history. 

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