(New York, NY, January 25, 2008)  Cristy Barber has been appointed Vice-President of Marketing and Promotions for VP Records, after exiting her post as President of Tuff Gong /Ghetto Youths International, where she helped develop and market several Grammy winning artists including Damian Marley (Jr. Gong), and Stephen Marley.  In her new role at VP Records, she will oversee the marketing and promotions department and report to Randy Chin, President of VP Records. 

"We are thrilled to have Cristy join the VP Records family" stated Mr. Chin.  "Her extensive knowledge of reggae and heartfelt passion for the music mixed with her experience working at Tuff Gong and major record companies offers VP the right blend to keep VP as the leader in the genre. Her addition completes what is the best management team in Reggae today." 

Started in 1979, today VP Records is the world’s leading Reggae record company and the fastest growing music publisher in the genre. The label has won numerous awards, including Billboard’s ‘Independent Label Of The Year’ award and multiple ‘Best Reggae Label’ awards.

For Ms. Barber, her appointment at VP Records marks a return to the prestigious label.  She was Director of A&R for the imprint from 1998 to 2000.  Recognized as one of the most successful executives in the Reggae and Urban music markets, Ms. Barber has produced, signed, developed and marketed over 25 recording artists in her career, setting the strategic agenda for an array of platinum and award winning solo albums, collaborations, compilations, soundtracks, and videos.

From 2003 to 2008 Ms. Barber was President of Tuff Gong/Ghetto Youths International, working closely with the imprint’s parent company, Universal Republic Records.  From 2000 to 2002 Ms. Barber was Vice President of Marketing and Promotions for Tuff Gong.  Ms. Barber has also held key marketing and promotion positions at Elektra Entertainment (1998), Island Records (1996-1998), and Columbia Records (1995-1996), among others. 

Ms. Barber began her career in the music industry in 1992 working for acclaimed hip hop star KRS-One’s company, Front Page Entertainment, joining Capitol Records in 1995 as a publicist.

VP Records current roster of artists includes Sean Paul, Shaggy, Elephant Man, Beres Hammond, Morgan Heritage, Mavado, and T.O.K. among others.      

###

Tiffany Mea
VP Records Publicity
89-05 138th St.
Jamaica, NY 11435
AIM: VPTIFF
PH: (718)-425-1151
FAX: (718)-658-3573