Joel Chin, of VP Records family, was shot and killed in Jamaica by admin, 08/20/11 04:40:00

The Dancehall/Reggae fraternity is in mourning following the news the VP Records producer, Joel Chin was murdered in front of his Stony Hill, St Andrew home on Tuesday night. Reportedly, Chin was surrounded by gunmen as he exited his vehicle in front of his home and shot several times by the men. He was later taken to hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. He was just 35 years old and is survived by his mother Juliette, his father Clive, his newborn daughter, two brothers, and three sisters.

Chin is the grandson of VP Records founder, Vincent Chin and nephew of the New York based label's owners, Chris and Randy Chin. Following in his family's lineage, Joel became heavily involved within the Jamaican music industry in the 1990s; helping to launch the careers of many Dancehall/Reggae heavyweights such as T.O.K, Wayne Wonder, Sean Paul, Sizzla, Etana and several others. He also was instrumental in the annual Reggae Gold album series by VP Records which is a compilation of the year's biggest, chart-topping Dancehall/Reggae singles.

Chin's greatest achievement as a producer was during his time with Sean Paul; working on Sean's debut album, Dutty Rock that later sold over 7 million copies worldwide. Two years ago, Joel returned to Jamaica; opting to focus more on the local music scene & developing young talent within the Jamaican music industry. During the last two years, Joel wrote hit singles for the aforementioned Etana as well as the "Energy God," Elephant Man and many other artistes.

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