New York-based VP Records is basically the only game in town in terms of North American distribution of reggae music. Reggae Gold, VP's bestselling compilation series, serves to cater to a diverse audience of listeners.

This year's version, the 2-disc, 18-cut RG 2000, opens yard style with a triple slam of hard selections: Bounty Killer's hypnotic "Look," Capleton's "Good in Her Clothes," and new-jack MC Lexxus's "Cook." Offerings from Buju Banton, Beenie Man, and Glen Washington keep up the pace, but it's the inclusion of the hot-to-death remix of "Hot Gal Today" by Sean Paul and Mr. Vegas that makes RG 2000 essential summer listening. Finally, no VP compilation is complete without at least one Sanchez remake of a current top 10 R&B hit. This time out, he tackles Brian McKnight's "Back at One."

Disc Two, an extended Adonai Soundsystem studio blend, serves well as a skillfully mixed party soundtrack. --Rebecca Levine