THIRD World Music Group and VP Records recently joined forces to distribute Third World’s 23rd album, Patriots. The new album is set to hit stores on April 5, 2011.

For Patriots, Third World Music Group has teamed up with VP Records’ global distribution network. The pairing adds to the growing repertoire of major releases through the newly formed VP Associated Labels Group (VPAL), which includes digital and physical distribution as well as marketing services through VP Record’s label services.

The 13-track album, has as executive producer Third World Music Group and it is co-produced by Dean Pond. It features songs such as Front Door (featuring the late, great Gregory Isaacs), You Made Me So Very Happy (a cover of Alton Ellis’s timeless hit featuring Marcia Griffiths), By My Side (featuring Tesanne Chin), Good Hearted People (feat Capleton) and 96 Degrees In the Shade (a remake of the band’s classic featuring Stephen and Damian Marley). The album also features Toots Hibbert, Sly Dumbar, Robbie Shakespeare, Dean Frazier, Inner Circle, Mykal Rose, Jessica Yapp on violin, Junior Reid, Capleton and Tarrus Riley.

Initial singles released, Spirit Lives, a dedication to the people of Haiti, and By My Side featuring Tesanne Chin, reintroduced and introduced fans to the bands infectious sounds. The video for By My Side, which was directed by Adrian Allen, features Robert Townsend’s popular online series Diary of a Single Mom starring Monica Calhoun, Valery Ortiz, Janice Lynde, Richard Roundtree, Billy Dee Williams and Leon, was also released.

The album, which is also available on all digital outlets, has been showcased on iTunes as it ascends the charts debuting at number 27 on the Billboard Reggae Chart.

“The longest-running reggae group uniting with the largest reggae distribution network provides a historical union,” states Victor E Lewis, manager & Director of TWMG. “We are all excited because it is another positive attribute to our reggae industry.”

“Signing Third World with VPAL wasn’t about just signing a band,” reveals Donovan Williams, Director of VP Associated Labels Group (VPAL). “Third World is a legendary group whose music is internationally known and well respected. Pairing the band with our worldwide distribution network will now offer their music to their global fan base.”