Two time Grammy nominated Reggae singer Luciano is expressing regrets after signing what he said turned out to be a four-album contract with VP Records in 2001, claiming that the terms were hidden from him “in the fine print.”
In an explosive interview making the rounds online, the Messenger told I Never Knew TV , “When I did the album ‘New Day” for VP Records, produced by Mr. Dean Fraser, it was a one-album deal; that’s what I knew. So when I went to sign the contract, because for some reason, I remember clearly that I got the call from VP Records, and they said I needed to sign the contract before they could release the album.”
‘A New Day’ is Luciano’s fourth studio album released March 23, 2001 and he said he didn’t take the time to to read through the contract because he was busy at the time.
“I was always busy like I am today. I was instructed to go to Mr. Lloyd Stanbury’s office, as he would be the lawyer representing VP,” he continued.
In an exclusive interview with WMV, music attorney Lloyd Standburry, from his home in Florida, said he neither represented VP Records nor Luciano in the deal and was merely a location facilitator.
“I am waiting for an apology from Luciano,” he told WMV. “I didn’t sign anything. I never prepared the contract; the contract was prepared by VP. I was never representing either Luciano or VP,” Lloyd said.
Luciano, real name Jepther McClymont said that when he saw that Lloyd Stanbury was a ‘rasta,’ he let down his guard and signed without reviewing the contract.
“I said yes, as a Rasta, I trust you, man. I asked the lawyer, Mr. Standburry, if I needed to read this or if I could trust this contract. What I should have done was to take that contract and have my lawyers proofread it, scrutinizing the fine print because it’s in the fine print that they trick you, you know,” he reflected. “True them send Mr. Lloyd Stanbury as a rasta me drop me guard,” he said.
Stanbury related his side of the story saying: “He came to my office because VP sent him over 20 years ago. I have represented many artists who have done deals with VP. They had lawyers, and they never had an office in Jamaica back then, and Luciano needed to sign the document.”
The noted intellectual property advisor insisted he wasn’t a mediator in the contract signing. “I wasn’t a mediator; my office provided the place to sign the document. I don’t represent people who aren’t paying me to represent them; the man just arrived at my office and said VP told him to sign this thing. All I was required to do was tell them (VP Records) that the man signed the contract.”
As of late Wednesday evening, the demand for an apology had not been met, but Stanbury said he had been in contact with Luciano’s wife, who mentioned he was traveling and would address the matter further on Thursday.
Since 1993 Luciano has released 25 studio albums and one Live album. “A New Day” was nominated at the 44th Annual Grammys awards for Best Reggae Album. He was again nominated in the same category for Zion Awake at the 58th annual Grammys.
Stanbury further released a statement to WMV stating,
Over the years VP Records has experienced several litigation brought against them to remedy contracts and a year ago Miss Patt, the company’s matriarch told WMV in an interview a year ago that it is a business that artist have come to understand.”Bob Marley is the one that opened the door for us, that is why he is such a legend, but reggae is not selling the whole world. With the more experience and education they have, they realize it’s a business,” she said. For those who questions her or her 60 year old record company’s fairness she says, “If I wasn’t fair and understanding for 60 years I wouldn’t be here. I’ve always taught my children, be fair in whatever you do. if you sign a contract even if you love your signature should make a difference.”
