VP Records Denies Backing Countree Hype in US Gun-Smuggling Sentencing Case

VP Records is distancing itself from a purported court letter backing dancehall producer Taugea “Countree Hype” Dayes, saying it gave no support statement to United States authorities in his case. Dayes has admitted guilt in connection with charges arising from the smuggling of 30 guns into Jamaica.

The company’s response followed a Jamaica Observer story which reported that the record label, along with a corporal from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, had submitted sentencing support letters for Dayes to US federal court judge Roy Altman.

According to the report, the document linked to VP Records was among nine letters filed in court records and carried the name Stephen Chin, VP Records.

“Over the years, I have come to know Mr Dayes as a respectful, hardworking and dependable person. In both professional and personal interactions, he has always conducted himself with professionalism and kindness towards others,” the letter said.

“He has shown a strong sense of responsibility and has maintained positive relationships with the people around him. Based on the character I have personally witnessed, I believe Mr Dayes is capable of learning from this experience and continuing forward in a positive direction,” it further stated.

But in correspondence sent to the Observer on Friday afternoon, VP Records rejected any connection to that submission. “Neither VP Records nor any member of our executive team issued, authorised, approved, delivered, or otherwise provided any letter of support, quote, comment, or statement in relation to this matter,” the company said.

The label also said it treats its “reputation and professional integrity seriously”.

Federal prosecutors have said the music producer pleaded guilty over a weapons shipment that allegedly contained 30 firearms, 32 magazines and more than 100 rounds of ammunition. The items were reportedly hidden in office chairs before Jamaican authorities intercepted the shipment in March 2025.

That seizure led to a federal probe in the United States. Dayes is now waiting to be sentenced and could receive up to 10 years behind bars.

Corporal Jason Bennett, in a separate letter, told the court that “as someone who works in law enforcement and interacts with many different individuals in both personal and professional settings, I can honestly say Mr Dayes has always presented himself respectfully” and had “shown qualities of leadership, responsibility and compassion towards others”.

Bennett asked the court to weigh Dayes’ character at sentencing, pointing to “the good he has done within the community and the positive influence he has had on others when determining sentencing”.

Court filings also included a sentencing support letter from Zojak Worldwide LLC, plus other letters from individuals backing Dayes’ request for a downward variance.

Ahead of the sentencing hearing, the producer has projected a positive outlook. In a video posted online, he referred to public coverage of the matter, saying: “I know some of you may have seen the headlines, some of it may be true… but we positive, big up the people them that reach out to me.”

Although he has pleaded guilty, Countree Hype said he is staying focused and upbeat, adding that “God knows best” as he works through the matter.

He also responded to criticism and negative comments on social media by quoting John 8:7: “Let he without sin cast the first stone.”