I Grade Records

Lore & Background

I Grade Records was founded in 2001 by Laurent 'Tippy' Alfred. Since its founding, the label has built a rapidly expanding catalogue of well over nineteen releases. It is perhaps best known for its seven collaborative albums with the world-renowned roots band Midnite, which helped set a new standard for conscious reggae music from the Virgin Islands.

The label has also become known for its keen ear for new talent, producing the debut albums of female vocalist Dezarie, as well as Yahadani and Abja. In 2014, I Grade Records collaborated with St. Thomas artist Pressure (Buss Pipe), also known as Delyno Brown, to release the hit album 'The Sound' and the unofficial anthem of the US Virgin Islands, 'Virgin Islands Nice', which was featured in the territory's tourism marketing campaign.

Reader's Guide

I Grade Records holds significance as a key force in the roots reggae movement emerging from the US Virgin Islands, particularly St. Croix. By releasing multiple albums with the influential band Midnite and championing new artists like Dezarie, the label helped bring international attention to the high-quality reggae music from the region. Its 2014 collaboration with Pressure produced the unofficial anthem 'Virgin Islands Nice', which was used in the US Virgin Islands' tourism marketing campaign, further cementing the label's role in promoting Virgin Islands culture. The label's catalogue of nineteen releases, spanning from 2001 to 2014, reflects a commitment to conscious, hard-core reggae that draws on 1970s Jamaican roots while maintaining a modern appeal.

Did You Know?

• The label has released seven collaborative albums with the roots band Midnite.
• In 2014, I Grade Records released 'The Sound' by Pressure, which includes the unofficial US Virgin Islands anthem 'Virgin Islands Nice'.
• The label produced the debut albums of Dezarie, Yahadani, and Abja.