I Grade Records was founded in St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands during early 2001 by Laurent Tippy Alfred along with partner Kenyatta Itola. The label's primary mission is to produce and release the highest quality roots reggae music emanating from St. Croix and the US Virgin Islands. Since 2001, I Grade has released eighteen albums with several different artists, helping to firmly establish a strong foundation for the flourishing reggae movement on the small island of St. Croix.I Grade Records is perhaps best known for its seven crucial collaboration projects with the world-renowned roots band, Midnite. Following three powerful albums on their own, Midnite released their first collaboration project with I Grade Nemozian Rasta in July 2001. This passionate and innovative album was quickly followed up six months later by Assini a groundbreaking album of heavy-weight roots with all-live instrumentation. In January 2003, I Grade Records released yet another innovative Midnite album Geoman a collaboration between Midnite's lead singer, Vaughn Benjamin, and the bands crucial riddim section. The third Midnite-I Grade release Vijan was released in September 2003 to widespread acclaim for its highly creative sound and visionary lyrical content. The fourth Midnite- I Grade album, Let Live, was released in 1/1/05, and has quickly become the fastest selling album in the I Grade Records catalog. Jah Grid was released in Janurary 2006, followed by Rule the Time in January 2007.In addition to releasing seven deeply respected albums with Midnite, I Grade has become known for its keen ear for new talent. Most notably, I Grade Records was privileged to produce, record and release the debut album by the amazingly powerful singer named Dezarie. As the strength of Dezarie's gifts traverse the world, she is becoming widely regarded as one of the top reggae female vocalists of our time. Dezaries debut in November 2001, entitled Fya, produced alongside the Midnite band, is regarded by many as a modern day classic. The album had the distinction of being the first non-Jamaican album to top www.ireggae.coms top ten list.I Grade also released another powerful debut release by a new artist from St. Croix named Abja. His first release, Inna Red I Hour, has received strong reviews and radio play from around the world. Likewise, the debut release by a talented young singjay named Yahadanai One Atonement - has gotten radio support and sales from around the world. Two other outstanding debut albums were released in the summer of 2005 NiyoRah's A Different Age and Ancient King's Conquering Sound. Also released in the summer of 2005 was the third album, Rasta Awake, by a talented singer named Army. In 2006, I Grade Records released two sophomore albums by Abja and NiyoRah. Follow up albums for both Abja and Niyorah are currently in the works. In November 2007, I Grade released the 2nd album by Danny I - a crucial singer with powerful lyrics and a mystical voice. In May 2008, I Grade will release an instrumental album with guitar maestro, Tuff Lion.I Grade releases consistently receive critical acclaim from the reggae community worldwide. Three of the I Grade releases have topped the prestigious www.ireggae.com monthly top ten list. The release have also consistently ranked highly on www.reggae-vibes.coms monthly top 50 list as well as a number of other charts. I Grade releases are also among the top selling albums that are sold by independent distributor, Ernie Bs Reggae.
