Tippy I:
Laurent "Tippy I" Alfred is the producer and label-head of I Grade Records - a conscious roots reggae music label based in St. Croix, USVI. As the most prolific label in the USVI, I Grade has released 20 albums with artists such as Midnite, Dezarie, Niyorah, Army, Abja and others. In addition to the roots reggae he has produced on his own label, Tippy I has produced several notable hip hop songs including "Hell Yeah" by dead prez feat. Jay-Z and "Ridin" by David Banner feat. dead prez & Talib Kweli. Tippy I is also an educator, activist and attorney with degrees from Harvard University and Yale Law School. Prior to returning home to St. Croix in 2005, he was an adjunct professor and Columbia University.
Zion I Kings Production Team:
In 2003 three noted producers/labels came together in a collaborative effort to raise the standard of roots reggae music that the three separate labels had already begun producing and releasing. Ras Moon, guitarist/producer/composer of the Brooklyn based Lustre Kings productions Label, and Jah David, bassie/producer/composer of the Florida based Zion High Productions Label, had already begun working together on cd's such as Various Artists/Culture Dem, Turbulence/The Future, Lutan Fyah/Time and Place, and Yami Bolo/Rebelution. In 2003 they began working with the ever powerful Tippy I , keyboardist/producer/composer of the St. Croix-based, I Grade Records . Tippy had already released several beautiful cd's such as Dezarie/Fya, Midnite/Nemozian Rasta, Midnite/Assini and many more. Collectively the Zion I Kings have recorded or performed with; The Abbysinians, Midnite, Mighty Diamonds, President Brown, Sizzla, Capleton, Jah Mason, Natural Black, Freddie Mcgregor, Edi Fitzroy, Ras Michael and the Sons of Negus, Everton Blender, Gyptian, Pressure, Dean Frazer, Melodians, Luciano, Tippa Irie, Duane Stephenson, Lutan Fyah, Niyorah, Earl Chinna Smith and many more.
Duane Stephenson
Duane Stephenson is one of Jamaica's brightest young roots reggae starts. This powerful singer's hit single (and album) "August Town" was produced by living legend Dean Fraser and released on VP Records in 2007.
Queen Omega
Queen Omega is a rising young star out of Trinidad who has released 4 albums to date. Hailed for her songwriting ability, vocal performance, honest of expression and lyrical vision, Queen Omega is an artist with a very bright future.
Nazarenes
The Nazarenes are Medhane Tewolde & Noah Isac Tewolde, two brothers of Ethiopian origin whose sound is a fresh and vibrant blend of Roots-Reggae with an array of melodies and savvy arrangements that are complimented by haunting vocals. The music is both spiritual and inspirational and carries a much-needed message of love, hope, pride and respect for one another.
Pressure
The artist known as Pressure Buss Pipe is one of the most promising young reggae artists in the world today. He burst onto the international scene with his mega-hit "Love and Affection" in 2007 and has since garnered praise and respect from his native St. Thomas, VI to Jamaica to across the world.
Arkaingelle
This young Guyanese singjay released his debut album "O'pen" in 2008 and has since established himself as an outstanding performing in the thriving Northern California music scene where he is presently based
Midnite
Hailing from the Island of St. Croix, Midnite is one of the most promising roots reggae bands of the millenium. They are vanguards of conscious reggae who represent the King's and Queen's music to the fullness of Jah. Midnite's profound and innovative lyrics are sincere and deeply rooted to present the other half of the story
Jahdan Blakkamoore
Original coming up in the hip hop-based Boot Camp Clique, Jahdan's recent musical efforts have come in the realm of roots reggae and dubstep. Jahdan has just released his debut album "Buzzrock Warrior" on the Gold Dust label and will be releasing a more roots-reggae-based album "Babylon Nightmare" on Lustre Kings in 2010. Jahdan was also recently featured on the Major Lazer compilation produced by dance/dub/hip hop super-producers, Diplo & Switch.
Junior P
Junior P is a talented young singer out of St. Croix, USVI who has released 4 albums on his own label, Tru Vibez Music. His smooth and melodic style have made him a fan-favorite in his St. Croix-home.
Lutan Fyah
Lutan Fyah is one of the most sought after contemporary conscious reggae artists in Jamaica today. He has recorded 4 albums and several hit singles including "Juvenile" and "St. Jago De La Vega".
I-Sasha
I-Sasha is a talented singjay out of Trinidad who released a major reggae hit in 2005-2006 with "Don't You Know". His unique style of singing/skatting/chanting has earned him the respect of the international reggae community.
Batch
Batch is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, producer and engineer out of St. Croix, USVI. He has released many albums on his Sound V.I.zion label among others.
Danny I
Danny I released his 2nd album, "Unchangeable" on I Grade Records in 2007. His mysical vocal style and excellent songwriting have made hiim a standout in the thriving VI reggae music scene.
Niyorah
Niyorah is a multi-talented young singjay out of St. Thomas, USVI who has released three albums to date. His cutting edge lyrics and electric performance style are on full-display on "Gone Crazy" on the Joyful Noise compilation.
Messenjah Selah
Messenjah Selah released his debut album "Breaking Babylon Curse" earlier this year to much acclaim. He has a unique singing style and strong lyrical content.
Sabbattical Ahdah
Sabbattical Ahdah is a true "fyah chanter" out of St. Croix who is highly-regarded for his dense, fast chanting style. He released a debut album entitled "Heart of Joy" and several singles on the "Eastbound" compilation series.
Norris Man
Norris Man, from St. Andrew, Jamaica, is a noted conscious reggae artist who, along with artists like Sizzla, Lutan Fyah and Capelton, forged a contemporary roots reggae movement in Jamaica in the late 90s and early 2000s. He has released several hit singles, the biggest of which is "Home and Away."
