The Aggrolites

Formed in Los Angeles in 2002, The Aggrolites brought together musicians from two local bands, The Vessels and The Rhythm Doctors, within a Californian scene where reggae, ska and soul intersected. Originally assembled as a backing band for Derrick Morgan, The Aggrolites quickly evolved into an independent project and also supported artists such as Phyllis Dillon, Scotty, Joseph Hill, Prince Buster and Tim Armstrong on stage and in the studio. Their sound rests on a dry, organic early-reggae foundation, infused with ska, funk and 1960s soul—an approach the group describes as “dirty reggae.” This direct, unpolished aesthetic emerges on Dirty Reggae (2003) and continues on The Aggrolites (2006), Reggae Hit L.A. (2007), IV (2009), Rugged Road (2011) and Reggae Now! (2019). Over the years The Aggrolites have moved across reggae, ska and punk scenes—partly through their link to Hellcat Records—while maintaining an identity focused on groove, Jamaican-derived rhythms and live-band energy.