In 2004, the Aggrolites released their debut album, Dirty Reggae, on local reggae label Axe Records. The album was recorded at Signet Studios in Los Angeles within one day, and each track was recorded in one take, with many lyrics improvised on the spot. In November 2004, the Aggrolites were featured on Hellcat Records compilation Give 'Em the Boot IV, and were officially signed to Hellcat in October 2005.
Their 2nd, Self-titled album The Aggrolites was released on the independent label Hellcat/Epitaph on May 9, 2006.. This sophomore album boasts 19 dirty reggae songs, including "Countryman Fiddle," and "Mr. Misery."
They released their 3rd album on June 5, 2007 called Reggae Hit L.A., which won an IGN award for Best Reggae Album of 2007.
The Aggrolites made an appearance on the Nick Jr. show Yo Gabba Gabba!, created by Christian Jacobs, lead singer of The Aquabats. Recorded their third song for the show "Animal Sounds", it aired during the debut week of season two.
Their 4th full-length album, aptly named IV (Hellcat Records), was released on June 9, 2009. IV debuted at #110 and peaked at #60 on the Top 200 CMJ Chart. IV also debuted at #37 on the Triple A CMJ Chart and #12 on the Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Commercial Alternative Specialty Show Album Chart.
Their newest album Rugged Road is set to be released on March 22, 2011.
www.aggroreggae.com
also check out " the bullets" a powerhouse of musicians that roger rivas brought together to do a lil something they call reggae with chicano soul .
Reggae Hit L.A.
The Aggrolites Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Reggae hit L.A.
Reggae hit L.A.
Reggae hit L.A.
I’ll take a trip down south to where ever I please
And if you’ve ever been there, then you’ll know what I mean
It’s not hard to find, you’ve got to follow the sun
We built this reggae wonderland, and we rode the stampede
Come on Jack, keep it cool where the sunset’s occidental
The party just started, put on your dancing shoes
We’re gonna get you all hot with our filthy groove
You’ve got to follow the sun
Take a trip down the 101 where the 5’s gonna meet
Gonna rock it down in Eagle Rock, Silver Lake, or down on Franklin Street
I’ve got it down at Griffith park, we’re gonna take it down to Echo Park
We’re gonna leave it down on Greenleaf
We’ve got to take it yeah hey…
The opening lyrics to The Aggrolites' "Reggae Hit L.A." point to a cultural phenomenon that emerged during the 1980s and 1990s as reggae music took root in Southern California. The song speaks to the proliferation of reggae music on the West coast, particularly in Los Angeles. It describes a reggae wonderland that has been built by the community, providing a sanctuary for those seeking the roughest and toughest music around. The lyrics liken the impact of reggae music to a stampede, suggesting the powerful and transformative effect it can have on those who fall under its spell.
The song's reference to following the sun and taking a trip down south is a nod to the influence of reggae music on Southern California's surf culture. Reggae music has long been associated with beach culture, and in the 1980s and 1990s, it became an integral part of the soundtrack for surfers in the region. In the song, the roughness of reggae music is contrasted with the laid-back vibe of Southern California, further emphasizing its transformative power - the party has just started, and it's time to put your dancing shoes on and let the music take over.
Overall, "Reggae Hit L.A." speaks to the fusion of cultures that has occurred in Southern California over the years. It speaks to the power of reggae music to bring people together and to create a sense of community in a place that is known for its individualism and sprawling metropolis.
Line by Line Meaning
Reggae hit L.A.
The popularity of reggae music has spread throughout Los Angeles and has become a defining characteristic of the city.
I’ll take a trip down south to where ever I please
I am free to explore any part of Los Angeles that I desire.
And if you’ve ever been there, then you’ll know what I mean
If you have experienced the culture of Los Angeles, you will understand the appeal of its reggae music scene.
It’s not hard to find, you’ve got to follow the sun
The reggae scene can be found throughout the city by following the warmth and lively energy of the daytime sun.
The roughest music all around will keep you on the run
The energetic and intense nature of reggae music will keep you moving and engaged.
We built this reggae wonderland, and we rode the stampede
We have fostered and cultivated a vibrant world of reggae music in Los Angeles, and it has taken off in a big way.
Come on Jack, keep it cool where the sunset’s occidental
Remain calm and collected as the sun sets in the west, taking in the beauty and energy of Los Angeles at dusk.
The party just started, put on your dancing shoes
The excitement and celebration of reggae music in Los Angeles is ongoing, and it's time to dance and enjoy the experience.
We’re gonna get you all hot with our filthy groove
Our powerful and electrifying reggae sound will captivate you and stir up your emotions.
Take a trip down the 101 where the 5’s gonna meet
Travel down Highway 101 where it intersects with Highway 5, a popular intersection for accessibility to different areas of Los Angeles.
Gonna rock it down in Eagle Rock, Silver Lake, or down on Franklin Street
Reggae music can be found and enjoyed in neighborhoods such as Eagle Rock, Silver Lake, and on Franklin Street.
I’ve got it down at Griffith park, we’re gonna take it down to Echo Park
Reggae music can even be experienced in parks such as Griffith Park and Echo Park.
We’re gonna leave it down on Greenleaf
Reggae music can be found all around Los Angeles, even on streets like Greenleaf.
We’ve got to take it yeah hey…
We must continue to share and celebrate the incredible reggae music scene in Los Angeles.
Writer(s): Korey Horn, Jesse Wagner, Jason Bonner, Brian Dixon, Roger Rivas
Contributed by Carter E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Unlikely Alibi
Tim you did so much good by adding Aggrolites The Slackers and West Bound to Hellcat. Your truly a visionary. Congrats on the new Gretsch guitar! Looks bad ass cant wait to play it.
Andrew Graham
aggrolites are easily in the top 5 bands on hellcat ever just pushed off by DKM and Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros
TheBizTboy
Excellent !
stuw86
Awesome
skollons
i'll take a trip down south to where ever i please and if u've ever been there, then u'll know what i mean. it's not hard to find, u've got to follow the sun, the roughest music all around will keep u on the run. Reggae hit L.A.!!! we built this reggae wonderland and we rode the stampede. come on Jack, keep it cool where the sunset's occidentaly. the party just started, put on your dancing shoes. we're gonna get you all hot with our filthy groove!! Reggae hit L.A.!!!
Monica S
💚 Eeee!
SkaMasta097
Agh not the organ! Also R.I.P. David Fuentes :'(
Steve Quadri
I miss those days with Ben Farrar Chiquis and of course Chris murray at the blue beat lounge.. hey i didnt see chris murray in this actually
Simoli Ska
first flash of hepcat has chris
Matt Blake
a lot of film capacitors got retired on that day.