ABB Records
ABB Records is an independent record label that focuses on exposing musical talent not often heard by mainstream audiences. With over 50 releases under its belt, the ABB Records roster includes Little Brother, The Sound Providers, The Likwit Junkies and fan favorites Dilated Peoples (Expansion Team) and Defari. Since its inception in 1997, ABB Records has established itself as an independent force to be reckoned within the world of hip-hop, and several ABB artists have gone on to ink major record deals. ABB’s worldwide rep has been built on a solid foundation of consistency and musical excellence and is home to the Bay area Hip Hop Coalition, a collective of DJ’s and radio stations bringing awareness and consciousness to the community through hip-hop culture.
http://www.abbrecords.com




ABB Soul
In 2002, ABB Records launched a new division to their ever-growing family in the form of ABB Soul. ABB Soul was created as an outlet for artists and labels whose music president Beni B appreciated for its live element and enthusiasm. "I created ABB Soul because I felt there needed to be a means for musicians/ artists/ labels whose music is more rooted in the live element, in terms of performance and overall feeling. There are a lot of talented artists for which a supportive outlet in terms of creativity and performance does not exist." states label president Beni B. "…ABB Soul is a creative solution to helping fill that void." With release from Sa-Ra, Martin Luther and Lizz Fields, ABB is at the forefront of the neo-soul movement.
http://www.abbsoul.com



Babygrande
In four short years, Babygrande Records has become virtually synonymous with today's hottest and most promising hip-hop acts. Boasting a virtual who's who of underground hip-hop artists and groups, Babygrande's current roster consists of Jedi Mind Tricks, Hi-Tek, Immortal Technique, GZA, and Purple City amongst others.
http://www.babygrande.com




Bomb Hip Hop
Bomb has expanded since it's humble beginnings in 1991 as a hip-hop publication to "one of the fifteen independent labels that matter" according to Rolling Stone magazine. Bomb's Return of the DJ series was ranked by Spin Magazine as #25 in their "The 90 Greatest Albums of the 90's" (Sept. 1999). Credited with the revival of the DJ as an artist in their own right for the Return of the DJ series, the label is also known for spotlighting hip-hop from around the world. Bomb has presented compilations and solo projects from the UK, Denmark, Switzerland, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Japan and Australia, including beatboxing and b-boying albums.
http://www.bombhiphop.com




Boombox
Boombox Distribution Network is the response of UK hip-hop mainstays Disorda and Skeg to the lack of support for hip hop from music distributors in that country. Boombox has provided an infrastructure for the scene and releases projects that can't get any funding from other sources. Releases include the successful Bangers and Mash Mix CD series from Rob Life. Future projects include a Suspect Packages Hip Hop compilation and a Cash Money Funk Mix CD.
http://www.boomboxdistribution.net




Breakin’ Bread
One of the UK's finest funk and hip hop labels, Breakin’ Bread is based in South London and runs a club night and radio shows in addition to the label. They focus on the funkier side of the scene and releases straight up hip hop and funk as well as hybrid cut and paste tracks. The label was launched with series of 7" releases which culminated in the Deadly 7" Sins Compilation. The crew now releases full length albums and 12"s alongside 7"s. Significant artists on the roster include Rob Life, Ghost, Tom Caruana, Color Climax and Keno 1/Natural Self.
http://www.brickrecords.com




Brick Records
Established in Boston, Mass in 1996, Brick Records is an independent hip-hop record label. With over fifty releases to its name, Brick is dedicated to releasing only the most innovative and highest quality underground hip-hop and has received international acclaim and respect for doing just that. Brick Records has launched the successful careers of independent artists such as Mr. Lif, 7L & Esoteric, Insight, Reks, D-Tension, Beyonder, Skitzofreniks and released projects with such established acts as MF Doom, MF Grimm, Louis Logic, Shabazz The Disciple, Main Flow, Chops and Poisen Pen.
Visit the Brick Records Website




Broken Tooth Entertainment
Broken Tooth Entertainment was launched in 2003 to apply some much needed dental work to the Australian hip hop scene. From day one B.T.E was not just a label, but a production company that offered production, recording facilities and professional mixing for artists with big ideas and small budgets. Ciecmate, the director of B.T.E, has always maintained quality control over the releases by making sure that nothing is put to press that he wouldn’t personally want to purchase as a consumer. Run by Ciecmate and Newsense of The Hospice Crew, B.T.E are strong advocates of releasing quality hip hop music on wax and CD.
http://www.brokentoothentertainment.com.au




Class A Records
Class A Records is an Australian based record label focused on introducing the biggest independent US hip-hop releases to the Australian market. Class A’s first release, KRS-ONE’s album Keep Right was a solid foundation and just a preview of the quality releases set to come. Class A Records stems from a life long passion and following of hip-hop. The influences of the surrounding four elements and the classic music sampled from the golden eras merge together to bring us the exciting and inventive world of Hip Hop music to which Class A Records is dedicated .
http://www.classarecords.com




Crookneck
Operating out of Melbourne, Crookneck Records is not your average hip hop label. Run by Australian hip hop veterans Raph and DJ Ransom, Crookneck operates with the ethos of providing good music and carefully crafted artwork at a world-class standard. Now five years strong, Crookneck aims to release original and refreshing music. Crookneck houses Mnemonic Ascent, DJ Ransom, Raph, Lazy Grey, Celsius, Party Starters (Mnemonic Ascent and Koolism), DJ J-Red, F&d, Jim blah, A-Love and Spikey Tee.
http://www.crookneck.com




Day By Day Entertainment
In 1993, major labels were knocking on Percy Carey’s door. The following year changed his life forever. Shot several times and left for dead, Percy fought and survived the incident and has since been confined to a wheelchair. Following the accident, major label deals fell off the table. Carey decided to continue music independently and live life to the fullest, day by day. This philosophy led to the birth of Day By Day Entertainment. Under the moniker MF Grimm, he released several singles on various labels until he incorporated his company in 1999 to give a chance to other artists that were slipping between the fingers of majors. Day By Day Entertainment also functions as a worldwide distributor for other independent labels. Recognized as one of the best labels of 2003 by XLR8R magazine, Day By Day Entertainment boasts critically-acclaimed full-length releases from up-and-coming talent as well as established hip-hop legends.
http://www.daybydayent.com




Dented
Dented Records is the home of the Foreign Beggars, who took the UK by storm when they released the classic Asylum Speakers. The LP went on to win the crew Newcomers of the Year at the 2004 UK hip hop awards and the label has since gone from strength to strength with a host of 12" releases from new artists. Artists of note include Foreign Beggars, Slipperz Crew and Skrein.
http://www.dentedrecords.com




DoubleBeef Records
In 1996, Australian hip-hop stalwart Mass MC launched DoubleBeef Records with his “Thaphatmanofhiphop” EP. His debut solo Album Mastermind Alliance, featuring the national radio favourite ‘BBQ Song’, was released in 1999. Since then, Mass has been providing opportunities to up and coming Australian artists through DoubleBeef Records, event management and running Australia’s leading online hip-hop community, ozhiphop.com. DoubleBeef’s Oz Hip-Hop All Stars Project has given newcomers the coveted opportunity to appear on vinyl and the label has branched into releasing full lengths from the likes of Clandestein and Mortar.
http://www.doublebeef.com




Duck Down Records
Duck Down Records has a rich history in hip hop. Headed by Buckshot (lead MC from Black Moon) and long time partner Drew Friedman (Dru Ha) the label has put out albums by Black Moon, The Boot Camp Clik, Heltah Skeltah, O.G.C., Smif N Wessun, Cocoa Brovaz, along with various compilations. In 2005, Duck Down released a triple threat of acclaimed albums from Sean Price, 9th Wonder & Buckshot and Smif N Wessun and continues to build on this record. Duck Down prides itself in the ability to recognize and more importantly develop and groom new talent to become the successful artists of tomorrow.
http://www.duckdown.com




Eastern Conference
Established in 1997 by DJ Mighty Mi, Eastern Conference is one of the most successful independent hip hop labels to grace the movement. With past releases from the likes of High & Mighty, Cage, Tame 1, Yak Ballz, Weathermen, Akinyele, the famous Eastern Conference Allstars compilations and more, Eastern Conference Records are maintaining their mark after almost a decade in the game.




EV Productions
Chicago-based EV Productions, Inc. has survived for over eight years in the highly competitive recorded music industry. From corporate clients to local record labels, EV’s engineers have been credited in hundreds of commercially released products with a specialty in urban music. EV’s reputation for quality, its professional offices and studios, and years being active in the music scene allowed EV to sign the best artists to the label. Artists on the roster include Earmint, Modill and Coppershot.
http://www.evproductions.net




Fat Beats Records
Fat Beats Records is uniquely equipped to succeed as a force amongst rap labels signing, recording, and promoting it’s own releases. The company’s open door relationship with so many of the hottest producers and unsigned emcees in the hip hop community has been cultivated over years and gives the record label the potential for untold creative mergers. There are not many record companies that can boast of close, personal relationships with producers such as DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Domingo, Alchemist, Ayatollah, the Molemen, and Madlib while also being trusted friends and peers with radio personalities and influential DJs like Funkmaster Flex, the Beat Junkies, Sway, Mr. Cee, DJ Enuff, Tony Touch, Bobbito Garcia, and the X-Ecutioners. Fat Beats is a part of the hip hop community like no typical company could ever be.
Fat Beats Website




Glow-In-The-Dark Records
Glow-in-the-Dark is where lines blur between work and play, between wake and sleep, where quality and integrity prevail and one's word is his most valuable asset. Where vision compliments sound, each seam is checked for strength, and grass roots are the strongest roots of all. The Los Angeles-based label cuts no corners when it comes to quality and presentation. GITD commissions talented up-and-coming visual artists to design their cover art and add an extra dimension to music by the likes of Time Machine, Panacea, Edo G & Masta Ace, and Zimbabwe Legit. Through international distribution, this young label spreads its organic and timeless aesthetic throughout the world one listener at a time. If music could glow in the dark, it would sound like this.
http://www.gitdrecords.com




Grit Records
Grit Records is adamant about offering something different and remaining true to its vision of challenging the norm. Powered by the production of Inebriated Rhythm, Grit Records has attracted such talent as Big Daddy Kane, KRS-ONE, OC, Pete Rock, Large Professor and numerous others.
http://www.gritrecords.com




Halftooth Records
Halftooth Records aims to provide artists with a creative outlet without limiting their artistic freedom, to produce progressive music that accurately reflects its culture, to help blur the sharp lines between popular music and "underground" music by presenting quality music accessible to both audiences, to present hip-hop culture in its most authentic form with the hope of eliminating many of the negative stereotypes attached to hip-hop today, and to produce an eclectic type of hip-hop music influenced by a wide range of musical genres. With a growing roster of incredibly talented and popular artists (including Oddisee, Kenn Starr, Median, Wordsworth and Camp Lo), Halftooth Records has cemented their place at the forefront of the independent hip-hop movement and has even bigger plans for the future.
http://www.halftooth.com




Iron Fist Records
In 2005, D12 member Proof ventured out to create his own record label, Iron Fist Records, and release his first solo CD Searching for Jerry Garcia, which landed in stores on the 10th anniversary of Jerry Garcia's death. Proof named the album after the former Grateful Dead front man because he observed uniqueness within a universal quality to express freedom and commonality juxtaposed with the ills that led to Garcia's demise. Proof notes, "Despite his genius, Jerry Garcia died from drugs, stress, and poor diet. At one time or another we all struggle through one of those things, so in a way, we all have a little Jerry Garcia in us." Proof died tragically in a shooting incident on April 11, 2006.
www.ironfistrecords.com




Janomi
This Brighton based label is at the forefront of the scene. They release quality hip hop in quality packaging time after time. The label built its reputation with a series of 12"s including the classic "Dancing Shoes" by Mr Thing and Yungun. The label then took another step forward with the release of The Essance by Yungun. This album went on to astound the scene and sell well in the major chains and independent stores. Their roster includes Evil Ed and Lost Souls.
http://www.janomi.co.uk




Low Life Records
London-based Low Life Records is the UK’s longest established and most highly regarded hip hop label. Over the past 13 years they have maintained the respect of not only the fans but also the artists who shape the hip hop scene, by championing rap with a British accent and placing emphasis on quality presentation and progressive, genuine music. Current artists on the Lowlife roster include Lowlife head honcho Braintax, as well as Task Force, Jehst, Rodney P, SkinnyMan and Mystro.
http://www.lowliferecords.co.uk




MFTC
Music From The Corner is the home of the mighty Taskforce. Having released a number of 12"s on several different labels Chester P and Farma G decided to set up their own imprint. And they've been very busy! Since late 2003 they have released 3 albums in quick succession. Quality beats and rhymes all cooked up in their bedrooms on Highbury Estate. Rough!
http://www.musicfromthecorner.com




Nature Sounds
Nature Sounds is music in its natural, most uncompromising state. Focusing on musical composition as the foundation of creative expression, Nature Sounds is pleased to offer a diverse selection of new and classic Hip Hop, Reggae, Electronica, Jazz, & Soul soundscapes with hard beats and rhythms at the nucleus. Owned and operated by long-time journalist, photographer, producer and music aficionado Devin Horwitz, the Brooklyn based label was founded in 2001. Signed artists include Masta Killa (Wu-Tang), KMD, R.A The Rugged Man, Vordul Megalla (Cannibal Ox) and many more!
http://www.nature-sounds.net




Nuffsaid Records
Nuffsaid Records was founded in Melbourne in 1993 and quickly became the benchmark for independent hip-hop in Australia. Nuffsaid boasts a catalogue of production, artists and releases second to none and has continued to release the highest quality Australian and international hip-hop music without compromise. Catalogue highlights include Shawn Lov (New Jersey), Plutonic Lab, MC Que, Prowla, Dedlee, Lazy Grey, J-Red, Trem, Brad Strut, Bob Balans (Aust), Tumi (RSA), 7L and Esoteric (US), The Planets (UK) and DJ Noize (DMC World Champion).
www.nuffsaidrecords.com




Psycho+Logical-Records
Psycho+Logical is the outlet for the twisted mind of underground hip-hop genius Necro. A respected producer and accomplished MC with a long history of live performances, Necro has been dropping nightmarish beats on wax since 1996 for the likes of Non-Phixion, Cage and Al-Tariq. Necro’s debut solo album, I Need Drugs launched the imprint, which is home to like-minded spitters of grimey styles Ill Bill, Sabac and Mr Hyde.
http://www.psychologicalrecords.com





Shaman Work
Shaman Work is one of several companies under the Crafted, LLC. umbrella, the direct result of a determined and restless entrepreneur attempting to make his mark in the music industry. The company began as one of several record labels under the Divine Mind network, a group that Chris ‘Rictor’ Craft founded with like-minded people he met during his studies at Morehouse College. Shaman Work has made it a point to work with individuals with visions and aspirations to not only make good music, but to innovate and elevate their musicality to higher levels. The results can be seen in the variety of musical genres the label represents, including hip-hop, soul, jazz, and dance. Shaman Work's diverse roster includes Sol Uprising, Wale Oyejide aka Science Fiction, MF DOOM, Scienz of Life, Lacks aka Ta'Raach, Divine Mind, B.I., Finale, Bandwidth and Misters. Their goal is to innovate and break down the existing barriers that suffocate other musicians.
http://www.shamanwork.com




Stealth Magazine
Stealth Magazine was first published in 1999. The first three issues were predominantly black and white zine-like publications, while Issue 4 saw the magazine go full colour and each issue since has sported a bonus covermount CD. The editorial focus in Stealth is on covering hip hop from a global point of view. Interviews are in-depth and endeavour to be personal and insightful. Stealth's writers are opinionated and many are active DJs, MCs, graf writers and producers.
http://www.stealthmag.com




Threshold
Following a partnership in Funky Ass Records with Kool Keith, Kutmasta Kurt struck out in 1998 to forge a label and identity for his own musical vision. Threshold Recordings was named after Kurt’s studio at the time, which was legendary in the LA hip-hop scene for recording artists such as Kool Keith, Motion Man, Dilated Peoples, Defari, The Loot Pack (Madlib) and Freestyle Fellowship. Masters Of Illusion’s "Partna's Confused" kicked off the catalog with a bang and Threshold went on to release the critically acclaimed full length for Masters Of Illusion along with Motion Man's acclaimed debut Clearing the Field. Threshold has since released singles featuring MF Doom, Pyscho LES (Beatnuts), Planet Asia, and has re-issued Funky Ass classics such as Kool Keith's Sex Style and Dr Dooom’s First Come, First Served. Other notable releases have come from the Skhool Yard, Ultra, The Clayborne Family, Substance Abuse and Tomc3 with Kool Keith. Threshold has licensed albums such as Diesel Truckers, and Kurt's own Redneck Olympics to countries the world over.
http://www.threshrecs.com




Tongue Tied
Tongue Tied is the home of The Universal Soldiers whose raw, uncompromising, underground 12"s and CDs led to the release of their debut album Slanguage. These guys really do represent the raw and nasty side of the scene.
http://www.tonguetiedrec.co.uk



Traffic
Traffic Entertainment is proud to be one of the top distributors of independent music worldwide.e Specialising in hip hop, disco, reggae, funk and soul, it servces as an outlet for cutting-edge indie artists and gnre-defining pioneers that billion dollar corporations tend to overlook. Boasting control over an extensive catalog of classic hip-hop, funk, soul and disco, Traffic supplies its savvy clientele with a broad spectrum of urban music on CD and vinyl.
http://www.trafficent.com




Tres Records
Est. 2004
Tres Records, a label founded and run by artists, is committed to procuring the hip-hop aesthetic while exploring the infinite possibilities of the sampling tradition. Tres seeks out artists with the same passion and provides them a space to be creative and maintain their musical integrity by putting quality before quantity. With headquarters in Los Angeles, CA. and an office in Tokyo, Japan, Tres continues to expand its release network worldwide and build a roster of artists who are focused on releasing full-length albums.
http://www.tresrecords.com




TruReign Records
Founded by A.D.O.R. in NYC in 1996, Tru Reign is dedicated to the preservation of genuine timeless street music for the people. Tru Reign is the home of all of A.D.O.R.S music and has been very successful with the all of his releases, including his classic debut Shock Frequency and numerous big selling12 inches. Tru Reign has a grinding work ethic and a reputation as one of the important Independent forces in hip hop.
http://www.trureign.com




Uncle Howie Records
Established in 1998, Uncle Howie Records evolved from being an imprint on the back of Non Phixion 12” singles into a full-fledged record label/entertainment company. Owner/CEO ILL BILL named the label in tribute of his junkie uncle Howie and hasn’t looked back. The idea is simple: Uncle Howie is a survivor of the worst that drug addiction and homelessness have had to offer while living on the mean streets of Brooklyn, NY.  At age 50, after 30 years of being a crack cocaine, methadone and heroin veteran, Uncle Howie has finally cleaned up his life and proven that there IS light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how dark and bleak reality may be. His life has mirrored the trials, tribulations and triumphs his nephew ILL BILL has experienced during his travels within the music industry. We all know that anything that doesn’t kill you, ultimately makes you stronger, and Uncle Howie Records is a testament to this ideal. Uncle Howie Records’ catalog includes Non Phixion’s independent blockbuster The Future Is Now and Q-Unique’s Vengeance Is Mine. With the disbanding of Non Phixion in 2006, Uncle Howie Records will continue to release music from Sabac Red, ILL BILL and DJ Eclipse.
http://www.unclehowie.com




Unkut Recordings
Established in 1997 with the release of Trem’s “Sheer Talent” 12”, Unkut Recordings represents the highest level of quality and dedication to music, rather than a means to cash in on hip hop’s ever-growing fan base. A truly independent label, everything from artwork to the production, recording, mixing, releasing, and marketing of Unkut product is done in house. From its first full-length release with Lyrical Commission’s classic The Stage Is Set… to the Terntable Jediz’ collaborative tour-de-force All Out War and LC’s Murderous Metaphors (featuring Uncle Howie’s own Q-Unique), Unkut sets the stage to continue a tradition of uncompromising quality in Australian hip-hop. Unkut Recordings website provides regular news updates, audio treats and previews, photo galleries, artists info and discographies, a media section and an online shop.
http://www.unkutrecordings.com




YNR
Young and Restless. The label’s name embodies the spirit of its three founders: Jehst, Tommy Evans and Cee-Why. One of the first UK labels to emerge in the resurgence of UK hip hop. YNR released a series of landmark 12"s between 2000 and 2003 and this firmly established them as one of the top independent hip hop labels in the UK. The legendary compilation Young N Restless Vol One dropped in 2003 and the Tommy Evans’ Turbulent Times followed soon after.
http://www.ynr-productions.co.uk