Roc-A-Fella Records Contacts Jay-Z, Kanye West... For artists, rappers, songwriters and musicians UNSIGNED ARTISTS: You Need To Send Your Demos Through The New Site Here At This Link Now, Cd, links or music files. Thanks Roc-A-Fella Records was started in 1996 as an independent label for rapper Jay-Z's first album. After being turned down by several major labels, Carter, Dash and Burke started their own label through Priority Records, using hustling money as capital for business and music expenses. Though Reasonable Doubt didn't immediately attain commercial success, it spawned several hits, a close relationship with The Notorious B.I.G. and procured him a reputation in the hip-hop community. Starting out as Roc-A-Fella's only artist, Jay-Z was supported by Biggie producer DJ Clark Kent and DJ Ski, who was then working with Camp Lo; affiliated rappers included duo Da Ranjahz, Sauce Money, Jaz-O, and a young Memphis Bleek, though only Bleek would eventually sign with the label. According to Dame, the label had intended on releasing Nas' group The Firm, but the deal fell through: Jay's 1998 album, Vol. 2. Hard Knock Life, saw him largely depart from his previous entourage and venture forth with producers Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, The 45 King and Jermaine Dupri. Vol. 2 spawned his first major hit, "Hard Knock Life," and became the label's first platinum release; it was the last Roc-A-Fella release to see appearances by Jaz-O or Sauce Money, and the first to feature new Roc artists Beanie Sigel and Amil. DJ Clue released the first of his compilation-album-style series in The Professional, which saw the first Roc-A-Fella appearance of Cam'ron; while DJ Ski had, at the time, formed the production company Roc-A-Blok, affiliated with Sporty Thievz, but the company folded after Ski moved out of New York to take a break from music. [Best Informative Fan Sits Excerpts] Label Staff: Chairman and CEO Publicity Urban Music Licensing Music Publishing A&R Department New Releases Roc-A-Fella Catalog |