In today’s Hip Hop, artists don’t necessarily need a record label to distribute their music. They simply record and upload it in a matter of minutes. In the early days, the labels were almost your only option. Though there were many that was popping, Def Jam and Uptown are the topic of discussion for this blog.
Of course, Def Jam came first in 1984. Founded by Russel Simmons and Rick Rubin, the imprint was set up to give rappers a legitimate recording home. Remember, in the early days Hip Hop was considered a fad and it’s longevity was uncertain. However, Simmons and Rubin went beyond the call of duty to ensure stability for their artists and the genre as well. The label would be responsible for the careers of LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, and EPMD, among others.
[Tune In To HipHop-Album-Debate, “The Podcast” Every Tuesday and Friday!]
The imprint got bigger going into the ’90s. Aside from signing artists such as Warren G and Method Man, they were able to partner up with independent labels such as Roc-A-Fella, Ruff Ryders, and Murda Inc.
Uptown Records came two years later, in 1986. Founded by the late Andre Harrell, Uptown was trendsetters. They would signed Hip Hops acts such as Heavy D & The Boyz and Father MC. They signed Notorious B.I.G., but when Puffy, the label’s A&R at the time, was let go by Harrell, he was allowed to take Biggie with him.
Uptown was also prominent in the R&B arena. Guy, Al B. Sure!, Jodeci, Mary J. Blige, and Soul for Real were signed to the label.
When Puffy departed for Bad Boy, Uptown saw a major decline. In 1995, Harrell left his label to become the CEO of Motown records.
Both labels played a significant role in the culture. If I were an artist during the ’90s and had a deal on the table from both, I’d weigh in these factors: I’d consider Def Jam for the machine they’d have behind me in terms of promotions and label mates. I’d consider Uptown for the trendsetting environment they created and access to prominent R&B acts.
Personally, I’d probably sign to Uptown.
If were a ’90s artist with a deal from Def Jam & Uptown, who would sign to?
Uptown – 67%
Def Jam – 33%