Funk Volume

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Funk Volume
This is the Funk Volume logo 2013-08-24 17-17.jpg
Founded2007 (2007)
Founder Hopsin
Damien Ritter
Defunct2016 (2016)
StatusDefunct
Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Records
Country of originU.S.
LocationLos Angeles, California [1]

Funk Volume was an American independent record label founded by American rapper Hopsin. The label was home to artists Dizzy Wright, Jarren Benton, SwizZz, and producers DJ Hoppa and Kato. The label is defunct due to a feud between co-founders Hopsin and Damien "Dame" Ritter in regards to financial alterations. Following the feud Hopsin decided to leave the label, resulting in all affiliated artists leaving Funk Volume. The label was shut down soon after. Hopsin and Dame have made up in 2021.

Contents

History

Formation and success (2007–2015)

Following an ill-fated record deal with Ruthless Records rapper Hopsin founded the independent record label Funk Volume, while Dame Ritter acted as business manager over all the artists and the label. To start the label, Hopsin went on LegalZoom, set up the business, and got the papers in the mail. [2] The first rapper to be signed to Funk Volume would be Damien Ritter's younger brother and high school friend of Hopsin, SwizZz. The first project released by Funk Volume would be a collaboration mixtape between the two flagship artists, Hopsin and SwizZz titled Haywire on June 18, 2009. [3] They originally wanted to sell it for retail sale, but were unable due to Hopsin still being contracted by Ruthless Records at the time. [4] The first official album to be released on Funk Volume would be Hopsin's second studio album Raw in November 2010, which was supported by the singles "Sag My Pants" and "Nocturnal Rainbows".

In November 2011, Las Vegas rapper Dizzy Wright was signed to Funk Volume after they were "impressed by his smooth flow, confident stage presence, and energy that won over the crowd." [5] In early 2012, Hopsin would expand his roster by signing Atlanta rapper Jarren Benton, who would then release a mixtape Freebasing With Kevin Bacon in June 2012. [6] [7] Dizzy Wright would be the first artist besides Hopsin, to release an official studio album on Funk Volume, which would be titled, SmokeOutConversations on April 20, 2012. [8] It was followed by an EP titled The First Agreement in December 2012. Both peaked in the top 50 of the US Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Jarren Benton would release his debut studio album My Grandma's Basement on June 11, 2013. [9] My Grandma's Basement peaked at number four on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart and number 152 on the Billboard 200. [10]

On August 9, 2013, SwizZz released the first single, "Zoom In" from his untitled 2014 debut album. [11] On August 20, 2013, Damien Ritter revealed in an interview that he had talked to many labels about distribution deals, but decided against it until the label built its brand more. He also stated that a Funk Volume compilation album would be released in the future. [2] On September 18, 2013, Funk Volume revealed they had expanded their production division to include Kato and Rikio. [12] The label then released Hopsin's Knock Madness on November 26, 2013. With the help of Empire Distribution, Knock Madness became the first Funk Volume release to be distributed in CD format to retail stores. [13] In May 2014, Jarren Benton became the third Funk Volume artist in as many years to be named to the XXL freshman class. [14] In 2015 Funk Volume signed a distribution deal with Warner Bros. Records.

Dame Ritter and Hopsin feud (2016)

On January 7, 2016, Hopsin posted on Instagram that Funk Volume was officially "dead". [15] He cited the reason as co-founder Dame Ritter "wanting to control too much". Upset with the disrespect from his co-worker, Hopsin went on Instagram and threatened to leave Funk Volume if Ritter did not. [16] Hopsin officially left the label 2 months later and is now under his own company, Undercover Prodigy. [17]

Former acts

ActYears on the labelProjects under Funk VolumeDescription
Hopsin 2009–20164Rapper from Panorama City, Los Angeles, he co-founded the label with Damien Ritter in 2009. He released three albums and a collaborative mixtape with SwizZz under the label.
SwizZz 2009–20162Rapper from Panorama City, Los Angeles. Although he was the first artist to be signed to Funk Volume, other than Hopsin, he never released an album under the label. He did release one mixtape, and a collaborative mixtape with Hopsin.
Dizzy Wright 2012–20166Rapper from Las Vegas, Nevada. He was signed after Funk Volume co-founder, Dame Ritter, found him on YouTube and showed him to Hopsin. He released two albums, two EPs and two mixtapes under the label.
Jarren Benton 2012–20163Rapper from Decatur, Georgia. He was signed to the label after one of Hopsin's friends showed him the video for Jarren's song "Skitzo". He released two albums "My Grandma's Basement" and "Freebasing With Kevin Bacon" and an EP under the label.
DJ Hoppa 2012–20161DJ/producer from Panorama City, Los Angeles. He has been the touring DJ and an in-house producer for the label since 2011. He released one album under the label
Kato2012–20161In-house producer for the label. He was introduced to the label through being affiliated with Jarren Benton prior to his signing to Funk Volume. A year after Jarren was signed, they signed Kato as well. He released one album under the label.

Discography

ArtistAlbumAlbum details
SwizZz & Hopsin Haywire
  • Released: June 18, 2009.
Hopsin Raw
  • Released: November 19, 2010.
  • Peaked at number 46 on the US Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart.
Dizzy Wright SmokeOutConversations
Dizzy WrightThe First Agreement EP
Jarren Benton My Grandma's Basement
  • Released: June 11, 2013
  • Peaked at number 152 on the US Billboard 200 chart.
Hopsin Knock Madness
  • Released: November 26, 2013
  • Peaked at number 76 on the US Billboard 200 chart.
Dizzy Wright State of Mind
Jarren BentonSlow Motion, Vol. 1
  • Released: January 27, 2015
DJ Hoppa Hoppa and Friends
  • Released: March 31, 2015
Dizzy Wright The Growing Process
  • Released: May 26, 2015
KatoPathomania EP
  • Released: June 5, 2015
Hopsin Pound Syndrome
  • Released: July 24, 2015
  • Peaked at number 17 on the US Billboard 200 chart.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hopsin</span> American rapper from California

Marcus Jamal Hopson, known professionally as Hopsin, is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer from Los Angeles, California. He is known for his use of white colored eye contacts in his music videos and performances.

<i>Knock Madness</i> Album by Hopsin

Knock Madness is the third studio album by American rapper Hopsin. It was released on November 24, 2013, by Funk Volume and distributed by EMPIRE. Hopsin has said that the overall vibe of the album is different from his previous album Raw and that he has said all he needs to about leaving Ruthless Records. The album contains guest appearances from rappers SwizZz, Dizzy Wright, Jarren Benton, and Tech N9ne, among others. Like its predecessors, the album's production was entirely handled by Hopsin himself.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dizzy Wright</span> American rapper

La'Reonte Wright, known professionally as Dizzy Wright, is an American rapper and record producer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hopsin discography</span>

American rapper Hopsin has released five studio albums, two mixtapes, 51 singles and 57 music videos. After signing with Ruthless Records in 2007, Hopsin released his debut studio album entitled, Gazing at the Moonlight, in October 2009. The album was a commercial failure, selling only 42 copies in its first week. Shortly before his departure from Ruthless, Hopsin formed a new label, Funk Volume, with Damien Ritter and released a mixtape with SwizZz entitled, Haywire, and his second studio album, Raw, in 2009 and 2010, respectively. The album spawned the singles: "Nocturnal Rainbows" and "Sag My Pants", with the latter single being certified gold by RIAA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jarren Benton</span> American rapper

Jarren Giovanni Benton, is an American rapper from Decatur, Georgia. He signed with California rapper Hopsin's independent record label Funk Volume in 2012, and released his third mixtape, Freebasing with Kevin Bacon in June of that year. His debut studio album, My Grandma's Basement (2013) received positive critical reception and entered the Billboard 200. After the label shut down in 2016, Benton signed with Jay-Z's Roc Nation two years later to release his fourth album, Yuck Fou (2018).

Justin Ritter, known professionally as SwizZz, is an American rapper and songwriter. He is best known for significantly collaborating with childhood friend Hopsin, and being signed to their record label Funk Volume, which was founded by Hopsin himself. He has released various singles and released two mixtapes including Haywire with Hopsin, and Good Morning SwizZzle.

<i>My Grandmas Basement</i> 2013 studio album by Jarren Benton

My Grandma's Basement is the debut studio album by American rapper Jarren Benton. The album was released on June 11, 2013, through Funk Volume and was supported by the single "Razor Blades and Steak Knives". The album features guest appearances from Dizzy Wright, Hopsin, RA the Rugged Man, SwizZz, Vinnie Paz among others, along with production from Kato, SMKA, Planet VI, and Spitzwell among others.

<i>The Golden Age</i> (Dizzy Wright album) 2013 mixtape by Dizzy Wright

The Golden Age is the sixth official mixtape by American rapper Dizzy Wright. The mixtape was released on August 19, 2013, by independent record label Funk Volume for free and digital download, along with autographed hardcopies via the Funk Volume website. The mixtape featured guest appearances by Wyclef Jean, Hopsin, Joey Bada$$, Jarren Benton, SwizZz, Logic, Kid Ink and Honey Cocaine among others. Along with production from DJ Hoppa, Rikio, Kato, 6ix, and Cardo, among others. Due to its retail release, the mixtape debuted on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart at number 39 becoming his highest charting project at the time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sag My Pants</span> 2010 single by Hopsin

"Sag My Pants" is a song by American rapper Hopsin. It was released on October 8, 2010, by Funk Volume, as the first single from Hopsin's second studio album, Raw. The song was produced by Hopsin himself and his breakthrough single, propelling him to stardom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DJ Hoppa</span> American DJ & record producer

DJ Hoppa is an American DJ and producer from Panorama City, Los Angeles. He was signed to rapper Hopsin's now defunct record label Funk Volume, and CEO of the San Fernando Valley independent label Broken Complex located in North Hollywood, California. He has made beats for Dizzy Wright's The Golden Age mixtape, The First Agreement EP and SmokeOut Conversations, Jarren Benton's My Grandma's Basement, and also worked with SwizZz & Gavlyn.

<i>State of Mind</i> (EP) 2014 EP by Dizzy Wright

State of Mind is the second extended play by American rapper Dizzy Wright. It was released on April 15, 2014, by Funk Volume. The EP features production by 6ix, MLB, Roc & Mayne, Ron Hayden and Sledgren, along with a lone guest appearance by Rockie Fresh. It was supported by the single: "Everywhere I Go". Upon its release, the EP debuted at number 54 on the Billboard 200.

<i>Pound Syndrome</i> 2015 studio album by Hopsin

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<i>Hoppa and Friends</i> 2015 studio album by DJ Hoppa

Hoppa and Friends is the debut studio album by DJ Hoppa, released on March 31, 2015, by Funk Volume and Broken Complex Records. Production is done completely by Hoppa along with a few additional producers such as SwizZz. The album contains multiple guest appearances from various underground rappers, such as the entire Funk Volume roster, Demrick, R.A. the Rugged Man, Chris Webby and more.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ill Mind of Hopsin 8</span> 2016 single by Hopsin

"Ill Mind of Hopsin 8" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Hopsin. The song was released on March 8, 2016, and is the eighth installment in Hopsin's "Ill Mind of Hopsin" series. The song serves as a diss towards Funk Volume co-founder, Damien Ritter, who Hopsin claims is the reason why he left the label. The song is also the debut single by Hopsin's new independent record label, Undercover Prodigy. The song peaked at number 21 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, which became Hopsin's highest charting single to date.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Undercover Prodigy</span>

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<i>The Growing Process</i> 2015 studio album by Dizzy Wright

The Growing Process is the second studio album by American rapper Dizzy Wright. It was released on May 26, 2015, by Funk Volume and Warner Records. The album features guest appearances from Big K.R.I.T., Tech N9ne, Hopsin, Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone, Jarren Benton, SwizZz, Berner, and Mod Sun, among others.

<i>No Shame</i> (Hopsin album) 2017 studio album by Hopsin

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jarren Benton discography</span>

The discography of American rapper and songwriter Jarren Benton consists of four studio albums, one collaboration album, three mixtapes, two extended plays and 62 singles.

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The discography of American rapper and songwriter Dizzy Wright consists of six studio albums, one collaboration album, 10 mixtapes, six extended plays and 99 singles.

References

  1. ↑ "About Funk Volume". Funk Volume Record Label.
  2. 1 2 "Hopsin, Dame Ritter Talk Funk Volume's Inner-Workings, Growth". BallerStatus.com. 2013-08-20. Retrieved 2013-10-08.
  3. ↑ "SwizZz & Hopsin - Funk Volume Mixtape: Haywire // Free Mixtape @". Datpiff.com. 2009-06-18. Retrieved 2013-10-08.
  4. ↑ Max Bell (2013-08-08). "Funk Volume: Valley-Based Rap Label Builds an Independent Empire - Page 1 - Music - Los Angeles". LA Weekly. Retrieved 2013-10-08.
  5. ↑ "Dizzy Wright - Funk Volume ArtistFunk Volume". Myfunkvolume.com. 2013-06-04. Archived from the original on 2012-07-09. Retrieved 2013-10-08.
  6. ↑ "The Come Up: Jarren Benton - Page 6 of 7 - XXL". Xxlmag.com. 2013-06-05. Retrieved 2013-10-08.
  7. ↑ "Jarren Benton - Freebasing With Kevin Bacon - Stream". Djbooth.net. Archived from the original on 2014-01-05. Retrieved 2013-10-08.
  8. ↑ "iTunes - Music - SmokeOut Conversations by Dizzy Wright". Itunes.apple.com. 2012-04-20. Retrieved 2013-10-08.
  9. ↑ "The Come Up: Jarren Benton - Page 7 of 7 - XXL". Xxlmag.com. 2013-06-05. Retrieved 2013-10-08.
  10. ↑ Artist Biography by Jason Lymangrover. "Jarren Benton | Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 2013-10-08.
  11. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Zoom In - Single by SwizZz". Itunes.apple.com. 2013-08-09. Retrieved 2013-10-08.
  12. ↑ "Kato Announces Signing to Funk Volume! | Funk VolumeFunk Volume". Myfunkvolume.com. 2013-09-18. Retrieved 2013-10-08.
  13. ↑ "SwizZz Says Hopsin's "Knock Madness" is Important for Rap | Get the Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales | HipHop DX". Archived from the original on 2013-12-13. Retrieved 2013-11-25.
  14. ↑ "Check Out Jarren Benton's XXL Freshmen 2014 Profile - XXL".
  15. ↑ "Hopsin on Instagram: "Funk volume is officially dead now thanks to the monster Damien Ritter. There is nobody else to blame at all. I have officially separated myself from everything and I am fully independent now. It's very sad but idiots like dame wanna control too Much and now he end up destroying a great fuckin team. Having a crew like FV has been my vision since I was 14 years old and this man just destroyed it. Jarren, Dizzy, Swizzz, Dj Hoppa and I are all still on good terms. They will forever be my brothers and I support them in whatever they do. I will let u guys know the full story soon. You know ama keep it RAW for real. Ain't no holdin back. Im so sorry to all the FV fans. There's a brighter future though. #undercoverprodigy photo by @opticperspective"".
  16. ↑ Mansell, Henry (January 3, 2016). "Hopsin Threatens To Leave Funk Volume Following "Issues" With CEO Damien Ritter". HipHopDX . Retrieved 8 March 2016.
  17. ↑ Hernandez, Victoria (March 8, 2016). "Hopsin Finds Freedom After Leaving Funk Volume". HipHopDX . Retrieved 8 March 2016.
  18. ↑ "Dizzy Wright Announces "State of Mind" EP". HNHH. 18 February 2014.
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