Rap-A-Lot Records

Last updated
Rap-A-Lot
Rap-a-lot logo.jpg
Parent company Sony Music Entertainment
Founded1986;38 years ago (1986) [1]
Founder James Prince, Cliff Blodget
Distributor(s) RED Distribution
Genre Southern hip hop
Country of origin United States
Location Houston, Texas

Rap-A-Lot is a hip hop record label co-founded by James Prince and Cliff Blodget [2] [3] [4] in 1986. [5] Smoke-a-Lot Records is a subsidiary.

Contents

Rap-A-Lot was first distributed by A&M Records with the release of Raheem's 1988 debut The Vigilante. [6] The label was distributed through the 1990s by EMI's Priority Records (1991–1994), Noo Trybe Records (1994-1998), and Virgin Records (1998–2002). In the 2000s, it was distributed by Asylum Records and then Fontana Distribution.

On August 22, 2013, Rap-A-Lot announced a distribution deal with RED Distribution. [7]

History

The label was formed filling in a gap for recognition and promotion of southern talent especially in the Houston area. This was in part to label executives in other parts of the country passing on southern hip hop acts. During this period, DJ's from the east coast had been exploiting the region and pushing music from their domestic territories instead. [8]

Prince was working as a bank teller in 1985 in the fault department, then getting laid off at the age of 20. [9] [10] The initial goal prior to the label was to keep his younger stepbrother known as the rapper Sir Rap-A-Lot out of street life, as well as friends Raheem and Jukebox from skipping school. They would meet on the porch of his grandmothers house to perform and practice. [11] After purchasing an abandoned building, he turned the property into on a used car dealership, known as Smith Auto Sales on the west side of Houston. At first he sold bucket cars then moving on to exotic cars which athletes would come and purchase. [9] The same rundown 2 storey building that Prince owned, was where the artists then moved on to record into during 1986. [2]

Prince co-founded Rap-A-Lot Records with Cliff Blodget, a Seattleite, [12] [3] [4] in 1987. Bloget was a computer science major, [10] who was an electrical engineer by trade and acted as the label's in-house engineer and producer alongside fellow producer Carl Stephenson. [13] [12] Prince used his last bit of funds to invest into the label. He was inspired by Russell Simmons and the label he founded Def Jam Recordings. He moved the company in 1988 to New York City with Blodget. Around this time Lyor Cohen would show Prince check books of Def Jam artists LL Cool J and Whodini which showed him the potential revenue to be made in the music industry enlightening him to continue his vision with the Geto Boys moving the whole label back to Houston. [9] [11]

The first group he formed in the label was the Geto Boys. The first incarnation was dancer Bushwick Bill, DJ Ready Red, Sire Jukebox and Prince Johnny C. Prince moved on and then found new members Willie D through the recommendation of his barber, [14] and Scarface in the parking lot of a club he owned playing demos to a DJ who worked there. Bushwick was then made as a rapper. Prince's brother was a member but then was replaced at his discretion with Scarface. This was confirmed from a freestyle battle against each other where Scarface outperformed Sir Rap-A-Lot, with the younger brother then agreeing that was the better direction for the group also. [11] Using local radio stations like KTSU to spread the reach of the label's music, [15] his first deal came in 1989 via Rick Rubin working with the Geto Boys on their 2nd album Grip It! On That Other Level . [16]

Geffen Records who had been working with Rubin pulled the project a week before its release to the lyrical nature of the album, despite claims of racism and hypocrisy made by the Geto Boys and the fact that independently the album already had sold over 500,000 copies. [17] The controversy lead to Rubin splitting from Geffen and signing with Warner Records with the album being pushed there instead, it tripled the total sales of the project.

Prior to the success of "Ice Ice Baby", Prince wanted to sign rapper Vanilla Ice after seeing him perform in 1990 at The Summit. He did not follow through as a result of his business partner Blodget feeling that the artist lacked talent. [18]

Prince signed a deal with Priority Records in 1991 for distribution, [16] releasing the Geto Boys third album We Can't Be Stopped . [3] By the mid-1990s co-founder Blodget had parted ways from Rap-A-Lot. [13] In 1995 Prince signed the next distribution deal with Noo Trybe Records and Virgin Records. [3]

During the 1990s, two DEA agents placed a probe on Prince and his label, believing the label was a front for a major trafficking network. At this time a concept for a music distribution label that would have acted dually as a union for recording artists was being planned between Prince, Suge Knight, and Irv Gotti which was eventually cancelled. The two agents were later convicted of corrupt conduct. [19] [20] [21] [22]

Notable artists

Rap A Lot 4 Life (J Prince Sr)

Rap A Lot YEMG (Jas Prince)

Rap A Lot New Wave (Baby Jay Prince)

Major releases

1980s

1987

1988

1989

1990s

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000s

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010s

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Related Research Articles

Geto Boys was an American hip hop group originally formed in Houston, Texas. They saw commercial success in the 1990s with the lineup consisting of Bushwick Bill, Scarface and Willie D. The group became best known for their 1991 single "Mind Playing Tricks on Me", which peaked at number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100. Formed in 1986, the group was active until the 2019 death of Bushwick Bill.

James Prince is an American record executive, music promoter and talent manager. He founded the Houston-based record label Rap-A-Lot Records in 1986, which has signed artists including UGK, Geto Boys, Scarface, Bun B, Juvenile, Z-Ro, Finesse2tymes, and Devin the Dude. He and his son Jas have been credited as an early career mentors for Canadian rapper Drake.

<i>Balls and My Word</i> 2003 compilation album by Scarface

Balls and My Word is a compilation album by American rapper Scarface. It was released on April 8, 2003, through Rap-A-Lot Records. Recording sessions took place at Dean's List House of Hits and Hippie House Studios in Houston, Enterprise Studios in Burbank and Larrabee Sounds in North Hollywood. Production was handled by Mike Dean, N.O. Joe, T-Mix, Tone Capone, 7 Aurelius, Ensayne Wayne, Mr. Lee and Sam Sneed, with J Prince serving as executive producer. It features guest appearances from Z-Ro, Aries', Bun B, Devin the Dude, Dirt Bomb, Poppa tha Powet, Tanya Herron and Tela. The album peaked at number 20 on the Billboard 200 and number 3 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts in the United States.

<i>The Foundation</i> (Geto Boys album) 2005 studio album by Geto Boys

The Foundation is the seventh and final studio album by American hip hop group Geto Boys. It was released on January 25, 2005 through Rap-A-Lot 4 Life. Recording sessions took place at Noddfactor Studios, Dean's List House of Hits, M.A.D.D. Studios and The Garage in Houston. Production was handled by Tone Capone, Mike Dean, Cory Mo, Mr. Mixx, and members Scarface and Willie D, with J. Prince serving as executive producer. It features guest appearances from Z-Ro and Willy Hen.

<i>Making Trouble</i> 1988 studio album by Ghetto Boys

Making Trouble is the debut album by the American hip-hop group the Ghetto Boys. The group originally consisted of Bushwick Bill, DJ Ready Red, Sire Jukebox and Prince Johnny C. Following the release of Making Trouble, Rap-A-Lot Records dropped Sire Jukebox and Johnny C from the group, and added Scarface and Willie D.

<i>Grip It! On That Other Level</i> 1989 studio album by Ghetto Boys

Grip It! On That Other Level is the second studio album by the Houston, Texas based hip-hop group, the Ghetto Boys, released on March 12, 1989, on Rap-A-Lot Records. Following the disappointing results of the group's first album, Rap-A-Lot CEO James Prince replaced two of the group members with Scarface and Willie D, who joined original members Bushwick Bill and DJ Ready Red. Recording for the album began in 1988, and finished in early 1989. The majority of the album's tracks were produced by DJ Ready Red, and much of the album's lyrical content deals with violent and misogynistic topics, which would later be credited for pioneering the horrorcore hip hop subgenre.

<i>Da Good da Bad & da Ugly</i> 1998 studio album by Geto Boys

Da Good Da Bad & Da Ugly is the sixth studio album by Houston hip hop group Geto Boys. It was released on November 17, 1998, by Rap-A-Lot/Virgin Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Draped Up</span> 2005 single by Bun B featuring Lil Keke

"Draped Up" is the first single from Bun B's solo debut album Trill. It samples elements from the song "Pimp Tha Pen" by DJ Screw. It features an intro from Lil' Keke. The official remix is on the album and it features Lil' Keke, Slim Thug, Chamillionaire, Paul Wall, Mike Jones, Aztek, Lil Flip, & Z-Ro. The music video features cameo appearances by Chingy, Devin The Dude, Kanye West, Scarface, Spice 1, Paul Wall, Mike Jones, Lil' Keke, Lil' Flip, Slim Thug, Z-Ro, Trae Tha Truth, Aztek, & Birdman. The song topped out at #45 on the U.S. Hot R&B Chart.

Michael George Dean is an American record producer, audio engineer, and multi-instrumentalist. He is best known for his synthesizer-heavy instrumentation and audio mixing for high-profile music industry artists. Beginning his career in 1992, he was first credited on releases for Texas-based rappers such as Scarface, Willie D, and Geto Boys, although he has since worked with artists including The Weeknd, Beyoncé, Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Travis Scott, Jay-Z, Drake, Madonna, Selena Gomez, Playboi Carti, and Lana Del Rey, among others. As a non-performing lead artist, Dean has released five solo studio albums: 4:20 (2020), 4:22 (2021), Smoke State 42222 (2022), 4:23 (2023), and 424 (2024).

Joseph Johnson, known by his stage name N.O. Joe, is an American musician, hip hop record producer and songwriter. N.O. Joe was a pioneer of the Southern Hip Hop sound during the 1990s. He operates a production company named Gumbo Funk, which is also a name given to his melange of musical styles

The discography of the Geto Boys contains seven studio albums, one remix album, three compilations and four charting singles. Geto Boys is a hip-hop group located in Houston, Texas that started off with the members Raheem, Prince Johnny C and Sire Jukebox but ended up releasing their debut album in 1988, Making Trouble, with Prince Johnny C, Sire Jukebox, DJ Ready Red and Bushwick Bill as members. After failing commercially and critically, the group's line-up was changed around by removing Johnny C and Sire Jukebox but replacing them with Willie D and Scarface. This line-up released Grip It! On That Other Level and since then, has become the most familiar Geto Boys line-up. Rapper Big Mike was also a member of the group at one point, for the album Till Death Do Us Part.

<i>Ghetto Dope</i> 1993 studio album by 5th Ward Boyz

Ghetto Dope is the debut studio album by American hip hop group 5th Ward Boyz. It was released in May 1993 through a joint venture between O.G. Dewey Forker's Underground Records and J. Prince's Rap-A-Lot Records with distribution via Priority Records. Recording sessions took place at Jungle Style Studios and at Digital Services in Houston. Production was handled by John Bido, Mike Dean, N.O. Joe, and J. Prince, who also was serving as executive producer together with Edward Russell and O.G. Dewey. It features guest appearances from Bushwick Bill, Devin the Dude and Scarface. Member Richard "Lo Life" Nash was absent on the project due to his imprisonment.

<i>Keep It Poppin</i> 1999 studio album by 5th Ward Boyz

P.W.A.: The Album... Keep It Poppin' is the fifth studio album by American hip hop group the 5th Ward Boyz. It was released on August 31, 1999, through Rap-A-Lot Records, making it their final record for the label. Production was handled by Derek "Grizz" Edwards, Mr. Lee and 5th Ward Boyz member E-Rock, with executive producers J Prince and OG Dewey. It features guest appearances from Devin the Dude, Ghetto Twiinz, Kuirshan, Outlawz, Rapsta, Willie D and Yukmouth. The album peaked at number 125 on the Billboard 200 and at number 26 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums in the United States.

<i>Trill OG: The Epilogue</i> 2013 studio album by Bun B

Trill OG: The Epilogue is the fourth studio album by American rapper Bun B. The album was released on November 11, 2013, by II Trill Enterprises, Rap-A-Lot Records and RED Music. The album features guest appearances from Big K.R.I.T., Lil' O, Pimp C, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, Raekwon, Kobe, Royce da 5'9", Z-Ro, Big Hawk, Lil Boosie, E.S.G., Redman, Kirko Bangz, Devin the Dude, Max Frost, Trae tha Truth, C-Note, Serani and Gator Main.

<i>J Prince Presents R.N.D.S.</i> 1999 compilation album by various artists

J Prince Presents R.N.D.S. is a two-disc compilation album of presented and executive produced by Rap-A-Lot Records CEO J. Prince. It was released on October 5, 1999 through Priority Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scarface (rapper)</span> American rapper (born 1970)

Brad Terrence Jordan, better known by his stage name Scarface, is an American rapper and record producer, notable for his solo career and as a member of the Geto Boys, a hip-hop group from Houston, Texas. Raised in the city's South Acres neighborhood, he has been ranked by The Source as one of the Top 50 Lyricists of All Time, while About.com ranked him in the top ten of its "50 Greatest MCs of Our Time (1987–2007)" list.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mr. Lee (record producer)</span> Musical artist

Leroy Williams Jr., professionally known by his stage name Mr. Lee, is an American record producer and entrepreneur from Houston, Texas. He has produced several albums, which achieved platinum and gold status, such as Scarface's My Homies, 2Pac's Still I Rise, Paul Wall's The Peoples Champ. He was one of the in-house producers of Rap-A-Lot Records, and a founder and CEO of Noddfactor Entertainment.

This is a list of rappers from the Gulf Coast of the United States, including the cities and surrounding areas of Houston, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Mobile, Pensacola, Tampa, and Gulfport.

References

  1. ↑ HP Cheung (April 3, 2017). "What Is Rap-A-Lot Records?". Hypebeast. Retrieved 2019-06-09.
  2. 1 2 "Red Bull Music Academy Daily". Red Bull Music Academy Daily. 2019-08-13. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Patoski, Joe Nick (2013-01-21). "Money in the Making". Texas Monthly. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  4. 1 2 "Brewer's Ads Rapped". Washington Post. 1991-09-04. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  5. ↑ Brandon Caldwell (February 17, 2015). "A Brief History of Houston Rap Executive J. Prince Defending Everyone from The Geto Boys to Drake". Vice Media . Retrieved 2019-06-09.
  6. ↑ Faniel, Maco L. (30 July 2013). Hip Hop in Houston: The Origin and the Legacy (Paperback ed.). The History Press. pp. 117–118. ISBN   978-1-60949-978-5 . Retrieved 2015-10-26.
  7. ↑ "Rap-A-Lot Records Signs Distribution Deal with Sony RED, Plans Bun B Album". 23 August 2013.
  8. ↑ Payne, Ogden (2018-07-30). "Inside The Entrepreneurial Rise Of Rap-A-Lot Records CEO James Prince". Forbes. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  9. 1 2 3 Knapp, Gwendolyn (2018-10-22). "James Prince Has Made It". Houstonia Magazine. Retrieved 2022-11-02.
  10. 1 2 "The Geto Boys, Beating the Murder Rap". Washington Post. 1991-12-15. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  11. 1 2 3 Kenner, Rob (2011-12-04). "Interview: J. Prince Talks About The Rise Of Rap-A-Lot Records". Complex. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  12. 1 2 "Pen & Pixel: The Graphic Design Duo That Helped Bling Hip-Hop". Red Bull Music Academy Daily. 2019-08-13. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  13. 1 2 Rowland, Hobart (1997-12-04). "Static". Houston Press. Retrieved 2022-11-02.
  14. ↑ Chadbourne, Eugene. "James "Lil. J." Smith". AllMusic. Retrieved 2022-11-02.
  15. ↑ "Texas Southern University - Texas Southern to recognize James Prince with Honorary Degree". Home. 2011-12-19. Retrieved 2022-11-07.
  16. 1 2 "'It Was Like Flies To Honey': 25 Years Of Rap-A-Lot Records". NPR. 2012-02-10. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  17. ↑ Pareles, John (August 28, 1990). "Distributor Withdraws Rap Album Over Lyrics". The New York Times. Retrieved 1 November 2022.
  18. ↑ Miller, Jeff (2016-03-18). "Bun B Interviews Rap-A-Lot Records Founder James Prince at SXSW 2016 Keynote". Billboard. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  19. ↑ "Former DEA Special Agent Sentenced to Over 13 Years in Prison for Corruption-Related Charges". Department of Justice. 2021-08-12. Retrieved 2022-11-02.
  20. ↑ McConnaughey, Janet (2021-08-12). "Former DEA agent sentenced to 13 years in corruption case". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2022-11-02.
  21. ↑ Lilah, Rose (2020-12-23). "J. Prince Details How DEA Targeted Him, Suge Knight & Irv Gotti Over Black-Owned Distribution Business". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  22. ↑ Markman, Rob (2011-10-10). "Irv Gotti And Suge Knight Planned To Unionize Artists - News". MTV. Archived from the original on August 31, 2022. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.