SRC Records
Encyclopedia
SRC Records is an American record label
created by former Loud Records
CEO Steve Rifkind
. It is a subsidiary of Universal Music Group
and is distributed through Universal Republic Records.
. The label was much like Loud Records
, a hip hop and R&B label. The first move with the label was signing David Banner
, a rapper from Jackson, Mississippi
. With Banner as their flagship artist, SRC soared to great heights behind his 2003 debut. The label was instantly hailed as the second-coming of Interscope Records
, due to the obvious similarities. The hit single "Like A Pimp," would make the label a household name within the hip hop community. During the year of 2003, the label would hit paydirt after hearing tapes from Senegalese singer, Akon
, who they would immediately sign to their label. In 2004, Adam Reed would release his multi-platinum debut album, Trouble. In early 2004, they signed a deal to distribute material from the rap supergroup, Terror Squad
. SRC would go on to release all albums from Remy Ma
and the group Terror Squad, itself. In the summer of 2004, SRC would become home to the hit single, "Lean Back
," by Fat Joe
and Remy Ma
. After these releases, SRC had established itself among the other heavyweight record labels in hip hop music. In 2005, the label granted Akon his own label Konvict Muzik
. The deal brought more artists on to the label and a hit album from Akon.
. Loud had been home to many of the more popular hip hop acts of the time, but would shut down operations in 2004. After the resurrection of Loud, Rifkind would buy the label and make it a subsidiary of SRC. His first act after re-gaining the label was, as he did fifteen years earlier, signing the Wu-Tang Clan
. Now a powerful force in hip hop music with plenty of artists and sub-labels, SRC plans to add some acts of all genres to the label. They have added some southern acts to the label and look to be a dominant force in music for some time. In 2009 it was reported that SRC bought over 80,000 of the Asher Roth
single, I Love College
. This led to the single being number 1 on iTunes
. Roth has stated that he has yet to see a royalty check from his company. In August 2010 Rifkind signed rapper Joell Ortiz
in a deal with SRC Records and Universal Motown Records
. But now the label has a deal with Universal Republic Records.
Record label
In the music industry, a record label is a brand and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. Most commonly, a record label is the company that manages such brands and trademarks, coordinates the production, manufacture, distribution, marketing and promotion,...
created by former Loud Records
Loud Records
Loud Records is a subsidiary of SRC Records founded by Steve Rifkind in 1992.Loud was a hip hop label which has released material by acts such as Wu-Tang Clan, Big Punisher, Mobb Deep, Krayzie Bone, The Beatnuts, M.O.P., Tha Alkaholiks, Pete Rock, Lil' Flip, Three 6 Mafia, Project Pat, Xzibit,...
CEO Steve Rifkind
Steve Rifkind
Steve Rifkind is a music entrepreneur who is, according to XXL magazine, "responsible for breaking in some of hip-hop’s biggest artists in his 25 years in the business". Rifkind was the founder and chairman of Loud Records as well as the founder and current chairman and CEO of SRC Records...
. It is a subsidiary of Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group is an American music group, the largest of the "big four" record companies by its commanding market share and its multitude of global operations...
and is distributed through Universal Republic Records.
Company history
SRC Records was founded by Steve Rifkind in 2002. The same year that he was ousted from his CEO position from Loud Records, he would form the label and sign an exclusive distribution deal with Universal RecordsUniversal Records
Universal Records was a record label owned by Universal Music Group, and it is now owned by Manny Patino and Michael Jackson, and operated as part of the Universal Motown Republic Group.-History:...
. The label was much like Loud Records
Loud Records
Loud Records is a subsidiary of SRC Records founded by Steve Rifkind in 1992.Loud was a hip hop label which has released material by acts such as Wu-Tang Clan, Big Punisher, Mobb Deep, Krayzie Bone, The Beatnuts, M.O.P., Tha Alkaholiks, Pete Rock, Lil' Flip, Three 6 Mafia, Project Pat, Xzibit,...
, a hip hop and R&B label. The first move with the label was signing David Banner
David Banner
Lavell Crump , better known by his stage name David Banner, is an American rapper, record producer and occasional actor. Banner was born in Jackson, Mississippi and graduated from Southern University. He started his music career as a member of the rap duo, Crooked Lettaz before going solo in 2000...
, a rapper from Jackson, Mississippi
Jackson, Mississippi
Jackson is the capital and the most populous city of the US state of Mississippi. It is one of two county seats of Hinds County ,. The population of the city declined from 184,256 at the 2000 census to 173,514 at the 2010 census...
. With Banner as their flagship artist, SRC soared to great heights behind his 2003 debut. The label was instantly hailed as the second-coming of Interscope Records
Interscope Records
Interscope Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that currently operates as one third of UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M label group.-History:...
, due to the obvious similarities. The hit single "Like A Pimp," would make the label a household name within the hip hop community. During the year of 2003, the label would hit paydirt after hearing tapes from Senegalese singer, Akon
Akon
Aliaune Damala Badara Thiam, better known as simply Akon , is a Senegalese American R&B recording artist and songwriter.According to Forbes, Akon grossed $21 million in 2010, $20 million in 2009 and $12 million in 2008. He rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of "Locked Up", the first...
, who they would immediately sign to their label. In 2004, Adam Reed would release his multi-platinum debut album, Trouble. In early 2004, they signed a deal to distribute material from the rap supergroup, Terror Squad
Terror Squad
Terror Squad may refer to:*Informal name for an anti-terrorism security body*Terror Squad , a hip-hop group started by Fat Joe**The Album * Terror Squad , 1987...
. SRC would go on to release all albums from Remy Ma
Remy Ma
Reminisce Smith , better known by her stage name Remy Ma, formerly known as Remy Martin, is a Grammy nominated American rapper and former member of Fat Joe's rap crew, Terror Squad...
and the group Terror Squad, itself. In the summer of 2004, SRC would become home to the hit single, "Lean Back
Lean Back
"Lean Back" is a 2004 single from the Terror Squad's album True Story. It features Fat Joe and Remy Ma, and was produced by Scott Storch. Fat Joe raps verses one and three, and Remy handles verse two...
," by Fat Joe
Fat Joe
Joseph Antonio Cartagena , better known by his stage name Fat Joe, is an American rapper, CEO of Terror Squad Entertainment, and member of musical groups D.I.T.C. and Terror Squad....
and Remy Ma
Remy Ma
Reminisce Smith , better known by her stage name Remy Ma, formerly known as Remy Martin, is a Grammy nominated American rapper and former member of Fat Joe's rap crew, Terror Squad...
. After these releases, SRC had established itself among the other heavyweight record labels in hip hop music. In 2005, the label granted Akon his own label Konvict Muzik
Konvict Muzik
Kon Live Distribution is a record label founded by R&B singer Akon. It is his alternate R&B/Hip hop label.-Artists:*Colby O'Donis*Jeffree Star*Kardinal Offishall*Kat DeLuna*Lady Gaga*Natalia Kills*Brittian Scott*Ray Lavender- Discography :...
. The deal brought more artists on to the label and a hit album from Akon.
Loud deal and today
In June 2007, Sony Music resurrected Rifkind's original label, Loud RecordsLoud Records
Loud Records is a subsidiary of SRC Records founded by Steve Rifkind in 1992.Loud was a hip hop label which has released material by acts such as Wu-Tang Clan, Big Punisher, Mobb Deep, Krayzie Bone, The Beatnuts, M.O.P., Tha Alkaholiks, Pete Rock, Lil' Flip, Three 6 Mafia, Project Pat, Xzibit,...
. Loud had been home to many of the more popular hip hop acts of the time, but would shut down operations in 2004. After the resurrection of Loud, Rifkind would buy the label and make it a subsidiary of SRC. His first act after re-gaining the label was, as he did fifteen years earlier, signing the Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
The Wu-Tang Clan is a hip-hop group from Staten Island that consists of RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. They are frequently joined by fellow childhood friend Cappadonna, a quasi member of the group...
. Now a powerful force in hip hop music with plenty of artists and sub-labels, SRC plans to add some acts of all genres to the label. They have added some southern acts to the label and look to be a dominant force in music for some time. In 2009 it was reported that SRC bought over 80,000 of the Asher Roth
Asher Roth
Asher Paul Roth is an American rapper.-Early life:Asher Roth was born and raised in Morrisville, Pennsylvania, a small town about 20 miles northeast of Philadelphia. His mother, Elizabeth , is a yoga instructor, and his father, David Roth, is the executive director of a design firm...
single, I Love College
I Love College
"I Love College" is the debut single by American rapper Asher Roth, from his debut album Asleep in the Bread Aisle. The song was released on January 13, 2009....
. This led to the single being number 1 on iTunes
ITunes
iTunes is a media player computer program, used for playing, downloading, and organizing digital music and video files on desktop computers. It can also manage contents on iPod, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad....
. Roth has stated that he has yet to see a royalty check from his company. In August 2010 Rifkind signed rapper Joell Ortiz
Joell Ortiz
Joell Ortiz is an American rapper from Brooklyn, New York, and a member of the group Slaughterhouse.-Biography:Joell Ortiz was born to Puerto Rican parents. Ortiz grew up in the Cooper Park Houses in the East Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, New York formerly signed to Dr. Dre's Aftermath...
in a deal with SRC Records and Universal Motown Records
Universal Motown Records
Universal Motown Records was a record label that operated as a division of Universal Motown Republic Group. It was the contemporary incarnation of the legendary Motown Records label, and the "urban" half of UMRG, although there was some rock artists on the label as well.Changes were made at...
. But now the label has a deal with Universal Republic Records.
Roster
- Kool G. Rap
- David BannerDavid BannerLavell Crump , better known by his stage name David Banner, is an American rapper, record producer and occasional actor. Banner was born in Jackson, Mississippi and graduated from Southern University. He started his music career as a member of the rap duo, Crooked Lettaz before going solo in 2000...
- AkonAkonAliaune Damala Badara Thiam, better known as simply Akon , is a Senegalese American R&B recording artist and songwriter.According to Forbes, Akon grossed $21 million in 2010, $20 million in 2009 and $12 million in 2008. He rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of "Locked Up", the first...
- ShontelleShontelleShontelle Layne , known professionally as Shontelle, is a Barbadian singer, and songwriter. She released her debut album Shontelligence in November 2008. Her sophomore album, No Gravity, was released in September 2010...
- Melanie FionaMelanie FionaMelanie Fiona Hallim is a Canadian R&B and Grammy-nominated recording artist from Toronto, Ontario. She was born to Guyanese immigrant parents of African, Indian, and Portuguese descent and grew up in the inner city of Toronto. Living in a music filled household, Fiona says she always knew music...
- Asher RothAsher RothAsher Paul Roth is an American rapper.-Early life:Asher Roth was born and raised in Morrisville, Pennsylvania, a small town about 20 miles northeast of Philadelphia. His mother, Elizabeth , is a yoga instructor, and his father, David Roth, is the executive director of a design firm...
- Ray JRay JWilliam Ray Norwood Jr. , better known by his stage name Ray J, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer and actor.-Early life:...
- Aubrey O'DayAubrey O'DayAubrey Morgan O'Day is an American singer, actress, fashion designer, television personality, and former member of the girl group Danity Kane...
- DJ WebstarDJ WebstarTroy Ryan , better known by his stage name DJ Webstar is a DJ/producer/rapper/singer. In 2006 his song "Chicken Noodle Soup" became an internet hit with fans uploading their own videos to the song's track, the popularity lead to him being signed by Universal.-Albums:- Singles :-External links:****...
- La the DarkmanLa the DarkmanAs a teenager in New York City, the Crown Heights, Brooklyn-bred emcee born Lason Jackson negotiated his first deal just as he was finishing high school...
- Majic MasseyMajic MasseyMajic Massey is an artist under SRC Records/Universal Motown-Early life:In high school, Majic was busy winning enough talent shows to land a recording deal with Undeniable Records before he graduated...
- Corte
- Afrobots
- Marky
- Paypa
SRC discography
- David BannerDavid BannerLavell Crump , better known by his stage name David Banner, is an American rapper, record producer and occasional actor. Banner was born in Jackson, Mississippi and graduated from Southern University. He started his music career as a member of the rap duo, Crooked Lettaz before going solo in 2000...
– Mississippi: The AlbumMississippi: The AlbumMississippi: The Album is the debut album released by David Banner. It did not reach a high position in the charts however it did spawn the popular club tune "Like A Pimp" and the hit "Cadillac On 22s"...
(2003) - Baby Bash – Tha Smokin' NephewTha Smokin' NephewTha Smokin' Nephew is the major label debut album on Universal Records by rapper Baby Bash. It debuted at number 48 on the Billboard 200. Five months after its release, the album was certified Gold by the RIAA...
(2003) - David Banner – MTA2: Baptized in Dirty WaterMTA2: Baptized in Dirty WaterMTA2: Baptized in Dirty Water is the second studio album by rapper David Banner. It was released in the United States on December 23, 2003. There is a Chopped & Screwed version by Michael 5000 Watts.-Track listing:...
(2003) - AkonAkonAliaune Damala Badara Thiam, better known as simply Akon , is a Senegalese American R&B recording artist and songwriter.According to Forbes, Akon grossed $21 million in 2010, $20 million in 2009 and $12 million in 2008. He rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of "Locked Up", the first...
– TroubleTrouble (Akon album)-Chart positions:-Certifications:- Chart prossesion and succession :...
(2004) - Terror SquadTerror Squad (group)Terror Squad is an American hip hop collective that was first established in 1998. Based in The Bronx borough of New York City, the members of Terror Squad collectively debuted on a song in member Fat Joe's album Don Cartagena...
– True Story (2004) - Ric A Che- Lack of Communication (2004)
- Baby Bash – Super SaucySuper SaucySuper Saucy is the first official studio album by Baby Bash released in March 2005. It spawned the hit single, "Baby I'm Back" which reached #19 on the Billboard Hot 100. It is also his last release on Universal Records before signing with Arista Records...
(2005) - David Banner – Certified (2005)
- Remy MaRemy MaReminisce Smith , better known by her stage name Remy Ma, formerly known as Remy Martin, is a Grammy nominated American rapper and former member of Fat Joe's rap crew, Terror Squad...
– There's Something About Remy (2006) - Akon – KonvictedKonvicted-Samples:*"Mama Africa" samples Gentleman's "Dem Gone"*"Tired of Runnin'" samples Bobby Bland's " I Don't Want to Be Right"*"Once in a While" samples 3 Dog Night's "I'd Be So Happy"*"Don't Matter" interpolates the melody of R...
(2006) - Pharoahe Monch – DesireDesire (Pharoahe Monch album)Notes* On the song "Fuck You" the explicit version is 12 seconds longer than the edited version.Samples*"Free" contains elements from the composition "I'm Free" performed by Millie Jackson....
(2007) - Grandaddy Souf – Chasing My Dream (2007)
- Keith Sweat – The Sweat Hotel (2007)
- Wu-Tang Clan – 8 Diagrams8 Diagrams8 Diagrams is the fifth studio album by American hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, released December 11, 2007 on SRC/Universal Motown Records. The album was released three years after the passing of Ol' Dirty Bastard, and six years after the group's previous LP Iron Flag, for which many group members...
(2007) - Lil' Baza Featuring DJ Gayness (2008)
- David Banner – The Greatest Story Ever ToldThe Greatest Story Ever Told (David Banner album)The Greatest Story Ever Told is the fourth studio album by American rapper David Banner, released on May 20, 2008.-History:The first single from the album is called "Speaker", better known by its explicit title "9mm". It features Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne and Akon. The track was produced by Akon. The...
(2008) - ShontelleShontelleShontelle Layne , known professionally as Shontelle, is a Barbadian singer, and songwriter. She released her debut album Shontelligence in November 2008. Her sophomore album, No Gravity, was released in September 2010...
– ShontelligenceShontelligenceThe album has received generally mixed reviews from music critics.Ben Ratliffe of The New York Times gave the album a mixed review stating that:Alex Macpherson of The Guardian gave the album a mixed 3/5 stars stated that:...
(2008) - Akon – FreedomFreedom (Akon album)Freedom is the third studio album by hip hop and R&B Senegalese-American singer and rapper Akon. The album was originally named Acquitted, however Akon changed it before it was released. It was released as a download on December 1, 2008, and in stores December 2, 2008...
(2008) - Lala Man – September (2008)
- Heavy Mojo – Blow Out The Sound (2009)
- Asher RothAsher RothAsher Paul Roth is an American rapper.-Early life:Asher Roth was born and raised in Morrisville, Pennsylvania, a small town about 20 miles northeast of Philadelphia. His mother, Elizabeth , is a yoga instructor, and his father, David Roth, is the executive director of a design firm...
– Asleep in the Bread AisleAsleep in the Bread Aisle-Chart positions:-Samples:*"As I Em"**"Geraldine and John" by Joe Jackson*"Fallin"**"Falling" by Ben Kweller**"Kissing My Love" by Bill Withers*"I Love College"**"Say It Ain't So" by Weezer **"Impeach the President" by the Honey Drippers...
(2009) - Melanie FionaMelanie FionaMelanie Fiona Hallim is a Canadian R&B and Grammy-nominated recording artist from Toronto, Ontario. She was born to Guyanese immigrant parents of African, Indian, and Portuguese descent and grew up in the inner city of Toronto. Living in a music filled household, Fiona says she always knew music...
– The BridgeThe Bridge (Melanie Fiona album)The Bridge is the debut album of Canadian R&B/soul singer Melanie Fiona, released under the SRC/Universal Motown label in June 2009. It was released in the United States on November 10, 2009. The album debuted at #4 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and at #57 on the Billboard 200...
(2009) - ShontelleShontelleShontelle Layne , known professionally as Shontelle, is a Barbadian singer, and songwriter. She released her debut album Shontelligence in November 2008. Her sophomore album, No Gravity, was released in September 2010...
- No GravityNo Gravity (Shontelle album)No Gravity is the second studio album by Barbadian recording artist Shontelle, released on September 21, 2010 by SRC Records. Initially scheduled for an August 2010 release the album has been in production since August 2009 and was pushed back by one month to include additional recording sessions...
(2010) - Joell OrtizJoell OrtizJoell Ortiz is an American rapper from Brooklyn, New York, and a member of the group Slaughterhouse.-Biography:Joell Ortiz was born to Puerto Rican parents. Ortiz grew up in the Cooper Park Houses in the East Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, New York formerly signed to Dr. Dre's Aftermath...
– Get Rich Homie (2011)