Strange Music
Encyclopedia
Strange Music is an American independent record label
specializing in hip hop music
. It was founded by Tech N9ne
and Travis O'Guin in 1999. It is currently distributed through Fontana Distribution
.
Tech at the time had several commitments and deals pulling him in several directions. He was currently signed to Qwest Records
as well as MidwestSide Records, he also had commitments with both QDIII's Soundlab and Sway & King Tech
of The Wake Up Show. Travis came into the picture and offered Tech something he never had, his own label. They agreed upon a 50/50 set up, Travis acting as President and Tech as Vice President.
Their first venture was a deal with JCOR Entertainment to release Anghellic
, though JCOR mishandled the album. They would then seek another 50/50 deal, this time with Mark Cerami (previously of Priority Records
) & Dave Weiner (previously of JCOR Entertainment) who were doing their own joint label at the time, MSC Entertainment. The first album Absolute Power was a success, selling about 250,000 copies even though you could download it for free online.
The label is now independent, no longer joined with MSC Entertainment, instead having a distribution deal through Fontana Distribution
. Their first release under the deal with Fontana was Tech N9ne's 2006 effort, Everready (The Religion)
. While many albums were advertised for 2007 releases in the artwork for that album, only one release was seen in 2007 from Strange Music, Misery Loves Kompany
.
The other albums advertised inside the Everready case would however see release a year later in 2008, along with a solo effort from Project: Deadman/Bedlam member, Prozak. For the majority of 2008, Ill Bill
looked to be releasing his The Hour of Reprisal
through Strange Music, though the talks would fall through and he would instead sign with Fat Beats Records to release the album.
February 7, 2009, it was announced on Tech N9ne's official website that Big Scoob had joined the Strange Music label.
On February 9, 2009, it was announced on Tech N9ne's official website that Skatterman & Snug Brim had decided to leave the Strange Music label after fulfilling their commitment.
May 2009, Tech signed Brotha Lynch Hung to his Strange Music label. Brotha Lynch released his Strange album, Dinner and a Movie on March 23, 2010.
July 19, 2009, Cognito signed to the Strange Music label. Cognito did not tour with other labelmates during the KOD Tour in order to complete his 2010 album, "Automatic".
It was announced by XXL magazine
on September 27, 2010 that Jay Rock
had signed with Strange Music for a multi-album deal. On March 31, 2011, the label announced the addition of Stevie Stone to its roster. Stone officially signed with the label on March 17, 2011.
, JCor Entertainment & MSC Entertainment) the Vice President of "Strange Music West." In this new position, Dave will work hand in hand with Label President, Travis O'Guin from his satellite office in Los Angeles. One of his duties for the label will be to find and sign new acts to the label. Weiner was responsible for signing Sacramento, California
rapper, Brotha Lynch Hung
to the Strange Music label.
Independent record label
An independent record label is a record label operating without the funding of or outside the organizations of the major record labels. A great number of bands and musical acts begin on independent labels.-Overview:...
specializing in hip hop music
Hip hop music
Hip hop music, also called hip-hop, rap music or hip-hop music, is a musical genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted...
. It was founded by Tech N9ne
Tech N9ne
Aaron Dontez Yates , better known by his stage name Tech N9ne , is an American rapper from Kansas City, Missouri. In 1999, Yates and Travis O'Guin founded the record label Strange Music. Throughout his career, Yates has sold over one million albums and has had his music featured in film,...
and Travis O'Guin in 1999. It is currently distributed through Fontana Distribution
Fontana Distribution
Fontana Distribution is a subsidiary of Universal Music Group that was launched in 2004, which deals in distribution, as well as in a range of sales, marketing, and back office support services, for a diverse roster of independent record labels and their artists. The company takes its name and logo...
.
History
Travis, an established businessman in the world of furniture, was looking to get into the music industry. He had been a fan of Tech N9ne's and had seen how his career was being handled.Tech at the time had several commitments and deals pulling him in several directions. He was currently signed to Qwest Records
Qwest Records
Qwest Records is the American record label started by Quincy Jones in 1980 as a joint venture with Warner Bros. Records, and owned byWarner Music Group. although Quincy was still under contract with A&M records through 1981. George Benson's 1980 Give Me the Night LP was the first release on Qwest,...
as well as MidwestSide Records, he also had commitments with both QDIII's Soundlab and Sway & King Tech
Sway & King Tech
Sway & King Tech is an American hip hop group composed of Bay Area rapper Sway and DJ King Tech. Also known as Flynamic Force or Sway & Tech, they are the hosts of the nationally syndicated show, The Wake Up Show...
of The Wake Up Show. Travis came into the picture and offered Tech something he never had, his own label. They agreed upon a 50/50 set up, Travis acting as President and Tech as Vice President.
Their first venture was a deal with JCOR Entertainment to release Anghellic
Anghellic
Anghellic is the third studio album released by Kansas City based rapper Tech N9ne.In 2001, the song "Tormented," appeared in a scene of the Fox TV series Dark Angel, it plays for nearly two minutes in the background of a bar scene contained in the season two episode "Two."The album was re-released...
, though JCOR mishandled the album. They would then seek another 50/50 deal, this time with Mark Cerami (previously of Priority Records
Priority Records
Priority Records is an American record label, owned and operated by EMI, which has made a name for itself dealing primarily in hip hop, pop and world...
) & Dave Weiner (previously of JCOR Entertainment) who were doing their own joint label at the time, MSC Entertainment. The first album Absolute Power was a success, selling about 250,000 copies even though you could download it for free online.
The label is now independent, no longer joined with MSC Entertainment, instead having a distribution deal through Fontana Distribution
Fontana Distribution
Fontana Distribution is a subsidiary of Universal Music Group that was launched in 2004, which deals in distribution, as well as in a range of sales, marketing, and back office support services, for a diverse roster of independent record labels and their artists. The company takes its name and logo...
. Their first release under the deal with Fontana was Tech N9ne's 2006 effort, Everready (The Religion)
Everready (The Religion)
Everready is the sixth studio album by rapper Tech N9ne. The album was released in 2006 as a "Collector's Edition" CD that contains a second CD featuring 14 songs from Tech N9ne as well as other Strange Music artists...
. While many albums were advertised for 2007 releases in the artwork for that album, only one release was seen in 2007 from Strange Music, Misery Loves Kompany
Misery Loves Kompany
Misery Loves Kompany is the seventh studio album by rapper Tech N9ne, and the first release in the "Collabos" series. The album was recorded in one month and was released on July 17, 2007. It features 17 tracks featuring artists such as Yukmouth, T-Nutty, D-Loc & Dalima, Greed, Money Hungry, Big...
.
The other albums advertised inside the Everready case would however see release a year later in 2008, along with a solo effort from Project: Deadman/Bedlam member, Prozak. For the majority of 2008, Ill Bill
Ill Bill
William Braunstein, better known as Ill Bill, is a American rapper and record producer from Brooklyn, New York. Having gained notoriety in the underground hip hop group Non Phixion, Ill Bill is known for his hardcore lyrics and as the producer, founder and CEO of Uncle Howie Records...
looked to be releasing his The Hour of Reprisal
The Hour of Reprisal
The Hour of Reprisal is the second studio album by American hip hop musician Ill Bill. It was released on September 16, 2008 by Uncle Howie Records. Featured guests on the album include Howard Jones of Killswitch Engage, Vinnie Paz of Jedi Mind Tricks, H.R...
through Strange Music, though the talks would fall through and he would instead sign with Fat Beats Records to release the album.
February 7, 2009, it was announced on Tech N9ne's official website that Big Scoob had joined the Strange Music label.
On February 9, 2009, it was announced on Tech N9ne's official website that Skatterman & Snug Brim had decided to leave the Strange Music label after fulfilling their commitment.
May 2009, Tech signed Brotha Lynch Hung to his Strange Music label. Brotha Lynch released his Strange album, Dinner and a Movie on March 23, 2010.
July 19, 2009, Cognito signed to the Strange Music label. Cognito did not tour with other labelmates during the KOD Tour in order to complete his 2010 album, "Automatic".
It was announced by XXL magazine
XXL (magazine)
XXL is a Hip-Hop magazine, published by Harris Publications.In 1997, XXL was founded by former Source staffers as well as other Harris Publication employees, who wanted to create their own magazine about the hip-hop music and culture using the model developed by the founders of The Source...
on September 27, 2010 that Jay Rock
Jay Rock
Johnny Reed McKinzie Jr. , better known by his stage name Jay Rock, is an American rapper. He was named one of the top 13 most street artists by XXL. His voice has been called a cross between Immortal Technique and Rick Ross. He is a part of the rap group Black Hippy which also features Kendrick...
had signed with Strange Music for a multi-album deal. On March 31, 2011, the label announced the addition of Stevie Stone to its roster. Stone officially signed with the label on March 17, 2011.
Strange Music West
On May 14, 2009, a press release was issued by the label, naming Dave Weiner (formerly of Priority RecordsPriority Records
Priority Records is an American record label, owned and operated by EMI, which has made a name for itself dealing primarily in hip hop, pop and world...
, JCor Entertainment & MSC Entertainment) the Vice President of "Strange Music West." In this new position, Dave will work hand in hand with Label President, Travis O'Guin from his satellite office in Los Angeles. One of his duties for the label will be to find and sign new acts to the label. Weiner was responsible for signing Sacramento, California
Sacramento, California
Sacramento is the capital city of the U.S. state of California and the county seat of Sacramento County. It is located at the confluence of the Sacramento River and the American River in the northern portion of California's expansive Central Valley. With a population of 466,488 at the 2010 census,...
rapper, Brotha Lynch Hung
Brotha Lynch Hung
Kevin Danell Mann , better known by his stage name Brotha Lynch Hung, is an American rapper and record producer from Sacramento, California...
to the Strange Music label.
Strange Lane Records
In 2010, Strange Music started a new label called Strange Lane Records. The first artist sign to the new subsidiary is Young BleedYoung Bleed
Glenn Clifton Jr. , better known as Young Bleed is an American hip-hop artist based out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Since his chart-topping 1998 release My Balls & My Word, Thug Drama, a ghost producer, introduced Young Bleed to Master P in 1997...
Strange Music Roster
| Artist | Year Signed | # of Albums under Strange Music |
|---|---|---|
| 816 Boyz (Krizz Kaliko, Kutt Calhoun, Makzilla & Tech N9ne) |
— | — |
| Big Scoob Big Scoob Stewart D. Ashby, Jr., better known by his stage name Big Scoob is an American rapper from Kansas City, Missouri and a member of Strange Music. Though he is one of the newest on the label, he isn't new to the rap game. He has been rapping since 1998 with a Local KC rap group called 57th Street... |
2009 | 2 |
| Brotha Lynch Hung Brotha Lynch Hung Kevin Danell Mann , better known by his stage name Brotha Lynch Hung, is an American rapper and record producer from Sacramento, California... |
2009 | 2 |
| Jay Rock Jay Rock Johnny Reed McKinzie Jr. , better known by his stage name Jay Rock, is an American rapper. He was named one of the top 13 most street artists by XXL. His voice has been called a cross between Immortal Technique and Rick Ross. He is a part of the rap group Black Hippy which also features Kendrick... |
2010 | 1 |
| K.A.B.O.S.H. (Tech N9ne, Krizz Kaliko, & Dirty Wormz) |
— | — |
| Krizz Kaliko Krizz Kaliko Samuel William Christopher Watson better known by his stage name Krizz Kaliko, is an American rapper and singer... |
— | 3 |
| Kutt Calhoun Kutt Calhoun Melvin Calhoun Jr., better known by his stage name Kutt Calhoun, is an American rapper from Kansas City, Missouri. His second album, Feature Presentation, debuted at #60 on the Billboard "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums" chart in its first week of release... |
2004 | 3 |
| ¡Mayday! ¡Mayday! ¡Mayday! is an American hip hop group from Miami, Florida that consists of lyricist Bernie Garcia , lyricist Ben Miller , keyboard player, guitarist Aaron Eckhart , percussionist Andrews Mujica , drummer Terrel , and bassist Gio .The band is known for its Miami-underground hit "Quicksand", which... |
2011 | — |
| Stevie Stone | 2011 | — |
| Tech N9ne Tech N9ne Aaron Dontez Yates , better known by his stage name Tech N9ne , is an American rapper from Kansas City, Missouri. In 1999, Yates and Travis O'Guin founded the record label Strange Music. Throughout his career, Yates has sold over one million albums and has had his music featured in film,... |
1999 | 9 |
Strange Lane Roster
| Artist | Year Signed | # of Albums under Strange Music |
|---|---|---|
| Young Bleed Young Bleed Glenn Clifton Jr. , better known as Young Bleed is an American hip-hop artist based out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Since his chart-topping 1998 release My Balls & My Word, Thug Drama, a ghost producer, introduced Young Bleed to Master P in 1997... |
2011 | 1 |
Former artists
| Artist | Year Signed | Year Left | # of Albums under Strange Music |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cognito | 2009 | 2010 | 1 |
| Grave Plott Grave Plott Grave Plott is a hardcore/horrorcore rap group consisting of Killa C and Liquid Assassin . Their first full length album, The Plott Thickens, was released on May 20, 2008, through a Distribution deal with Strange Music and Dirty Thug Records... (Killa C & Liquid Assassin) |
2008 | — | 1 |
| Project: Deadman (Prozak & Mike E. Clark Mike E. Clark Mike Earl Clark is an American record producer and DJ from Detroit, Michigan currently signed to Hatchet House.Clark is best known for his work with Insane Clown Posse, for which he has produced nine studio albums... ) |
2004 | — | 1 |
| Prozak Prozak (rapper) Steven T. Shippy, better known by his stage name Prozak, is an independent rapper and film director from Saginaw, Michigan. He is signed to Tech N9ne's Strange Music label through a distribution deal, as well as being a member of the rap groups Project: Deadman and Bedlam... |
2008 | 2008 | 1 |
| Skatterman & Snug Brim Skatterman & Snug Brim Skatterman & Snug Brim is a rap duo from Kansas City, Missouri, best known for their song, Block Party.After releasing projects separately, Skatterman and Snug Brim combined as a group. The duo released their first album, Worth A Million, in 2002 through Below Radar Records... |
2004 | 2009 | 2 |