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{{Short description|Hip hop record label}}
{{ref improve|date=September 2014}}
{{infobox record label
{{Infobox record label
| name = Loud Records, LLC.
|image = [[Image:loudrecords.jpg|120px]]
| image = [[Image:loudrecords.jpg|120px]]
|parent = [[Universal Music Group|Universal]], [[Sony Music Entertainment|Sony]]
| image_size = 260px
|founded = 1991
| parent = {{plainlist|
⚫
|founder = [[Steve Rifkind]]<br>[[Rich Isaacson]]
* [[Bertelsmann Music Group]] (1991–1999)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Elsen|first1=Jon|title=Bertelsmann Involved in Loud Disagreement|url=https://nypost.com/1999/03/30/bertelsmann-involved-in-loud-disagreement/|website=[[New York Post]]|access-date=May 18, 2024|language=en|date=March 30, 1999}}</ref>
⚫
|status = Active
* [[Sony Music Entertainment]] (1999–present)
|distributor = [[Zoo Entertainment (record label)|Zoo]] (1991-1992)<br>[[RCA Records|RCA]] (1992-1999)<br>[[Columbia Records|Columbia]]<br>[[Relativity Records|Relativity]] (1999-2002, 2007)<br>[[SRC Records|SRC]]
|genre = Various
⚫
|country = [[United States of America]]
⚫
|location = 79 5th. Avenue, [[New York City|New York]], [[New York (state)|New York]] 10003, USA
}}
}}
⚫
| founder = {{hlist|[[Steve Rifkind]]|[[Rich Isaacson]]}}
| founded = {{Start date and age|1991}}
⚫
| status = Active
| distributor = {{hlist|[[Zoo Entertainment (record label)|Zoo]] (1991–1992)|[[RCA Records|RCA]] (1992–1999)|[[Columbia Records|Columbia]] (1999–2002)|[[RED Music|RED]] (1998; 2018–2020)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ender |first=Elena |date=2020-05-18 |title=Sony's Red Music Relaunches Loud Records With First Signee Axel Leon |url=https://www.musicconnection.com/loud-relaunch/|access-date=2024-05-17 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |language=en-US}}</ref>}}
| genre = {{hlist|[[Hip hop music|Hip hop]]|[[hardcore hip hop]]}}
⚫
| country = United States
⚫
| location = 79 5th. Avenue, [[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]] 10003, USA
| url = {{URL|1= https://loudrecords.shop.musictoday.com/}}
}}
'''Loud Records, LLC.''' (a [[backronym]] for '''Listeners of Urban Dialect'''<ref>{{cite web|title=Steve Rifkind Tells the Story of Loud Records (Full Interview) | website=[[YouTube]] | date=18 May 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9JpPG3tUDk|access-date=May 18, 2024}}</ref>) is a [[record label]] founded by [[Steve Rifkind]] and [[Rich Isaacson]] in 1991. Rifkind served as the [[chief executive officer]] while Isaacson served as the [[President (corporate title)|president]] of the label.


⚫
The label signed numerous artists such as [[Wu-Tang Clan]], [[Big Pun]], [[Mobb Deep]], [[Prodigy (rapper)|Prodigy]], [[Krayzie Bone]], [[The Beatnuts]], [[M.O.P.]], [[Tha Alkaholiks]], [[Pete Rock]], [[Lil' Flip]], [[Three 6 Mafia]], [[Project Pat]], [[Xzibit]], [[Twista]], [[Dead Prez]], [[Cella Dwellas|The Dwellas]], and [[The X-Ecutioners]]. The label also released [[thrash metal]] band [[Megadeth]]'s deluxe and remastered debut album ''[[Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!]]'' in 2002.
'''Loud''' is a [[record label]] founded by [[Steve Rifkind]] and [[Rich Isaacson]] in 1991.


==History==
⚫
Loud is a [[hip hop music|hip hop]] [[record label|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]], [[Twista]], [[Dead Prez]], [[Cella Dwellas|The Dwellas]] and [[The X-Ecutioners]]. The label also released [[thrash metal]] band [[Megadeth]]'s deluxe and remastered debut album ''[[Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!]]'' in 2002.
Rifkind helped the bi-coastal hip-hop label focus on "street-themed" hip-hop. The label was originally distributed by [[Zoo Entertainment (record label)|Zoo Entertainment]]. The label's first release was ''[[Runnin' Off at da Mouth]]'' by the label's first signee [[Twista|Tung Twista]] in June 1992. The sole single from the album, "[[Mr. Tung Twista]]" would be released in November 1992. Both, the album and single failed to chart and the label would drop Tung Twista. By the end of the year, the label would switch distribution from Zoo to [[RCA Records]].


In 1993, the label's fortune would improve. The label released ''Look Ma Duke, No Hands'' by [[Mad Kap]] in March, ''[[21 & Over (album)|21 & Over]]'' by [[Tha Alkaholiks]] in August, and lastly, ''[[Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)]]'' by [[Wu-Tang Clan]] in November. ''Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)'' would be credited for restoring the [[East Coast hip hop]] scene amidst the [[West Coast hip hop]] dominance during the early 90's. In 1994, through Loud executive Matt Life, Loud signed [[Unsigned Hype]] act [[Mobb Deep]] after being dropped from their previous label, [[4th & B'way Records]]. The duo released a promotional single "[[Shook Ones (song)|Shook Ones]]" following their signing. That same year, the label signed [[Cella Dwellas]].
The label was originally distributed by [[Zoo Entertainment (record label)|Zoo]]. It was later distributed by [[RCA Records|RCA]] until 1999 when distribution moved over to [[Columbia Records|Columbia]].


In February 1995, Mobb Deep released "[[Shook Ones, Part II]]" as their first single for ''[[The Infamous]]''. In the same month, [[Tha Alkaholiks]] released their second album ''[[Coast II Coast]]''. In April 1995, Mobb Deep released "The Infamous". Further singles from album included "[[Survival of the Fittest (song)|Survival of the Fittest]]", "[[Temperature's Rising (song)|Temperature's Rising]]", and "[[Give Up the Goods (Just Step)]]". In August 1995, [[Raekwon]] released his debut album ''[[Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...]]''.
⚫
In June 2007, [[Sony Music]] resurrected this label, after which Rifkind would buy it back, making it a subsidiary of [[SRC Records|SRC]].<ref name="BallerStatus">{{cite web|url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/2007/10/03/steve-rifkind-officially-secures-loud-name-plans-return-with-the-wu/|title=Steve Rifkind Officially Secures Loud Name, Plans Return With The Wu|publisher=BallerStatus.com|first=Allen|last=Starbury|date=October 3, 2007}}</ref> His 1st act after re-gaining the label was, as he did 15 years earlier, signing the [[Wu-Tang Clan]].<ref name="BallerStatus"/>


Loud's success led to Rifkind selling 50% of the company to RCA in 1996.<ref>Forbes Magazine. April 21, 1997</ref> In March, Cella Dwellas released their debut album, ''[[Realms 'n Reality]]''. Delinquent Habits' released their [[Delinquent Habits (album)|self titled]] debut in June. [[Sadat X]] of [[Brand Nubian]] would released his debut album, ''[[Wild Cowboys]]'' in July. [[Xzibit]] released his debut album, ''[[At the Speed of Life]]'' in October. The last release for the label in 1996 would be Mobb Deep's third studio album, ''[[Hell on Earth (Mobb Deep album)|Hell on Earth]]'' released in November. The album's second single, "[[Drop a Gem on 'Em]]" was notable for being a response to [[2Pac]]'s diss track "[[Hit 'Em Up]]" during the height of the [[East Coast–West Coast hip hop rivalry]].
⚫
On July 29, 2012, Steve Rifkind announced that he was leaving Universal on September 1, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/1084403/steve-rifkind-chairmanceo-of-src-records-leaving-universal|title=Steve Rifkind, Chairman/CEO of SRC, Leaving Universal|first=Jem|last=Aswad|publisher=Billboard|date=July 31, 2012}}</ref>.

In 1997, the label signed rapper [[Big Pun]]. His debut album, ''[[Capital Punishment (Big Pun album)|Capital Punishment]]'' was released through Loud in April 1998 to critical acclaim and commercial success. The album featured fellow Loud label-mates [[Inspectah Deck]] and [[Prodigy (rapper)|Prodigy]]. Peaking in the top 5 on the ''Billboard'' 200, the album was certified Platinum by the RIAA for selling over a million units in America, making Big Pun the first solo Latin artist to go Platinum.

In 1999, Loud switched distributors from RCA to [[Columbia Records]]. As a result of the switch, [[Mobb Deep]]'s fourth studio album, ''[[Murda Muzik]]'' was delayed and heavily bootlegged in the process. Despite its bootlegging, the album was a critical and commercial success upon release in 1999. ''Murda Muzik'' debuted and peaked within the top 3 on the ''Billboard'' 200, and was certified Platinum in America.

On February 7, 2000, rapper Big Pun died of a heart attack. At the time of his death, he was working on his second and final studio album. That album, ''[[Yeeeah Baby]]'', debuted and peaked in the top 3 on the ''Billboard'' 200, and was certified Platinum by the RIAA. It also featured Big Pun's protege and Loud label-mate [[Remy Ma]].

In March 2002, [[Sony Music Entertainment|Sony Music]] would cease Loud operations, leaving the artists of the label to sign elsewhere.<ref>{{cite web|author=J-23|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.780/title.xzibit-signs-with-columbia-records|title=Xzibit Signs With Columbia Records startup|publisher=[[HipHopDX]]|date=March 19, 2002|access-date=May 17, 2024}}</ref>

⚫
In June 2007, Sony Music resurrected the label, after which Rifkind would buy it back, making it a subsidiary of [[SRC Records|SRC]].<ref name="BallerStatus">{{cite web|url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/2007/10/03/steve-rifkind-officially-secures-loud-name-plans-return-with-the-wu/|title=Steve Rifkind Officially Secures Loud Name, Plans Return With The Wu|publisher=BallerStatus.com|first=Allen|last=Starbury|date=October 3, 2007}}</ref> His 1st act after re-gaining the label was, as he did 15 years earlier, signing the [[Wu-Tang Clan]].<ref name="BallerStatus"/>

⚫
On July 29, 2012, Steve Rifkind announced that he was leaving Universal on September 1, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/1084403/steve-rifkind-chairmanceo-of-src-records-leaving-universal|title=Steve Rifkind, Chairman/CEO of SRC, Leaving Universal|first=Jem|last=Aswad|publisher=Billboard|date=July 31, 2012}}</ref>

On October 6, 2017, after the [[2017 BET Hip Hop Awards]] cipher with [[6lack]], [[Tee Grizzley]], [[Little Simz]], Mysonne and Axel Leon went live, Axel Leon said that he had made a deal with Rifkind via Instagram. Making Axel Leon the first person to be signed to Loud after Rifkind left Universal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/2017/12/axel-leon-bronx|title=On South Bronx's Underground Scene, Axel Leon Is King|date=4 December 2017|website=Vibe}}</ref>

In 2020, Loud Records announced a re-launch of the label to be fully independent, giving clients the ability to own their masters.<ref>{{Cite web |last=ago |first=Culture-1 year |date=2020-09-28 |title=Loud Records is Being Re-Launched With an All-New Roster |url=https://www.okayplayer.com/culture/loud-records-relaunch.html |access-date=2022-03-03 |website=Okayplayer |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mayfield |first=Geoff |date=2020-09-28 |title=Steve Rifkind Unveils New Loud Music Group Artist Roster, Staff |url=https://variety.com/2020/music/news/steve-rifkind-loud-music-group-1234785262/ |access-date=2022-03-03 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> The re-launch included changing the name from Loud Records to Loud Music Group.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allah |first=Sha Be |date=2020-09-30 |title=Steve Rifkind Re-establishes Loud Music Group |url=https://thesource.com/2020/09/30/steve-rifkind-re-establishes-loud-music-group/ |access-date=2022-03-03 |website=The Source |language=en-US}}</ref> The new label roster includes Rifkind's son, Ryrif.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mayfield |first=Geoff |date=2020-09-28 |title=Steve Rifkind Unveils New Loud Music Group Artist Roster, Staff |url=https://variety.com/2020/music/news/steve-rifkind-loud-music-group-1234785262/ |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Associated Labels==
*[[Open Bar Entertainment]], a record label launched by Loud artist Xzibit in 2000.
*[[Terror Squad Entertainment]], a record label launched in 1997 by rapper [[Fat Joe]], which housed Loud rappers [[Remy Ma|Remy]] and Big Pun.
*Infamous Records, a record label launched in 2000 by Loud rapper [[Prodigy (rapper)|Prodigy]]


==Artists==
==Artists==
* [[Wu-Tang Clan]]
*[[The Alkaholiks]]
* [[Three 6 Mafia]]
*[[The Beatnuts]]
* [[Project Pat]]
*[[Big Pun]] (deceased)
*[[Cella Dwellas]]
* [[Big Pun]] (Deceased)
⚫
*[[Davina (R&B singer)|Davina]]
* [[Krayzie Bone]]
* [[Dead Prez]]
*[[dead prez]]
* [[Twista|Tung Twista]]
*[[Delinquent Habits]]
* [[Mobb Deep]]
*[[Adriana Evans]]
* [[Xzibit]]
*[[Funkmaster Flex]]
* [[Pete Rock]]
*[[Gangsta Boo]] (deceased)
*[[Havoc (musician)|Havoc]]
⚫
* [[Raekwon]]
* [[GZA]]
*[[Inspectah Deck]]
* [[Inspectah Deck]]
*[[Killarmy]]
* [[Cella Dwellas]]
*[[Krayzie Bone]]
* [[M.O.P.]]
*[[L.V. (singer)|L.V.]]
* [[The Alkaholiks]]
*[[Lil' Flip]]
* [[Yvette Michele]]
*[[M.O.P.]]
*[[Mad Kap]]
⚫
* [[Davina (R&B singer)|Davina]]
*[[Yvette Michele]]
*[[Mobb Deep]]
*[[No Good (group)|No Good]]
*[[Prodigy (rapper)|Prodigy]] (deceased)
*[[Project Pat]]
⚫
*[[Raekwon]]
*[[Remy Ma|Remy]]
*[[Pete Rock]]
*[[Sadat X]]
*[[Tash (rapper)|Tash]]
*[[Three 6 Mafia]]
*[[Twista|Tung Twista]]
*[[Wu-Tang Clan]]
*[[The X-Ecutioners]]
*[[Xzibit]]


== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[List of record labels]]
*[[List of record labels]]
*[[Loud Records discography]]


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

{{Wu-Tang Clan}}
{{Mobb Deep}}
{{Big Pun}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Loud Records| ]]
[[Category:Loud Records| ]]
[[Category:Defunct record labels of the United States]]
[[Category:Defunct record labels of the United States]]
[[Category:New York (state) record labels]]
[[Category:Record labels based in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Hardcore hip hop record labels]]
[[Category:Hardcore hip-hop record labels]]
[[Category:Hip hop record labels]]
[[Category:Hip-hop record labels]]
[[Category:Defunct companies based in New York City]]
[[Category:Defunct companies based in New York City]]
[[Category:Record labels established in 1992]]
[[Category:Record labels established in 1992]]
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[[Category:Record labels established in 2007]]
[[Category:Record labels established in 2007]]
[[Category:Record labels disestablished in 2012]]
[[Category:Record labels disestablished in 2012]]
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[[Category:Sony Music]]
[[Category:SRC Records]]
[[Category:SRC Records]]
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[[Category:Universal Records]]

{{US-record-label-stub}}

Latest revision as of 15:21, 19 December 2024

Loud Records, LLC.
Parent company
Founded1991; 33 years ago (1991)
Founder
StatusActive
Distributor(s)
Genre
Country of originUnited States
Location79 5th. Avenue, New York City, New York 10003, USA
Official websiteloudrecords.shop.musictoday.com

Loud Records, LLC. (a backronym for Listeners of Urban Dialect[3]) is a record label founded by Steve Rifkind and Rich Isaacson in 1991. Rifkind served as the chief executive officer while Isaacson served as the president of the label.

The label signed numerous artists such as Wu-Tang Clan, Big Pun, Mobb Deep, Prodigy, Krayzie Bone, The Beatnuts, M.O.P., Tha Alkaholiks, Pete Rock, Lil' Flip, Three 6 Mafia, Project Pat, Xzibit, Twista, Dead Prez, The Dwellas, and The X-Ecutioners. The label also released thrash metal band Megadeth's deluxe and remastered debut album Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good! in 2002.

History

[edit]

Rifkind helped the bi-coastal hip-hop label focus on "street-themed" hip-hop. The label was originally distributed by Zoo Entertainment. The label's first release was Runnin' Off at da Mouth by the label's first signee Tung Twista in June 1992. The sole single from the album, "Mr. Tung Twista" would be released in November 1992. Both, the album and single failed to chart and the label would drop Tung Twista. By the end of the year, the label would switch distribution from Zoo to RCA Records.

In 1993, the label's fortune would improve. The label released Look Ma Duke, No Hands by Mad Kap in March, 21 & Over by Tha Alkaholiks in August, and lastly, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) by Wu-Tang Clan in November. Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) would be credited for restoring the East Coast hip hop scene amidst the West Coast hip hop dominance during the early 90's. In 1994, through Loud executive Matt Life, Loud signed Unsigned Hype act Mobb Deep after being dropped from their previous label, 4th & B'way Records. The duo released a promotional single "Shook Ones" following their signing. That same year, the label signed Cella Dwellas.

In February 1995, Mobb Deep released "Shook Ones, Part II" as their first single for The Infamous. In the same month, Tha Alkaholiks released their second album Coast II Coast. In April 1995, Mobb Deep released "The Infamous". Further singles from album included "Survival of the Fittest", "Temperature's Rising", and "Give Up the Goods (Just Step)". In August 1995, Raekwon released his debut album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx....

Loud's success led to Rifkind selling 50% of the company to RCA in 1996.[4] In March, Cella Dwellas released their debut album, Realms 'n Reality. Delinquent Habits' released their self titled debut in June. Sadat X of Brand Nubian would released his debut album, Wild Cowboys in July. Xzibit released his debut album, At the Speed of Life in October. The last release for the label in 1996 would be Mobb Deep's third studio album, Hell on Earth released in November. The album's second single, "Drop a Gem on 'Em" was notable for being a response to 2Pac's diss track "Hit 'Em Up" during the height of the East Coast–West Coast hip hop rivalry.

In 1997, the label signed rapper Big Pun. His debut album, Capital Punishment was released through Loud in April 1998 to critical acclaim and commercial success. The album featured fellow Loud label-mates Inspectah Deck and Prodigy. Peaking in the top 5 on the Billboard 200, the album was certified Platinum by the RIAA for selling over a million units in America, making Big Pun the first solo Latin artist to go Platinum.

In 1999, Loud switched distributors from RCA to Columbia Records. As a result of the switch, Mobb Deep's fourth studio album, Murda Muzik was delayed and heavily bootlegged in the process. Despite its bootlegging, the album was a critical and commercial success upon release in 1999. Murda Muzik debuted and peaked within the top 3 on the Billboard 200, and was certified Platinum in America.

On February 7, 2000, rapper Big Pun died of a heart attack. At the time of his death, he was working on his second and final studio album. That album, Yeeeah Baby, debuted and peaked in the top 3 on the Billboard 200, and was certified Platinum by the RIAA. It also featured Big Pun's protege and Loud label-mate Remy Ma.

In March 2002, Sony Music would cease Loud operations, leaving the artists of the label to sign elsewhere.[5]

In June 2007, Sony Music resurrected the label, after which Rifkind would buy it back, making it a subsidiary of SRC.[6] His 1st act after re-gaining the label was, as he did 15 years earlier, signing the Wu-Tang Clan.[6]

On July 29, 2012, Steve Rifkind announced that he was leaving Universal on September 1, 2012.[7]

On October 6, 2017, after the 2017 BET Hip Hop Awards cipher with 6lack, Tee Grizzley, Little Simz, Mysonne and Axel Leon went live, Axel Leon said that he had made a deal with Rifkind via Instagram. Making Axel Leon the first person to be signed to Loud after Rifkind left Universal.[8]

In 2020, Loud Records announced a re-launch of the label to be fully independent, giving clients the ability to own their masters.[9][10] The re-launch included changing the name from Loud Records to Loud Music Group.[11] The new label roster includes Rifkind's son, Ryrif.[12]

Associated Labels

[edit]

Artists

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Elsen, Jon (March 30, 1999). "Bertelsmann Involved in Loud Disagreement". New York Post. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  2. ^ Ender, Elena (2020-05-18). "Sony's Red Music Relaunches Loud Records With First Signee Axel Leon". Variety. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  3. ^ "Steve Rifkind Tells the Story of Loud Records (Full Interview)". YouTube. 18 May 2017. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  4. ^ Forbes Magazine. April 21, 1997
  5. ^ J-23 (March 19, 2002). "Xzibit Signs With Columbia Records startup". HipHopDX. Retrieved May 17, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  6. ^ a b Starbury, Allen (October 3, 2007). "Steve Rifkind Officially Secures Loud Name, Plans Return With The Wu". BallerStatus.com.
  7. ^ Aswad, Jem (July 31, 2012). "Steve Rifkind, Chairman/CEO of SRC, Leaving Universal". Billboard.
  8. ^ "On South Bronx's Underground Scene, Axel Leon Is King". Vibe. 4 December 2017.
  9. ^ ago, Culture-1 year (2020-09-28). "Loud Records is Being Re-Launched With an All-New Roster". Okayplayer. Retrieved 2022-03-03.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  10. ^ Mayfield, Geoff (2020-09-28). "Steve Rifkind Unveils New Loud Music Group Artist Roster, Staff". Variety. Retrieved 2022-03-03.
  11. ^ Allah, Sha Be (2020-09-30). "Steve Rifkind Re-establishes Loud Music Group". The Source. Retrieved 2022-03-03.
  12. ^ Mayfield, Geoff (2020-09-28). "Steve Rifkind Unveils New Loud Music Group Artist Roster, Staff". Variety. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
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