Strictly Rhythm
Strictly Rhythm is a New York-based house-music record label that was set up in 1989. It was founded by Mark Finkelstein and A&R expert Gladys Pizarro. It released material by such artists as Roger Sanchez, the Vengaboys, Planet Soul, George Morel, DJ Pierre, Todd Terry, Masters At Work, Reel 2 Real, Josh Wink, Ultra Naté, and Armand Van Helden.
Along with breaking some of the most explosive talent in dance music, Strictly Rhythm (simply known as Strictly) was also one of the most business-minded independent labels in the United States. It was one of the first dance labels (if not the first) to recognize the value of actively licensing dance music singles to non-US territories and actively exploited this advantage. At the same time, it was also one of the most artist-friendly labels as there were almost no complaints from artists and producers about Strictly's business practices.
In 2000, the label entered into a joint venture wth Warner Music Group, but it folded two years later, during October 2002. After four years of legal wrangling, Finkekstein was able to regain control of the label's trademark, master tapes, publishing, and all rights. In 2007, the label was ready to relaunch anew with help from the American branch of the UK's Defected Records. Legal downloads followed soon afterward.