#13 Cold Chillin’ Records

Many people say the golden age of hip-hop was in the late 80’s and early 90’s. If you fall into that category, there’s no doubt Cold Chillin’ Records featured some of your favorite artists of all time (in any genre). In fact, many would argue that Cold Chillin’s all star track, The Symphony, was the greatest posse cut in hip-hop history. Cold Chillin’ also has the unfortunate legacy of playing a vital role in one of rap’s first major beefs between 2 artists repping different regions. Many of Cold Chillin’s artists hailed from Queens, including MC Shan who became embroiled in a war with KRS-ONE who was from the Bronx. Fortunately, beef was resolved on wax back then but the war and resultant battle records that would come from the conflict between MC Shan’s Juice Crew and KRS’ Boogie Down Productions would span a few years before fading away. Those wars would be a harbinger for far worse things to come in hip-hop, but more on that later. For now, revel in the glory that was Cold Chillin’ Records. Here’s a playlist of some of their greats. You know the names: Kane, Biz, Shan, G. Rap, and Masta Ace.

Previously: #20 Rakwus Records, #19 Loud Records, #18 Select Records and #17 Fresh Records, #16 Rap-A-Lot Records, #15 Ruffhouse Records, #14 Uptown Records, #13 Cold Chillin’ Records, #12 No Limit Records, #11 Jive Records