Long before Clive Calder built Jive Records into the pop music juggernaut that featured Britney Spears, Nsync, The Backstreet Boys, R. Kelly and Justin Timberlake, the label was the home to some of the most important acts in hip-hop. These artists achieved both commercial and critical success and some went on to be among the biggest icons in all of entertainment (like Will Smith…). In fact, in the 80’s and early 90’s Jive put it down so hard in hip-hop and R&B it seems almost inconceivable they would eventually morph into the most successful pop music label of all time. What’s more impressive is the hip-hop they put out was as diverse as the roster of any label ever before or since.  Jive’s hip-hop artists included Whodini, Schooly D, Boogie Down Productions, A Tribe Called Quest, Souls of Mischief, Kool Moe Dee, DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince, Too Short, E-40, Spice 1 and even UGK.  All of it is a tribute to the musical genius of Clive Calder, who ultimately sold the company for $2.74 BILLION. Here are just some of the artists that make Jive Records the 11th most important hip-hop record label of all time.

Freaks Come Out at Night – Whodini

P.S.K. – Schooly D

Wild Wild West – Kool Moe Dee

Freaky Tales – Too Short

My Philosopy – Boogie Down Productions

Check the Rhyme – A Tribe Called Quest

Summertime – DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince

Trigga Gots No Heart – Spice 1

93 til Infinity – Souls of Mischief

The Most Beautifullest Thing in this World – Keith Murray

Touched – UGK

Rapper’s Ball- E-40

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