In addition to his crucial role in Guy and Blackstreet, Teddy Riley may be best known for pioneering the "New Jack Swing" sound (a term coined by journalist/screenwriter Barry Michael Cooper). The 51-year-old Riley is a product of Harlem's St. Nicholas housing projects, a backdrop for the new-jack slang and... Read more

In 1990, Guy was one of the biggest R&B acts in the world. Teddy Riley, Aaron Hall, Damian Hall (following the exit of Timmy Gatling) would release two platinum albums for Uptown/MCA Records. Pioneers of the New Jack Swing, the group released an onslaught of hits like "Groove Me," "Let's... Read more

In the canon of great producers, few stand taller than Teddy Riley. From the mid-80s to the mid-90s, the talented songwriter, artist and trackmaster had such a defining movement, an entire genre was created to describe his sound. New Jack City Is Turning 25. New Revelations From Its Writer Will... Read more

While record labels like Def Jam and Bad Boy are often celebrated for their contributions to music, and rightly so, the company that bridged the two is often overlooked. Uptown Records was founded in 1986 by Andre Harrell, one half of the Rap group Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, and... Read more

The name Andre Harrell might not be as well-known as Russell Simmons, Master P, Birdman or Puff Daddy, but he is responsible for one of the most important record labels in Hip-Hop and Soul history. Uptown Records was the home to Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, Heavy D, Al B. Sure,... Read more

Few, if any, producers have had a run like Teddy Riley did in the late 80's and early 90's. The King of New Jack Swing dominated the radio and the clubs with countless Hip-Hop and R&B jams. Here's a red hot mix of some of his many classics from DJ... Read more

Statik Selektah and Lord Sear have a dope series of mixtapes called Open Bar Classics which revisit various back in the day R&B classics. Their latest installment, Vol. 3, takes you on a journey of the New Jack Swing era. You'll hear everyone from Boyz II Men to Keith Sweat... Read more

...but not because they didn't put out dope music. #14 Uptown Records Uptown Records did not make its mark with rap music, though it was founded by former rapper Andre Harrell (one half of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde) and was home to some significant rappers. Uptown Records was extremely... Read more

Here's a really incredible 80's video mix that was done by M*Knight. It's a great way to get the weekend going. It was done some time ago, but the music is timeless. You'll hear music from Heavy D, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, Shelia E, Bobby Brown, Guy,... Read more

Sometimes you need a palate cleanser to get the most out of a good meal--something to clear your taste buds so you can approach the next serving with a fresh perspective.  We think the same is true for music.  We aspire to rep the best in hip-hop (old and new)... Read more