Between 2007 and early 2016, two of the most exciting Hip-Hop acts on Epic Records were seemingly inactive. Through a series of label moves, restructuring, and dissolving imprints, Outkast and A Tribe Called Quest were label-mates. LaFace/Arista rolled into Jive, which restructured into Epic. Both groups had fans and media... Read more

The business side of Hip-Hop was shaken up earlier this month with Antonio "L.A." Reid's swift dismissal at Epic Records. Stemming from allegations that he sexually assaulted an assistant at the record label, Reid's departure ignited heated debate from the industry's biggest talking heads, including two of the most outspoken -... Read more

Almost 16 years ago, A Tribe Called Quest released its fifth album, The Love Movement. A Top 3 debut, the album arrived to the public following word from the group that it would be their last. In addition to frustrations with the act's lifelong label, Jive Records, Q-Tip publicly spoke... Read more

In looking at Rap superstars, their producers are never far behind in recognition. Rick Rubin was the musical architect that would have a hand in the success of Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, and Beastie Boys. Dr. Dre's "Midas Touch" with N.W.A., Snoop Dogg (and to a lesser extent) Tupac cleared... Read more

Antonia L.A. Reid stands tall as one of the most influential players in the music industry. Heads love him for introducing such acts as Outkast and TLC to a broad audience, but he's put in more than three decades of work into the careers of others, as well. Having essentially... Read more

In the more than 20-year history of Bad Boy Records, Puff Daddy has inked deals with a number of distributors. In the 1990s glory years, Clive Davis' Arista helped put multi-platinum, highly-acclaimed albums by The Notorious B.I.G., Ma$e, and Craig Mack in stores. For much of the 2000s, Diddy (as... Read more