6 Independent and Business Savvy Hip-Hop Labels
Roc-A-Fella Records is an American record label founded by Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, Damon Dash, and Kareem “Biggs” Burke. Founded in 1996, Roc-A-Fella Records began as an independent outlet for Jay-Z’s first album. After years of successful releases from Jay-Z himself, M.O.P., N.O.R.E., Beanie Sigel, Freeway, Amil, and Memphis Bleek, among others, the infamous Roc-A-Fella ‘split’ occurred when it was revealed that Carter, Dash and Burke had sold their 50% interest in Roc-A-Fella to Def Jam, making the label full owners. As President, Carter retained control of the Roc and his masters, ousting his two former partners. On May 21, 2009, Jay-Z opted out of his contract from Def Jam for an unprecedented $5,000,000 and started his deal with Live Nation. Although the founders have departed, Kanye West’s albums are still put out through the label.
