1.
Memphis, Tennessee
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Memphis is a city in the southwestern corner of the U. S. state of Tennessee and the county seat of Shelby County. The city is located on the fourth Chickasaw Bluff, south of the confluence of the Wolf, Memphis had a population of 653,450 in 2013, making it the largest city in the state of Tennessee. It is the largest city on the Mississippi River, the third largest in the greater Southeastern United States, the greater Memphis metropolitan area, including adjacent counties in Mississippi and Arkansas, had a 2014 population of 1,317,314. This makes Memphis the second-largest metropolitan area in Tennessee, surpassed by metropolitan Nashville, Memphis is the youngest of Tennessees major cities, founded in 1819 as a planned city by a group of wealthy Americans including judge John Overton and future president Andrew Jackson. A resident of Memphis is referred to as a Memphian, and the Memphis region is known, particularly to media outlets, as Memphis and the Mid-South. Occupying a substantial bluff rising from the Mississippi River, the site of Memphis has been a location for human settlement by varying cultures over thousands of years. The historic Chickasaw Indian tribe, believed to be their descendants, French explorers led by René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle and Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto would encounter the Chickasaw in that area, in the 16th century. J. D. L. Chickasaw Bluffs, located on the Mississippi River at the present day location of Memphis, spain and the United States vied for control of this site, which was a favorite of the Chickasaws. The United States gained the right to navigate the Mississippi River, the Spanish dismantled the fort, shipping its lumber and iron to their locations in Arkansas. Captain Isaac Guion led an American force down the Ohio River to claim the land, by this time, the Spanish had departed. The forts ruins went unnoticed twenty years later when Memphis was laid out as a city, the city of Memphis was founded on May 22,1819 by John Overton, James Winchester and Andrew Jackson. They named it after the ancient capital of Egypt on the Nile River, Memphis developed as a trade and transportation center in the 19th century because of its flood-free location high above the Mississippi River. Located in the delta region along the river, its outlying areas were developed as cotton plantations. The cotton economy of the antebellum South depended on the labor of large numbers of African-American slaves. Through the early 19th century, one million slaves were transported from the Upper South, Many were transported by steamboats along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. This gave planters and cotton brokers access to the Atlantic Coast for shipping cotton to England, the citys demographics changed dramatically in the 1850s and 1860s under waves of immigration and domestic migration. Due to increased immigration since the 1840s and the Great Famine, ethnic Irish made up 9.9 percent of the population in 1850, but 23.2 percent in 1860, when the total population was 22,623. They had encountered considerable discrimination in the city but by 1860 and they also gained many elected and patronage positions in the Democratic Party city government, and an Irish man was elected as mayor before the Civil War
2.
Hip hop music
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It developed as part of hip hop culture, a subculture defined by four key stylistic elements, MCing/rapping, DJing/scratching with turntables, break dancing, and graffiti writing. Other elements include sampling beats or bass lines from records, while often used to refer solely to rapping, hip hop more properly denotes the practice of the entire subculture. Hip hops early evolution occurred as sampling technology and drum machines became available and affordable. Turntablist techniques such as scratching and beatmatching developed along with the breaks and Jamaican toasting, rapping developed as a vocal style in which the artist speaks or chants along rhythmically with an instrumental or synthesized beat. The Sugarhill Gangs 1979 song Rappers Delight is widely regarded to be the first hip hop record to gain popularity in the mainstream. The 1980s marked the diversification of hip hop as the genre developed more complex styles, prior to the 1980s, hip hop music was largely confined within the United States. However, during the 1980s, it began to spread to scenes in dozens of countries. New school hip hop was the wave of hip hop music, originating in 1983–84 with the early records of Run-D. M. C. The Golden age hip hop period was a period between the mid-1980s and the early 1990s. Notable artists from this era include the Juice Crew, Public Enemy, & Rakim, Boogie Down Productions and KRS-One, EPMD, Slick Rick, Beastie Boys, Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane, Ultramagnetic MCs, De La Soul, and A Tribe Called Quest. Gangsta rap is a subgenre of hip hop that often focuses on the violent lifestyles, in the West Coast hip hop style, G-funk dominated mainstream hip hop for several years during the 1990s. I. G. In the 1990s, hip hop began to diversify with other regional styles emerging, such as Southern rap, at the same time, hip hop continued to be assimilated into other genres of popular music, examples being Neo soul and nu metal. Hip hop became a pop music genre in the mid-1990s. The popularity of hip hop music continued through the 2000s, with hip hop influences also increasingly finding their way into mainstream pop, the United States also saw the success of regional styles such as crunk, a Southern genre that emphasized the beats and music more than the lyrics. Starting in 2005, sales of hip hop music in the United States began to severely wane, during the mid-2000s, alternative hip hop secured a place in the mainstream, due in part to the crossover success of artists such as OutKast and Kanye West. Creation of the hip hop is often credited to Keith Cowboy, rapper with Grandmaster Flash. However, Lovebug Starski, Keith Cowboy, and DJ Hollywood used the term when the music was known as disco rap. Cowboy later worked the hip hop cadence into a part of his stage performance, the first use of the term in print was in The Village Voice, by Steven Hager, later author of a 1984 history of hip hop
3.
Yo Gotti
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Mario Mims, better known by his stage name Yo Gotti, is an American rapper. In 1996, Gotti released his debut album Youngstas On a Come Up under the alias Lil Yo. He went to release From Da Dope Game 2 Da Rap Game, Self-Explanatory, Life, Back 2 da Basics, Live from the Kitchen, I Am, Mims grew up in Ridgecrest Apartments of Frayser, Memphis. He began his career around the age of 14, rapping as Lil Yo, affiliated with DJ Sound. Between 2000 and 2006, Yo Gotti released a string of independent albums, from Da Dope Game 2 Da Rap Game, Self-Explanatory, Life and Back 2 da Basics. After several delays Yo Gotti released his label debut studio album Live From The Kitchen on January 10,2012. The albums original first single was titled 5 Star and it was released on May 20,2009, the single peaked at 79 on the Hot 100,19 on U. S R&B and 11 on U. S Rap. Women Lie, Men Lie featuring Lil Wayne the albums single was released on December 11,2009. The song peaked at 81 on 100,22 on the U. S R&B and 12 on the U. S Rap, look In the Mirror was the third single released 7 months after the second single on July 27,2010. The song peaked at 97 on the U. S R&B chart, Live From The Kitchen debuted at number 12 on the US Billboard 200, with 16,000 copies sold in its first week of sales in the United States. After three weeks on the chart the album has sold 36,000 copies in the United States, in 2012 due to Gottis views of the low sales of his debut album he took his departure from RCA Records & Polo Grounds Music. On October 17,2012, he released the 7th version of his mixtape series Cocaine Muzik entitled Cocaine Muzik 7. In early 2013, Gotti announced that he and his label CMG had been signed to a deal with Epic Records from longtime business partner L. A. Reid. On May 28,2013, Yo Gotti announced that his studio album would be titled I Am. The first single from his studio album I Am is titled Act Right and features Young Jeezy. The song debuted at #5 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and at #39 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. As of September 21, it has peaked at #100 on the Hot 100, making it Gotti and YGs third Hot 100 entry, #33 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, in July 2013, it was announced that the album would be released on November 19,2013. On September 2,2013, Yo Gotti released the mixtape Nov 19th, on October 7,2013, the albums second official single King Shit featuring T. I. was sent to mainstream urban radio in the United States
4.
Epic Records
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Epic Records is an American record company owned by Sony Music Entertainment, a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, Inc. Epic was founded predominantly as a jazz and classical music label in 1953 and it later expanded its scope to include a more diverse range of musical genres, including pop, R&B, rock and hip hop. Historically, the label has housed popular acts such as Boston, ABBA, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Dave Clark Five, Gloria Estefan, Pearl Jam, Shakira, Anastacia, and Sly & the Family Stone. Along with Columbia and RCA Records, Epic is one of Sony Music Entertainments three main record labels, L. A. Reid has served as chairman and CEO of Epic since July 2011. Sylvia Rhone was appointed president in March 2014, Epic Records was launched in 1953 by Columbia Records for the purpose of marketing jazz, pop and classical music that did not fit the theme of its more mainstream Columbia Records label. Initial classical music releases were from Philips Records which distributed Columbia product in Europe, pop talent on co-owned Okeh Records were transferred to Epic which made Okeh a rhythm and blues label. Epics bright-yellow, black, and blue became a familiar trademark for many jazz. By 1960, the musical base had been expanded to include all genres. This was done in part to prevent the roster of Columbia Records from being overstuffed with newer artists, subsequently, Epic became better known for its signing of newer, fledgling acts. By the end of the 1960s, Epic earned its first gold records and had evolved into a formidable hit-making force in rock and roll, R&B and country music. Among its many acts, it included Roy Hamilton, Bobby Vinton, The Dave Clark Five, The Hollies, Tammy Wynette, Donovan, The Yardbirds, Lulu, July, Helen Shapiro and Jeff Beck. Also during the 1960s, Epic oversaw the smaller subsidiary CBS labels including Okeh Records, in 1968, Epic recordings began being distributed in the UK by CBS after the distribution deal with EMI expired that year, Epic itself launched in England around 1971. Epic was involved in a trade of artists. Graham Nash was signed to Epic because of his membership in The Hollies, when the newly formed Crosby, Stills & Nash wanted to sign with Atlantic Records, Ahmet Ertegün worked out a deal with Clive Davis whereby Richie Furays new band Poco would sign with Epic. Also contributing to the success was its distribution of Philadelphia International Records. Sony bought CBS Records in 1987, and the company was renamed Sony Music in 1991. In 2004, Sony merged with another powerhouse music distributor, BMG, bringing labels such as RCA, Arista, Columbia, Epic, Jive, in February 2009, singer and songwriter Amanda Ghost was appointed president of Epic Records. Later in the year, Sony BMG Music merged Epic and Columbias operations, Sony BMGs Legacy Recordings reissues the companys classic and catalog titles
5.
Roc Nation
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Roc Nation, LLC is an American entertainment company founded by Jay Z & Jay Brown in 2008. The company has offices in New York City, London, Nashville, Austin, the company also has partnerships with global management companies Three Six Zero Urban Media Global Network Collective and Philymack. Rj Entertainment World Wide based in Austin, Texas In 2008, the firm has a multi-year partnership with live event company Live Nation. In June 2009, Roc Nation signed a 4-year distribution deal with Sony Music, in 2010, Roc Nation partnered with London-based entertainment company Three Six Zero Group. In February 2013, Roc Nation signed a music publishing administration deal with Warner/Chappell Music. In April 2013, Roc Nation formed a new sports management division, Roc Nation Sports, shortly thereafter, Roc Nation Sports also launched a boxing promotion division. After the Sony deal expired, in April 2013, Roc Nation signed a partnership with Universal Music. In February 2015, Roc Nation and Three Six Zero Group announced the formation of Three Six Zero Entertainment, a division representing clients in film, television and the literary arts. In November 2016, the administrator of Princes estate authorized a copyright lawsuit against Roc Nation for putting 15 Prince albums up on the streaming service Tidal. In beginning of March 2017, Roc Nation announced the formation of Arrive, jahlil Beats Lab Ox Ludwig Göransson L1 Stress Roc Nation albums discography Roc Nation singles discography RocNation. com
6.
RCA Records
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RCA Records is an American record label owned by Sony Music Entertainment, a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, Inc. It is one of SMEs three flagship labels, alongside Columbia Records and Epic Records. The label has released multiple genres of music, including pop, rock, hip hop, R&B, blues, jazz, the companys name is derived from the initials of the labels former parent company, the Radio Corporation of America. It is the second oldest recording company in US history, after sister label Columbia Records, RCAs Canadian unit is Sonys oldest label in Canada. It was one of only two Canadian record companies to survive the Great Depression, kelly, Enrique Iglesias, Foo Fighters, Kings of Leon, Kesha, Miley Cyrus, Giorgio Moroder, Jennifer Hudson, DAngelo, Pink, Tinashe, G-Eazy, Pitbull, Zayn and Wizkid. In 1929, the Radio Corporation of America purchased the Victor Talking Machine Company, then the worlds largest manufacturer of phonographs and phonograph records. The company then became RCA Victor but retained use of the Victor Records name on their labels until the beginning of 1946 when the labels were finally switched over to RCA Victor. With Victor, RCA acquired New World rights to the famous Nipper His Masters Voice trademark, in Shanghai, China, in 1931, RCA Victors British affiliate the Gramophone Company merged with the Columbia Graphophone Company to form EMI. This gave RCA head David Sarnoff a seat on the EMI board, in September 1931, RCA Victor introduced the first 33⅓ rpm records sold to the public, calling them Program Transcriptions. In the depths of the Great Depression, the format was a commercial failure, during the early part of the depression, RCA made a number of attempts to produce a successful cheap label to compete with the dime store labels. The first was the short-lived Timely Tunes label in 1931 sold at Montgomery Ward, in 1932, Bluebird Records was created as a sub-label of RCA Victor. It was originally an 8-inch record with a blue label. In 1933, RCA reintroduced Bluebird and Electradisk as a standard 10-inch label, another cheap label, Sunrise, was produced. The same musical couplings were issued on all three labels and Bluebird Records still survives eight decades after Electradisk and Sunrise were discontinued, RCA also produced records for Montgomery Ward label during the 1930s. Besides manufacturing records for themselves, RCA Victor operated RCA Custom which was the leading record manufacturer for independent record labels, RCA Custom also pressed record compilations for The Readers Digest Association. RCA sold its interest in EMI in 1935, but EMI continued to distribute RCA recordings in the UK, RCA also manufactured and distributed HMV classical recordings on the RCA and HMV labels in North America. During World War II, ties between RCA and its Japanese affiliate JVC were severed, the Japanese record company is today called Victor Entertainment and is still a JVC subsidiary. From 1942 to 1944, RCA Victor was seriously impacted by the American Federation of Musicians recording ban, virtually all union musicians could not make recordings during that period
7.
Polo Grounds Music
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Polo Grounds Music is a hip hop and R&B record label. Polo Grounds Music is an entertainment company with a focus in publishing, management, marketing. Founded in 2006 by Bryan Leach, the New York-based company is home to record label Polo Grounds Music, ASAP ASAP Ferg - Trap Lord ASAP Rocky - At. ASAP ASAP Ferg- Always Strive and Prosper Tuddababy - long story Polo Grounds Official website Interview with Bryan Leach, HitQuarters April 2004
8.
J Records
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J Records was an American major record label owned and operated by Sony Music Entertainment, and was distributed through the RCA Music Group. The label was founded in 2000 and was dissolved into RCA Records in 2011, olivia was the first artist to sign to J Records, but was later dropped due to poor album sales. In 2001, the label found success with its multi-platinum record inaugural release, Songs in A Minor, the album of Alicia Keys. The same year, Lyric signed to the label and became the first female group act under J Records, by late 2001, J Records attained another success with the platinum-selling debut album by O-Town. Later, established artists like DAngelo, Luther Vandross, Jamie Foxx, and Monica would join the J roster, in 2002, BMG bought a majority stake in the label. The same year, J Records began functioning under the RCA Music Group, where Davis had been appointed president and CEO, in August 2005, J Records operations were merged with Arista Records, although both labels continued to release their own product. During the summer of 2011, RCA Music Group underwent a restructuring which shuttered J along with sister labels Jive, RCA Records will now start releasing all RCA Music Group releases under RCA Records. com Interview with J Records A&R Peter Edge
9.
Cash Money Records
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Cash Money Records is an American record label founded by two brothers, Bryan Birdman Williams and Ronald Slim Williams. The label is distributed by Republic Records, which used to be Universal Republic, Cash Money is estimated to be worth $300 million USD. Cash Money Records was founded in 1991, Bryan Williams told some of his close friends the motivation for starting the label, I was hoping it would get us out of the projects and into a positive way of life. And we wanted to other people get out of this poverty Along the way he met a lot of influential people on the road with the Hot Boys. Cash Money and Universal negotiated the deal between Cash Money and Universal Músic Groups Universal Records, which became an 80%-20% distribution deal, later, UMG acquired a portion of Cash Money Records, making it a UMG subsidiary. For its first few years, Cash Money played host to a number of releases by artists, selling only one album. Some of the labels releases garnered some success in New Orleans, Louisiana. Artists on the label during this period included the group U. N. L. V, kilo G, Lil Slim, Pimp Daddy, and PxMxWx. In 1995, the label signed young rappers B. G, the signees marked what would be the second wave of Cash Money artists. In 1997, B. G. and Lil Wayne formed the group the Hot Boys together with Juvenile, although they made little impact outside of the region in the beginning, they became the labels most well-known artists early on. Cash Moneys big break came in 1998 when the Hot Boys, B. G. and Juvenile in particular, Dino Delvaille, who orchestrated the deal, later told HitQuarters, I made certain they retained 100% ownership of their work. After the deal Cash Money records achieved a new level of success, the release of Juveniles 1998 album 400 Degreez, which was certified 4X Platinum by the RIAA, solidified Cash Money as a powerful label in the national hip-hop scene. Later albums in 1999 such as the Hot Boys Guerrilla Warfare, B. G. s Chopper City in the Ghetto, and Lil Waynes Tha Block Is Hot also saw great chart success and furthered the labels reputation. These albums contained major Billboard hits such as Juveniles Back That Azz Up, B. G. s Bling Bling, All of Cash Moneys albums and singles in this period were solely produced by the labels in-house producer, Mannie Fresh. Their A&R at Universal, Dino Delvaille, said, When they first came into the business, they were very reluctant to make records with other people. They probably felt that people would steal their style or flavor, and I had to work hard to get them to open up to making records with Cam’ron, Puffy and this labels success continued into the 2000s. Between 2001 and 2003, the label sold 7 million albums, the song Still Fly by the Big Tymers was nominated for two Grammy Awards. However, B. G. and Juvenile left the label in 2002, in 2007, former Hot Boys member Lil Wayne was named president of Cash Money Records and CEO of Young Money Entertainment
10.
TVT Records
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TVT Records was an American record label founded by Steve Gottlieb. Over the course of its 25-year history, the label released some 25 Gold, additionally, TVT also had success overseas, achieving a gold release in Germany and Sweden with The Connells and scored platinum and gold records in Canada with Default. TeeVee Toons was founded in 1985 by Steve Gottlieb, a graduate of Yale University, Gottlieb launched the label from his New York City apartment with the release of Televisions Greatest Hits, an album featuring theme songs from classic TV shows that became a respectable seller. The San Francisco Chronicle called the album the most fun you can have with your pants on, in 1992, TVT purchased the Chicago-based industrial music label Wax Trax. This gave TVT the artists and/or catalogue releases of such acts as, Ministry, My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult, KMFDM, in 1995, TVT started their official soundtrack imprint called TVT SOUNDTRAX headed by Patricia Joseph releasing television, film, and Broadway soundtracks. It expanded Televisions Greatest Hits to a series and released over 70 film and TV soundtracks. Its theatrical music releases included the Stephen Sondheim Follies, in 1996 Crains named Gottlieb one of its forty under 40 Rising Stars to Watch, citing the 50% yearly growth of TVT. In 1999 TVT completed a securitization that enabled it to raise $23.5 million in growth capital, in 2000, TVT Records opened TVT Distribution, a distribution company for third party labels, among them Vagrant Records. TVT Distribution, in conjunction with Vagrant, went on to achieve gold album success with Dashboard Confessional, in 2000, TVT became the first label to put its entire catalog online available for downloading and free streaming by fans. In 2001, the reached a amicable arrangement with Napster for use of TVTs artist copyrights. CEO Gottlieb served on the Board of Directors of Musicmatch, TVT was one of the founding members of the Association of Independent Music, an organization devoted to protecting independent labels interests. In 2002, the label got into a dispute with Lyor Cohen, then head of Island Def Jam. The dispute involved Cohen and Universal paying former TVT artist Ja Rule $8 million to not deliver an album paid for by TVT, in the resulting litigation Universal was prohibited by the courts from releasing the album created with TVTs funding. In the ultimate trial over the claims of fraud and tortious interference, on appeal, Cohen and Universal argued the existence of an agreement between the parties meant that their behavior was only a breach of contract and not a fraud or tort. The court agreed, reducing TVTs award to $126,000, TVT, who signed Pitbull several years later, had sought to notice third parties that the distribution and sale of this album would violate TVTs exclusive right to create new music by the artist. TVT filed for appeal but was unable to post the required bond, on February 19,2008, Gottlieb stated This is not the end of TVT. The music publishing assets were transferred to TVT Music Enterprises, official website Former A&R Bryan Leach on TVT, HitQuarters Apr 2004
11.
Gucci Mane
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Radric Delantic Davis, known by his stage name Gucci Mane, is an American hip hop recording artist from Atlanta, Georgia. In 2007, Gucci Mane founded 1017 Records and he helped pioneer the hip hop subgenre trap music, alongside fellow Atlanta-based rappers T. I. and Young Jeezy. In 2005, Gucci Mane debuted with Trap House, followed by his second and third albums, Hard to Kill and his fourth album, Back to the Trap House was released in 2007. In 2009, Gucci Mane released his studio album, The State vs. Radric Davis. Gucci Mane has released dozens of mixtapes and has worked with such as Drake, Lil Wayne, Omarion, Mariah Carey. His 2016 collaboration with Rae Sremmurd, titled Black Beatles, provided Gucci Mane with his first number-one single on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, Radric Delantic Davis was born on February 12,1980 in Birmingham, Alabama. He later moved with his mother to Atlanta in 1989. He enjoyed writing poetry as a child, and began rapping at the age of 14, in 2001, Davis released La Flare on Str8 Drop Records. It was pressed onto about 1000 CDs and distributed on the streets, in 2002, Davis linked up with SYS Records as a member of the Sign Yourself Click. Gucci also linked up with producer Zaytoven and made his own label, after heading to New York in search of a distribution deal and returning home empty, he was introduced to Big Cat, the head of Big Cat Records. Securing a distribution deal with Tommy Boy Records, Gucci continued to work the underground while preparing for the release of his debut album, in 2005, Davis released his independent debut album entitled Trap House, which featured the single Icy with Young Jeezy. Trap House may not have arrived with the fanfare of other LP’s from that time, the album creeped into the top 20 of the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts and landing at the top spot on the Billboard Heatseekers Album chart. Disputes over the rights to this caused a rift between the two artists. Hard to Kill followed in 2006, Hard To Kill included the hit single Freaky Gurl. The song peaked at number 12 on the Hot Rap Tracks, number 19 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and he also shot videos for the tracks Street Nigazzz and Pillz. The official remix of Freaky Gurl featuring Ludacris and Lil Kim was included on his 2007 commercial debut album Back to the Trap House, Gucci Mane appeared on OJ da Juicemans Make Tha Trap Say Aye and began working on various mixtapes. Gucci Mane signed to Warner Bros. Records in May 2009 and he appeared on remixes of the songs Boom Boom Pow by The Black Eyed Peas, Obsessed by Mariah Carey and 5 Star Chick by Yo Gotti and made a guest appearance on Marios Break Up. Gucci Manes second studio album The State vs. Radric Davis was released under the label Warner Bros. Records on December 8,2009 and its first single, Wasted featuring Plies, was originally from Guccis 2009 mixtape Guccimania
12.
Jadakiss
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Jason Phillips, better known as Jadakiss, is an American rapper. He is a member of the group The LOX and the hip hop collective Ruff Ryders, Jadakiss is one of the three owners of the imprint known as D-Block Records. In early 2007, Jadakiss signed to Roc-a-Fella Records and Def Jam Records, Jadakiss has also released four studio albums, with the most recent being Top 5 Dead or Alive on November 20,2015. By age 16, Jadakiss was a freestyle rapper and he and some of his friends were given the opportunity to compete in the Jack the Rapper Competition in Florida, where Jadakiss had been noticed for his battle rap ability. He met Dee and Wah of the Ruff Ryders, and began hanging out, Phillips founded the rap group The Warlocks in 1994 with friends, Sheek Louch and Styles P. They later signed to Bad Boy Entertainment, where it was suggested that change their name simply to The LOX. They made their first appearance on The Main Sources 1994 LP Fuck What You Think on the track Set it Off, the group, especially Jadakiss, developed a close relationship with The Notorious B. I. G. during which time Jadakiss was taken under Biggies wing. The LOXs first hit was the tribute to The Notorious B. I. G. called Well Always Love Big Poppa in 1997, in 1998, the LOX released Money, Power & Respect. Though the record was successful, eventually going Platinum, The LOX grew unhappy with Bad Boy Records and Puffys glossy, following this album, they left the label to sign with Ruff Ryders Entertainment. Jadakisss debut album, Kiss Tha Game Goodbye, was released in August 2001 on the Ruff Ryders/Interscope label. The album featured guests and producers such as DJ Premier, The Alchemist, DMX, Eve, Snoop Dogg and Swizz Beatz. Jadakiss has acknowledged the criticism as, generally speaking, valid, the album produced three singles, We Gonna Make It featuring Styles P, Knock Yourself Out and Put Ya Hands Up. Jadakiss is mentioned in Eminems 2002 song Till I Collapse as one of the best rappers in the industry, Jadakisss second album, Kiss of Death, was released in June 2004. His song Why. became one of the years biggest hits, spawning a remix featuring Styles P, Common, Nas, why. remains Jadas biggest hit, peaking at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100. Another single from the record, U Make Me Wanna, featured Mariah Carey and was a more commercially driven love song. Kiss of Death did not reflect the popularity of its lead single, in late 2007, Jadakiss signed to Jay-Zs Roc-A-Fella Records, a move Jay had been trying to arrange for a long time. In 2009, Jadakiss released his official album, The Last Kiss. The first single is By My Side, featuring Ne-Yo, the second official single is Cant Stop Me
13.
Jeezy
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Jay Wayne Jenkins, better known by his stage name Young Jeezy, is an American rap artist from Atlanta, Georgia. In 1998, he launched the label imprint CTE World, aside from his solo career, Jeezy is the de facto leader of the southern hip hop group United Streets Dopeboyz of America, and is a former member of the Bad Boy Records rap group Boyz n da Hood. Jeezy is also known for helping pioneer the hip hop subgenre trap music, alongside fellow Atlanta-based rappers T. I. Jeezy embarked on his music career in 2001, as Lil J, with the release of Thuggin Under the Influence. He later joined Boyz n da Hood in 2005, the year his solo major label debut Lets Get It. Its lead single Soul Survivor, which features R&B singer Akon and his subsequent albums, The Inspiration and The Recession, both yielded chart-topping singles. Jay Wayne Jenkins was born in Columbia, South Carolina and relocated to Atlanta, because his parents were separated, custody of him transferred between family members frequently. In an interview with XXL magazine, he described his childhood as empty, in 1994, he spent nine months in YCA, a boot camp in Fort Stewart, Georgia, for narcotics possession. Jeezy released his first independent album, Thuggin Under the Influence and it featured artists such as Freddy J. Kinky B, Fidank, and Lil Jon, who also produced some of the tracks. In 2003, Jeezy released Come Shop wit Me, a set featuring completely new tracks with some songs from T. U. I. Jeezy signed with Bad Boy Records in 2004 and joined the group Boyz n da Hood, whose self-titled album was released in June 2005 and peaked at #5 on the Billboard 200 albums charts. In May 2004, Jazze Phas manager Henry Noonie Lee showed Young Jeezys demo to his friend Shakir Stewart, Vice President Artist, Stewart fell in love with it the first time heard it and took it to L. A. Reid. Reid recognised the talent and gave Stewart the green light to sign him, as the hottest thing on the street at the time, various labels - including Warner and Interscope – were after his signature. However, Young Jeezy decided he wanted to be in business with Stewart, as a result, signed with Def Jam Records. Young Jeezys debut single off his album, And Then What featuring Mannie Fresh. Young Jeezys major label debut, Lets Get It, Thug Motivation 101, was released on July 26,2005 and it debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200, selling 172,000 copies in its first week and was later certified Platinum by the RIAA. The second single off the album, Soul Survivor featuring Akon reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, the third single, My Hood, reached #77 on the Billboard Hot 100. In an interview with HitQuarters, A&R Shakir Stewart said that Jeezy had recorded over 60 songs for the album, in interviews and on several records, Young Jeezy has affirmed his resistance to commercialism in his music. Maintaining his street credibility, according to Young Jeezy, is of the utmost concern to him as an artist, in 2005, Young Jeezy was featured in several popular hip hop songs including Gucci Manes Icy and Boyz n da Hoods Dem Boyz
14.
Rick Ross
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William Leonard Roberts II, known professionally by his stage name Rick Ross, is an American rapper and entrepreneur. In 2009, Ross founded the record label Maybach Music Group, on which he released his studio albums Deeper Than Rap, Teflon Don, God Forgives, I Dont, Mastermind, Hood Billionaire, Ross was also the first artist signed to Diddys management company Ciroc Entertainment. In early 2012, MTV named Ross as the Hottest MC in the Game, william Leonard Roberts II was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and raised in Carol City, Florida. After graduating from Miami Carol City Senior High School, he attended the historically black college Albany State University on a football scholarship, Roberts worked as a correctional officer for 18 months from December 1995, until his resignation in June 1997. In his early years at Suave House Records, Roberts initially made his debut under the pseudonym Teflon Da Don and he made his recording debut on the song Aint Shhh to Discuss on Erick Sermons lone album for DreamWorks, Def Squad Presents Erick Onasis. In the mid-2000s, he changed his name to Rick Ross and he derived his stage name from the former drug kingpin Freeway Rick Ross, to whom he has no connection. After being signed to Suave House Records, former label for rap duo 8Ball & MJG, he signed a deal with Slip-n-Slide Records. While signed to Slip-n-Slide, Roberts toured with fellow rapper Trick Daddy and made guest performances on other Slip-n-Slide albums. His debut album Port of Miami was released in August 2006 and debuted at the top spot on the U. S. Billboard 200 album chart, Christian Hoard of Rolling Stone magazine predicted that it would be the summers biggest rap record. The second single was Push It, which samples Scarface, the song from the gangster film Scarface. The music video for Push It was modeled after the film, during that time, Ross made guest performances on two singles from DJ Khaleds debut Listennn. The Album, Born-N-Raised and Holla at Me, Port of Miami received Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America on November 8,2006. In March 2008, his second album Trilla was released and, as its predecessor Port of Miami had, debuted at the top of the Billboard 200. Its lead single Speedin featuring R. Kelly peaked at number 21 on the U. S. Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles, the third single Here I Am featured Nelly and Avery Storm. MTV News ranked Ross on the spot in its 2008 Hottest MCs in the Game list among ten rappers. The fourth single This Is The Life featured Trey Songz and was released in July, I look at all the strategies people use and what made them successful. What made Birdman just as relevant today after selling 50 million records, to see the class of Jay-Z, his accomplishments and see how he sits backs and accurately makes his moves. A track from the album called Valley of Death was what stood out to MTV reporters, in the song, Ross speaks briefly on his controversial stint as a prison guard
15.
Starlito
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Jermaine Eric Shute, better known by his stage name Starlito is an American rapper from Nashville, Tennessee. He is best known for the 2005 song, Grey Goose which featured artists Young Jeezy and his second single, released in 2007, was Champagne Crazy featuring then lablemate Lil Wayne. His third radio single was I Go Ham and would also feature the Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane. He is also known for working with rapper Young Buck and the Ca$hville Records label earlier in his career and he later briefly signed with major label Cash Money Records. During this time he would release numerous mixtapes under the label including The I Love You series and The Tenn-a-Keyan series. After basically no support from the Cash Money label he would release the song B. M. F translating to begging for my freedom, be my friend, or belittle my future. He was released from his contract and then put out the mixtape Free At Last as a proclamation of his freedom from his situation with Cash Money Records. Starlitos first mixtape was released around the time he was attending Tennessee State University where he was also on the basketball team, the series of mixtapes entitled Starlitos Way and Starlitos Way 2 have been his most critically acclaimed work to the date. Specifically Starlitos Way 2 in which much growth is seen in his delivery, following suit of its predecessors the maturation of Lito becomes apparent with songs like the story rap Threes Company. Lito is a not often found in todays rapper, continuous progression, charisma. Lito is also a member of the Nashville rap group Trash Bag Gang, in the summer of 2011 he released a mix tapes and Debuts Independents album with My Lil Brother Don Trip titled Step Brothers. The collaboration was met with critical acclaim being voted one of the top mixtapes of the year. In October 2011. A month later another mix tape was released by All Star called Separation Anxiety, in January he released a Musical Mixtape entitled For My Foes, a 20-minute YouTube video with four songs. On March 31,2012 Starlito released a mixtape called Mental WARfare, the album included WTF which is Starlitos latest single. At a show in his town on May 27, Starlito announced that he had signed with Grind Hard Records in an attempt to restart the same success the group shared during the mid-2000s. Since making his independence in the music industry clear Starlito has taken a vow of quality control and has continued to release music, on July 2,2013, Starlito released Cold Turkey, a studio album for sale on iTunes. The Cold Turkey album debuted at one on the Heatseekers Album chart in its first week. On October 15,2013, Starlito & My Brother Donavan Tripled released Step Brothers TWO, with the release of Step Brothers TWO, Starlito has seen a new level of success in his career
16.
Young Buck
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David Darnell Brown, best known by his stage name Young Buck, is an American rapper. Buck is a member of the hip hop group UTP Playas. As a music executive, he heads his own label, Ca$hville Records. After being dismissed from the back in 2008, Buck reunited with his former group members on June 1,2014 at Hot 97s Summer Jam event. Around the age of twelve, Brown began rapping because he was inspired by a Miami friend named Clay Cole, jealous of his friends talent, he wanted to beat him no matter what he had to give up. At the same time Clay Cole moved to Tallahassee in Florida, shortly thereafter, he was given an opportunity to perform for Brian Baby Williams, co-founder of Cash Money Records. After several years on and off of Cash Money Records, Brown and fellow rapper Juvenile decided to leave the label for good in 2000 and go to UTP Records, where Brown stayed until 2003. One of his appearances was on the song Memphis, where he was featured along with Three 6 Mafia, Project Pat. His deal with UTP later led to a meeting with New York rapper 50 Cent, Young Buck would get his first major deal with Cash Money Records in 1995 when he was given an opportunity to perform to Brian Baby Williams, co-founder of Cash Money. Buck, soon after, would tour with Birdman on the road, even though Buck was signed with the label, he never appeared on any of their albums or released his own under the label. The trustee administering his estate has said she plans to sell the trademarked Young Buck moniker itself along with other assets. While he admitted both artists have his respect, Birdman said there is no truth to the speculation, stating Both of them is two of the little homies I have the utmost respect for, he said, I dont know Lil Bs situation. Im friends to both of them, if the opportunity ever came, I would love to work with both of them. I know Buck is in a situation, I got love and respect for both of them, but they never came across the menu yet -- I spoke with Buck a few times, hes been a friend of the family. But it aint came to none of that, after leaving Cash Money in late 2000, Young Buck joined UTP Records and the rap group UTP Playas. His deal with UTP later led to a meeting with New York rapper 50 Cent who later signed Buck to G-Unit Records, under Interscope Records. Buck would release 2 albums Born To Be A Thug & The Compilation with UTP before leaving the label and rap group in 2003 to join 50 Cents record label G-Unit Records and the rap group G-Unit. After leaving UTP Records in 2003, Young Buck would link up with up, looking to broaden his empire,50 Cent was quick to sign Young Buck to his G-Unit imprint and also welcome him as one of the newest members of the rap group G-Unit
17.
Live from the Kitchen
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Live from the Kitchen is the sixth studio album by American rapper Yo Gotti. It was released on January 10,2012, by Polo Grounds Music, the album was supported by two singles, We Can Get It On and Single. The album has marked as his first official release with Polo Grounds Music alongside the distribution by RCA Records. The albums lead single, We Can Get It On was released for download on May 9,2011. The song peaked at number 31 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, the albums second single, Single was released for digital download on August 5,2011. The song peaking at number 75 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, the albums promotional single,5 Star was available for digital download on June 11,2009. The song became Gottis most successful single on the chart, as it peaked at number 79 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The remix to 5 Star, which features guest vocals from fellow rappers Gucci Mane, Trina, the albums second promotional single, Women Lie, Men Lie featuring Lil Wayne, was released for digital download on December 11,2009. The song peaking at number 81 on the Billboard Hot 100, upon the albums release, Harder featuring Rick Ross, it debuted at number 6 on the US Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. The album debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200, with 16,000 copies in its first week of sales in the United States, to date, the album has sold 36,000 copies in the United States. Notes Single features additional vocals from Stuey Rock
18.
I Am (Yo Gotti album)
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I Am is the seventh studio album by American hip hop recording artist Yo Gotti. The album was released on November 19,2013, by Epic, the album features guest appearances from T. I. Ne-Yo, Wale, Rich Homie Quan, J. Cole, Jeezy, Meek Mill, the album was supported by the singles Act Right featuring YG and Jeezy, King Shit featuring T. I. Cold Blood featuring J. Cole, and I Know featuring Rich Homie Quan, the first and fourth singles were later certified gold by the RIAA. On May 28,2013, Yo Gotti announced that his studio album would be titled I Am. In July 2013, it was announced that the album would be released on November 19,2013, on September 2,2013, Yo Gotti released the mixtape Nov 19th, The Mixtape in promotion for the album. In a December 2013, interview with Mikey T The Movie Star, Yo Gotti spoke about how the album was received, saying, We gettin nothin but good, most important to me, the fans loved it. Fans fuck wit it. Just givin the people what they want, ive seen a lot of growth with this album. We doing different platforms, TV shows, we doing shows in different markets, Just being on different blog sites. Im seeing a lot of different things coming, I guess its because of the growth of the material that I put out on this album. On July 23,2013, the albums first single Act Right featuring Jeezy, on July 24,2013, the music video for Act Right featuring Jeezy and YG was released. Act Right has since peaked at number 100 on the US Billboard Hot 100, on October 7,2013, the albums second official single King Shit featuring T. I. was released to mainstream urban radio in the United States. On October 15,2013, the video for King Shit featuring T. I. was released. King Shit has since peaked at five on the US Billboard Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart, on October 27,2013, Yo Gotti premiered the albums third single, Cold Blood featuring rapper J. Cole and Canei Finch. Four days later on October 31, Cold Blood was serviced to urban radio in the United States. Then on November 19,2013, Cold Blood was serviced to contemporary radio in the United States. On February 5,2014, the video was released for Cold Blood featuring J. Cole. On November 20,2013, the video was released for LeBron James
19.
The Art of Hustle
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The Art of Hustle is the eighth studio album by American rapper Yo Gotti. It was released on February 19,2016, by Epic Records, the album supported by two singles, Down in the DM, and Law featuring E-40. Down in the DM was released as the albums first single on October 27,2015, the song was produced by Ben Billions and Schife. The music video for the single premiered on February 4,2016 via Gottis VEVO channel, the song has peaked at number 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Law featuring E-40, was sent to rhythmic crossover radio March 28,2016, the song was produced by Big Fruit. The music video of the song was released on April 7,2016, the song has peaked at number 79 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200 collecting 61,000 album-equivalent units, with 45,000 copies sold in the first-week in the United States
20.
5 Star (Yo Gotti song)
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5 Star is song and video by Yo Gotti. The song is produced by Hot Rod and it was released on May 20,2009. The music video was released on August 2009, Rick Ross made a appearance on the video. The song had a lot of getting heavy promotion on MTV, MTV2 and BET. The music video was shot in Los Angeles and premiered on 106 & Park two months prior to the remix video. The remix video premiered on 106 & Park on October 9,2009, later peaking at #1, the official remix has two versions, both versions have a new verse by Yo Gotti and verses by rappers Gucci Mane & Trina. The original remix, has a verse by Lil Boosie but Because of Lil Boosies impending four-year prison sentence, he was unable to attend the video shoot and that version, now the main official remix, has a verse by Young Money artist Nicki Minaj replacing Boosies verse. The explicit version of the remix with Nicki Minaj was released as a single on November 9,2009. The remix featuring Gucci Mane, Trina, & Nicki Minaj was included in the album instead of the original version
21.
Women Lie, Men Lie
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Women Lie, Men Lie is a single by American rapper Yo Gotti. It was released on iTunes on December 11,2009 for digital download and this song samples the Jay-Z song Reminder released earlier that year. Following his signing to J Records in 2009, Yo Gotti began to record material for his studio album. 5 Star, the first single released from the album, became Gottis first song to appear on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 79. In an interview with HipHopDX, Gotti revealed that he had recorded a song with Lil Wayne for the album, although the title was not announced at the time. Following its leak online, Women Lie, Men Lie was released for download on December 14,2009. We Can Get It On, a collaboration with singer Ciara, was released as the new first single from the album on May 19,2011. Women Lie, Men Lie is backed by a propulsive, swaggering electronica-based production and it is of three minutes and 36 seconds in length, and the songs concept and title were inspired by lyrics from fellow rapper Jay-Zs song Reminder, from his album The Blueprint 3. The music video debuted on BET and it features a story about a girl. Lil Wayne filmed this video before his jail sentence, Women Lie, Men Lie Audio on YouTube
22.
Lil Wayne
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Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. known professionally as Lil Wayne, is an American hip hop recording artist and author from New Orleans, Louisiana. In 1991, at the age of nine, Lil Wayne joined Cash Money Records as the youngest member of the label, in 1996, Lil Wayne joined the southern hip hop group Hot Boys, with his Cash Money label-mates Juvenile, Young Turk and Lil Doogie. Hot Boys debuted with Get It How U Live. that same year, Most of the groups success came with their platinum-selling album Guerrilla Warfare and the 1999 single Bling Bling. Along with being the flagship artist of Cash Money Records, Lil Wayne is also the Chief Executive Officer of his own imprint, Young Money Entertainment. Lil Waynes solo debut album Tha Block Is Hot, was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America and his subsequent albums, Lights Out and 500 Degreez, went on to be certified gold. Wayne reached higher popularity with his fourth album Tha Carter, which was led by the single Go D. J. and his appearance on Destinys Childs Top 10 single Soldier, that same year. The album was followed by Tha Carter II, as well as several mixtapes, Wayne gained more prominence with his sixth album Tha Carter III, which became his most successful album to date, with first-week sales of over one million copies in the United States. The album won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album and includes the hit singles Lollipop, A Milli, following the success of Tha Carter III, Wayne decided to record a rock-esque album titled Rebirth. The album, released in 2010, was certified gold by the RIAA, in March 2010, Lil Wayne began serving an 8-month jail sentence in New York after being convicted of criminal possession of a weapon stemming from an incident in July 2007. Waynes eighth album I Am Not a Human Being, was released during his incarceration and his 2011 album and first following his release, Tha Carter IV, sold 964,000 copies in its first week of availability in the United States. It includes the singles 6 Foot 7 Foot, How to Love, on September 27,2012, Lil Wayne passed Elvis Presley as the male with the most entries on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, with 109 songs. The record has since passed by other artists. Lil Waynes thirteenth studio album, Tha Carter V has been delayed multiple times and has no scheduled release date, Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. was born on September 27,1982, and grew up in the Hollygrove neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana. His mother, a cook, gave birth to him when she was 19 years old and his parents divorced when he was 2, and his father permanently abandoned the family. Although Wayne and Birdman have a relationship and Birdman calls Carter his son, Waynes biological father. Lil Wayne has also spoken about his stepfather, Rabbit. Carter has a dedicated to Rabbit, who was murdered before Carter became a star. Carter enrolled in the program of Lafayette Elementary School and in the drama club of Eleanor McMain Secondary School
23.
Billboard 200
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The Billboard 200 is a record chart ranking the 200 most popular music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists, often, a recording act will be remembered by its number ones, those of their albums that outperformed all others during at least one week. The chart is based mostly on sales of albums in the United States, the weekly sales period was originally Monday to Sunday when Nielsen started tracking sales in 1991, but since July 2015, tracking week begins on Friday and ends on Thursday. A new chart is published the following Tuesday with an issue post-dated to the Saturday of the following week, the charts streaming schedule is also tracked from Friday to Thursday. Example, Friday January 1 – sales tracking week begins Thursday January 7 – sales tracking week ends Tuesday January 12 – new chart published, New product is released to the American market on Fridays. Digital downloads of albums are included in Billboard 200 tabulation. Albums that are not licensed for sale in the United States are not eligible to chart. As of the issue dated April 15,2017, the album on the Billboard 200 is More Life by Drake. Billboard began an album chart in 1945, initially only five positions long, the album chart was not published on a weekly basis, sometimes three to seven weeks passing before it was updated. A biweekly, 15-position Best-Selling Popular Albums chart appeared in 1955, the position count varied anywhere from 10 to 30 albums. The first number-one album on the new weekly list was Belafonte by Harry Belafonte, the chart was renamed to Best-Selling Pop Albums later in 1956, and then to Best-Selling Pop LPs in 1957. Beginning on May 25,1959, Billboard split the ranking into two charts Best-Selling Stereophonic LPs for stereo albums and Best-Selling Monophonic LPs for mono albums and these were renamed to Stereo Action Charts and Mono Action Charts in 1960. In January 1961, they became Action Albums—Stereophonic and Action Albums—Monophonic, three months later, they became Top LPs—Stereo and Top LPs—Monaural. On August 17,1963 the stereo and mono charts were combined into a 150-position chart called Top LPs, on April 1,1967, the chart was expanded to 175 positions, then finally to 200 positions on May 13,1967. In 1960, Billboard began concurrently publishing album charts which ranked sales of older or mid-priced titles and these Essential Inventory charts were divided by stereo and mono albums, and featured titles that had already appeared on the main stereo and mono album charts. In January 1961, the Action Charts became Action Albums—Monophonic, Albums appeared on either chart for up to nine weeks, then were moved to an Essential Inventory list of approximately 200 titles, with no numerical ranking. This list continued to be published until the consolidated Top LPs chart debuted in 1963, in 1982, Billboard began publishing a Midline Albums chart which ranked older or mid-priced titles. The chart held 50 positions and was published on a bi-weekly basis, on May 25,1991, Billboard premiered the Top Pop Catalog Albums chart
24.
L.A. Reid
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Antonio Marquis L. A. Reid is an American music executive, musician, songwriter, record producer, author and former television music competition judge. He is currently the chairman and CEO of Epic Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment. Reid was also the founder and CEO of Hitco Music Publishing, based in New York, Reid first began his music career as a drummer, with his first appearance on record being with the Cincinnati funk rock outfit Pure Essence. Pure Essence released one solitary 45 in the mid-1970s and they later appeared on local FM rock radio station WEBNs second annual LP compilation, but the group was renamed Essence. Reid would experience more success when he became a member of the 1980s R&B band The Deele, best known for their 1988 hit Two Occasions. The band had broken up before the success of the single, the song peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. After The Deele disbanded, Reid and band mate Kenneth Babyface Edmonds founded LaFace in 1989 through a joint venture with Arista Records, with funding from Arista Records creator Clive Davis. The label soon became one of the destinations for popular African-American entertainers who created Black Pop music that was easily accessible to both Urban and Top 40 radio formats. Reid signed 14-year-old Usher to the label, whose six album releases have sold 65 million units worldwide, other popular acts on the label during its peak include Toni Braxton, TLC, and Outkast. Both TLC and Toni Braxton went on to more than 65 million records each. Initially headquartered in Atlanta, the played a significant role in building the current landscape of the Atlanta music industry. Hitco Publishing Group With the belief that good songwriting is essential to the success of recording artists, Reid formed the Hitco Publishing Group in 1996 and he gave the future senior vice president of Island Def Jam Music Group his first position as an inter-level creative person at Hitco. In May 2000, Edmonds and Reid sold their remaining 50% stake in LaFace to parent company BMG, the label became an imprint of Arista Records, with Arista taking on sales, marketing, and promotional duties for its acts. At this time, Reid also succeeded his mentor Clive Davis as president of Arista Records, in 2000, LaFace was merged into Arista Records with Reid being promoted to president and CEO of Arista Records. In 1997 Reid was accepted to the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program in preparation to become CEO of Arista Records in 2000, Reid signed his first unknown artist, pop/rocker Avril Lavigne, to Arista. Her debut album Let Go sold 6 million copies in the United States, as president of Arista Records, Reid brought the company great success by signing artists such as P. nk and Ciara. Outkasts Speakerboxxx/The Love Below also went on to sell 10 million copies and won a Grammy Award for Album of the year. Following the merger of Sony and BMG, L. A. Reid was released from his contract at Arista in 2004 and quickly became the chairman, Reid stepped down as Chairman/CEO of Island Def Jam in March 2011
25.
YG (rapper)
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Keenon Daequan Ray Jackson, known professionally as YG, is an American rapper from Compton, California. In 2009, he released his single, Toot It and Boot It featuring Ty Dolla Sign. The singles success resulted in him signing to Def Jam Recordings, in the following years, YG released mixtapes such as The Real 4Fingaz and Just Red Up 2, among others. In June 2013, YG signed a deal to Young Jeezys imprint CTE World and his 2013 single, My Nigga featuring Jeezy and Rich Homie Quan, peaked at number 19 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming the highest charting song of his career. He then released the singles Left, Right and Who Do You Love, featuring Drake, leading up to the release of his debut studio album. His debut album, My Krazy Life, was released on March 18,2014 by Pu$haz Ink, CTE World and Def Jam, on June 17,2016 he released his second studio album, Still Brazy, to critical acclaim. YG was born Keenon Daequan Ray Jackson in Compton, California, in 2012, he announced his debut album, then titled Im 4rm Bompton, would be exclusively produced by rapper Syla$. Later in June 2013, he revealed that Jeezys record label CTE World would release the album and he was then featured on Yo Gottis Act Right also featuring Jeezy. It would peak at number 100 on the Billboard Hot 100 and he was then prominently featured on the CTE World mixtape, Boss Yo Life Up Gang in August 2013. On September 4,2013, YG revealed that his album would be released on November 19,2013 via Def Jam Recordings. He also revealed that Drake would be featured on a song titled Who Do You Love, shortly thereafter he released the albums lead single My Nigga featuring Rich Homie Quan and Jeezy, also produced by DJ Mustard. The song has peaked at number 19 on the US Billboard Hot 100. On December 10,2013, YG released the DJ Mustard-produced Left, the following day, Def Jam announced that My Krazy Life would be released on March 18,2014 and that Who Do You Love. Featuring Drake would be the next single. On February 18,2014, YG revealed the artwork for his debut album My Krazy Life. The artwork features YG posing for a mugshot, with his name and it was released on March 18,2014. On June 24,2015, in an interview with Billboard, YG revealed that his studio album would be called Still Krazy. On July 15,2015, YG teased the first single for the album, the same day, YG released the single, Cash Money featuring Krayzie Bone
26.
T.I.
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Clifford Joseph Harris Jr. better known by his stage names T. I. and Tip, is an American hip hop recording artist and actor from Atlanta, Georgia. He signed his first major-label record deal in 1999, with Arista Records subsidiary, in 2001, T. I. formed the Southern hip hop group Pimp Squad Click, alongside his longtime friends and fellow Atlanta-based rappers. Upon being released from Arista, T. I. signed to Atlantic Records and subsequently became the executive officer of his own label imprint, Grand Hustle Records. T. I. is also perhaps best known as one of the artists who popularized the hip hop subgenre trap music, along with Young Jeezy and Gucci Mane. T. I. has released nine albums, with seven of them reaching the top five of the US Billboard 200 chart. Throughout his career, T. I. has also released several successful singles, including Bring Em Out, Whatever You Like, Live Your Life, Dead and Gone, Ball. He began to gain recognition in 2003, following his first high-profile feature, on fellow Atlanta-based rapper Bone Crushers hit single. He earned more prominence with the release of Trap Muzik, which includes the Top 40 hits, Rubber Band Man, the next year, T. I. appeared on Destinys Childs international hit, Soldier, alongside Lil Wayne. His subsequent albums, King and T. I. vs. T. I. P. generated high record sales and were supported by singles, such as What You Know and Big Shit Poppin. In 2013, T. I. was featured on Robin Thickes hit single Blurred Lines, alongside Pharrell Williams, in November 2013, T. I. announced that he had signed with Columbia Records, after his 10-year contract with Atlantic came to an end. He released his Columbia Records debut, Paperwork, in October 2014, in February 2016, T. I. announced he signed a distribution deal with Roc Nation, to release his tenth album. T. I. has won three Grammy Awards, namely Best Rap Solo Performance, Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. T. I. has served two terms in county jail, twice for probation violations and a federal prison bid for a U. S. federal weapons charge, while serving 11 months in prison, he released his seventh studio album, No Mercy. T. I. has also had an acting career, starring in the films ATL, Takers, Get Hard, Identity Thief. He is also an author, having written two novels Power & Beauty and Trouble & Triumph, both of which were released to moderate success. T. I. has also starred in the American reality television series T. I. s Road to Redemption, in 2009, Billboard ranked him as the 27th Artist of the 2000s decade. Clifford Joseph Harris Jr. was born on September 25,1980, in Atlanta, Georgia and he was raised by his grandparents in Atlantas Center Hill neighborhood just off Bankhead Highway. His father resided in New York City, and he would go there to visit
27.
J. Cole
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Jermaine Lamarr Cole, better known by his stage name J. Cole, is an American hip hop recording artist and record producer. Raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Cole initially gained recognition as a following the release of his debut mixtape, The Come Up. Intent on further pursuing a career as a rapper, he went on to release two additional mixtapes after signing to Jay Zs Roc Nation imprint in 2009. Cole released his studio album, Cole World, The Sideline Story. It debuted at one on the U. S. Billboard 200. His next two releases, 2013s Born Sinner and 2014s 2014 Forest Hills Drive, received positive reviews from critics. The latter earned him his first Grammy Award nomination for Best Rap Album, in 2016 Cole released his fourth studio album 4 Your Eyez Only, the album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. He has also developed other ventures, including Dreamville Records, as well as non-profit organization the Dreamville Foundation, Jermaine Lamarr Cole was born on January 28,1985 at a United States Army base in Frankfurt, West Germany. His father is an African-American former soldier for the U. S. Army, Coles father later abandoned the family during his youth, prompting his mother to relocate Cole and his brother, Zach Cole to Fayetteville, North Carolina. But at the end of the day, never felt white, I can identify but never have I felt like Im one of them. I identify more with what I look like, because thats how I got treated not necessarily in a negative way, during his youth, Cole expressed an affinity for basketball and music, and served as a first-chair violinist for the Terry Sanford Orchestra until 2003. Cole began rapping at 12, and saw it as a profession in 2000. During this period, Cole heightened emphasis on improving his production skills, Cole later collaborated with local group Bomm Sheltuh, rapping and producing while a member of the group. Upon graduating high school with a 4.2 GPA, Cole decided that his chances of securing a contract would be better in New York City. He relocated there and accepted a scholarship to St. Johns University, initially majoring in computer science, Cole later switched to communication and business after witnessing the life of a lonely computer science professor. While a student at the college, Cole was the president of Haraya, by 14, Cole had various notebooks filled with song ideas, however, was unable to produce beats further than sampling. Coles mother later purchased him the Roland TR-808 drum machine in order to further Coles understanding of production, over the next three years, he began posting songs on various internet forums under the moniker Blaza, but later switched to the name Therapist. Cole waited for three hours, before being dismissed by Jay Z. Cole later used the CD as the backdrop for his debut mixtape
28.
Nicki Minaj
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Onika Tanya Maraj, known professionally as Nicki Minaj, is a Trinidadian-born American rapper, singer, songwriter and model. Born in Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago and raised in South Jamaica, Queens, New York and she has been signed to Young Money Entertainment since 2009. In 2010, Minaj became the first female solo artist to have seven singles simultaneously charting on the U. S. Billboard Hot 100. Her third studio album, The Pinkprint, was preceded by its single, Anaconda. Minaj made her debut in the 2012 animated film Ice Age, Continental Drift, followed by supporting roles in The Other Woman and Barbershop. In 2013, she was a judge on the season of American Idol. Minaj was the first female artist included on MTVs Annual Hottest MC List, in 2016, Minaj was included on the annual Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world. Her rapping is distinctive for its fast flow and the use of alter egos and accents, early in her career, Minaj was known for her colorful costumes and wigs. According to Billboard, Minaj has the most Hot 100 entries for a female artist in the charts history and she has further endorsed Adidas, MAC Cosmetics and Pepsi. She has sold 20 million singles as a lead artist, and 60 million singles as a featured artist worldwide, Onika Tanya Maraj was born on December 8,1982, in Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago. Her father, Robert Maraj, a executive and part-time gospel singer, is of Indo-Trinidadian and Afro-Trinidadian descent. Her mother, Carol Maraj, also a singer, is of Afro-Trinidadian ancestry. Carol worked in payroll and accounting departments during Minajs youth, Minajs father was addicted to alcohol and other drugs, and had a violent temper, burning down their house in December 1987. As a small child, Minaj and a sibling lived with her grandmother in Saint James and her mother, who had moved to The Bronx, New York to attend Monroe College, brought the family to Queens, New York, when Minaj was 5. By then the family had a house on West 147th Street, Minaj recalled, I don’t think I had a lot of discipline in my household. My mom motivated me, but it wasn’t a strict household, I kind of wanted a strict household. Minaj successfully auditioned for admission to LaGuardia High School in Manhattan, after graduation, Minaj wanted to become an actress, and she was cast in the Off-Broadway play In Case You Forget in 2001. At the age of 19, as she struggled with her career, she worked as a waitress at Red Lobster in the Bronx
29.
Meghan Trainor
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Meghan Elizabeth Trainor is an American singer, songwriter, occasional rapper, musician and record producer. Born and raised in Nantucket, Massachusetts, Trainor wrote, recorded, performed, in 2011, she signed a publishing deal with Big Yellow Dog Music, and pursued a career in songwriting. After signing a deal with Epic Records in 2014, Trainor rose to fame with the release of her major-label debut studio album. Her second major release Thank You was released in 2016, preceded by its lead single No which peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, prominently influenced by the 1950s and 1960s eras in music, Trainors music has been noted for its retro style aesthetic. Common themes in her lyrics include subjects of modern womanhood, body image, Trainors work has been recognized with several awards and nominations, including a Grammy Award, Music Business Associations Breakthrough Artist of the Year accolade and two Billboard Music Awards. Meghan Elizabeth Trainor was born on December 22,1993 in Nantucket, Massachusetts, Trainor has two brothers, Ryan and younger brother Justin. Trainor began singing at age six, initially singing with her father at church and she began writing music at age 11, starting with her own arrangement of the song Heart and Soul. Trainor attributes her early career progress to being born into a musical family, Trainors father was a music teacher and musician, and plays organ in a Methodist church. Her great-uncle Bob LaPalm was in a band with Al Anderson of the rock band NRBQ. At age 11, Trainor told her father that she wanted to become a recording artist and began writing songs and she did a lot by ear, her mother recalls. Her father encouraged her to various musical genres. At age 12, Trainor began performing as part of Island Fusion, a party band which performed covers, soca music. The band included her aunt, her brother, and her father. Trainor played piano, guitar, and bongo drum, and sang with the band for four years, by age 13, Trainor had written her first original song, Give Me a Chance. When she was in the grade, the family left Nantucket. They temporarily relocated to Orleans, Massachusetts before moving to North Eastham, Massachusetts, at Nauset Regional High, Trainor studied guitar and was a substitute cheerleader. Additionally, Trainor sang and played trumpet in a band for three years. At age 15, she took lessons from former NRBQ band member Johnny Spampinato
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