Legendary Hip-Hop and R&B Label Uptown Records Relaunches

Revered hip-hop and R&B record label Uptown Records – the one-time home to artists such as Mary J. Blige, The Notorious B.I.G., Jodeci and Heavy D – has been revived.

Fresh start:

• Uptown will operate under the REPUBLIC Collective umbrella, as per Billboard.

• Danielle Price Sanders will serve as President of the label, and Executive VP of REPUBLIC Collective.

• She will be joined in leading the label by Natina Nimene, Executive VP of Urban Audience and Artist Relations at REPUBLIC Collective.

Backstory:

• Uptown Records was founded by the late Andre Harrell in 1986.

• Harrell was one-half of rap duo Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde.

• Uptown became a flagship hip-hop and R&B label in the ’80s and ’90s, launching the careers of Sean “Diddy” Combs, Al B. Sure!, Soul 4 Real, and the artists listed at the top of the story, among others.

• Harrell passed away from heart failure in May 2020, aged 59.

Current roster:

• Uptown currently boasts a rap roster featuring G Herbo, Yung Miami, Trap Dickey and producer ATL Jacob.

What they said:

• Danielle Price Sanders: “Andre Harrell built one of the most influential record companies in music history, creating a platform where hip-hop and R&B artists could break through and truly impact the mainstream with integrity. I’m honored to help carry that legacy forward and support the next generation of artists.”

• G Herbo: “Uptown Records was a flagship for rap music. It created the template for superstars in the eighties and nineties. It’s an honor to be a part of its story.”