*RAWKUS RECORDS* is done and shuts down (not BAY related,but SAD NEWS for HIP HOP)

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Jan 10, 2004
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Rawkus Records Closes doors

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http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=2749

Quote:
Rawkus Records Closing Doors
By Nolan Strong
Date: 1/12/2004 8:30 PM

After 8 years in business and releasing such groundbreaking artists as Mos Def and Talib Kweli, seminal hip-hop label Rawkus Records is closing their doors.

According to sources, the label will officially shut down as of January 31.

"We all found out on Friday," a source who wished to remain anonymous told AllHipHop.com.

After signing a joint venture deal with Geffen/Universal, the parent label opted not to renew the deal, leaving Rawkus without distribution.

"Everyone is getting laid off, right now," the source continued. "They might get new distribution in the future, but as of now it's done."

Sources said the label will vacate their Broadway offices by the end of the month and certain artists will be absorbed by Geffen, but which artists weren't known as of press time.

"It didn't get critical until last year," another source said. "We had a few albums we were working on. The 'Just To Get By Single' didn't come out until February [of last year]. We had Novel [R&B solo artist], we had singles, we were gonna put out Pharaoh, we were busy. When the Geffen deal went down, we didn't have any release dates."

Rawkus was founded in 1996 by Brian Brater, Jarret Meyer and James Murdoch, son of billionaire investor and News Corp. head Rupert Murdoch.

"I have to give it up to them for help making me who I am," a surprised Hi-Tek told AllHipHop.com. "They took chances and gave their life to underground hip-hop when no one else would. I really appreciate them. I think Rawkus was part of keeping real hip-hop music alive in its down times. I wish they would've stuck to it!"

The label released seminal hip-hop records during its 8 year life, including critically acclaimed releases by Reflection Eternal, Company Flow, The High & Mighty, Hi-Tek, Black Star, the Soundbombing series and others.[/size][/font]

"They should've stuck to their orignal formula and treated their artists better," Hi-Tek said.




Man this sucks, it is terrible for hiphop..hope talib, mos def, pharoah and hi-tek all go somewhere together


many or most of yall prolly dont feel this type of muzik...

if not please just ignore it..i aint here to step on your shoes..

and have 1435151 posts of how this muzik sucks...

lolz its all love...
 
Apr 11, 2003
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#3
oh shit, I knew that the Murdoch's had a stake in Rawkus but I had no idea that they were the founders of the label. Very interesting.

Jame's Murdoch's ex-wify hasa holiday house right near where I live, she's a swimsuit model, reaaaaaal fine b-och.
 
Jan 10, 2004
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yea it is sad...

and Em did do some hot shit with them...

some of his most illest shit at that..CLASSIC!!

mos is ill...i hope he picks up wit out em...

i mean now hes an actor..hes got his clout...

as for talib..hes intelligent he'll move on...

and everyone loves monch!!...


this shit better ressurrect tho..