Priority Records: Difference between revisions
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|status = Active | |status = Active | ||
|distributor= [[Interscope Capitol Labels Group]] | |distributor= [[Interscope Capitol Labels Group]] | ||
|genre = Various, with a focus on [[ | |genre = Various, with a focus on [[hip-hop]] | ||
|country = United States | |country = United States | ||
|location = 6430 Sunset Boulevard, [[Los Angeles, California]], U.S. | |location = 6430 Sunset Boulevard, [[Los Angeles, California]], U.S. | ||
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}} | }} | ||
'''Priority Records''' is an American [[distribution company]] and [[record label]]<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://musicbrainz.org/label/ce7a2977-c7dd-4695-97e0-5e72572bf0d3|title=Priority Records - MusicBrainz|website=musicbrainz.org|language=en|access-date=2018-04-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/7841134/capitol-music-group-relaunches-priority-records|title=Capitol Music Group Relaunches Priority Records as an Indie-Leaning Distributor: Exclusive|work=Billboard|access-date=2018-04-30}}</ref> known for artists including [[N.W.A]], [[Ice Cube]], [[MC Ren]], [[ | '''Priority Records''' is an American [[distribution company]] and [[record label]]<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://musicbrainz.org/label/ce7a2977-c7dd-4695-97e0-5e72572bf0d3|title=Priority Records - MusicBrainz|website=musicbrainz.org|language=en|access-date=2018-04-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/7841134/capitol-music-group-relaunches-priority-records|title=Capitol Music Group Relaunches Priority Records as an Indie-Leaning Distributor: Exclusive|work=Billboard|access-date=2018-04-30}}</ref> known for artists including [[N.W.A]], [[Ice Cube]], [[MC Ren]], [[Dr. Dre]], [[Master P]], [[Snoop Dogg]], [[Yasiin Bey|Mos Def]], [[Silkk the Shocker]], [[Jay-Z]], [[Paris (rapper)|Paris]], [[Mack 10]], [[504 Boyz]], [[Brotha Lynch Hung]], [[C-Murder]], [[Mia X]], [[Westside Connection]], and [[Ice-T]].<ref name=":0" /> It also distributed hip-hop record labels including [[Death Row Records]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/01/26/business/rap-empire-unraveling-as-stars-flee.html|title=Rap Empire Unraveling As Stars Flee|last=Strauss|first=Neil|date=1998|work=The New York Times|access-date=2018-04-30|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-tupacdeathrow21aug2197-story.html|title=Death Row Records looking to leave ally Interscope|last=Philips|first=Chuck|website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=2018-04-30}}</ref> [[Hoo-Bangin' Records]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://musicbrainz.org/label/9495b92b-a3ce-4b1a-a1cb-9e4fdda21c05|title=Hoo Bangin' Records - MusicBrainz|website=musicbrainz.org|language=en|access-date=2018-04-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ballerstatus.com/2011/02/17/mack-10-re-launches-hoo-bangin-records-signs-xzibit/|title=Mack 10 Re-Launches Hoo Bangin' Records, Signs Xzibit|date=2011-02-17|work=BallerStatus.com|access-date=2018-04-30|language=en-US}}</ref> [[No Limit Records]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://idobi.com/news/no-limit-records-ends-its-sixyear-distribution-deal-with-priority-records/|title=No Limit Records Ends Its Six-Year Distribution Deal With Priority Records|website=idobi.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-04-30}}</ref> [[Posthuman Records]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/marilyn-manson-276-1394272|title=MANSON LAUNCHES NEW POSTHUMAN LABEL - NME|date=2000-04-12|work=NME|access-date=2018-04-30|language=en-US}}</ref> [[Rap-A-Lot Records]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/1996/12/23/story4.html|title=Rapper 2 Low settles with Rap-A-Lot studio|website=Bizjournals.com|access-date=2018-04-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://hypebeast.com/2017/4/supreme-rap-a-lot-records-10-facts|title=What Is Rap-A-Lot Records?|work=HYPEBEAST|access-date=2018-04-30}}</ref> [[Rawkus Records]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://musicbrainz.org/release-group/06a2cba6-a077-3273-8add-e3845a391b4a|title=Release group "Internal Affairs" by Pharoahe Monch - MusicBrainz|website=Musicbrainz.org|language=en|access-date=2018-04-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://ambrosiaforheads.com/2015/05/do-remember-rawkus-records-soundbombing-2-album-audio/|title=Do Remember: Rawkus Records' Soundbombing 2 Album (Audio)|date=2015-05-14|work=Ambrosia For Heads|access-date=2018-04-30|language=en-US}}</ref> [[Roc-A-Fella Records]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stopthebreaks.com/independent-case-studies/how-jay-z-went-from-independent-to-major-label-boss/|title=How JAY Z Went From Independent to Major Label Boss – Stop The Breaks {{!}} Independent Music Grind|website=Stopthebreaks.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-04-30}}</ref> [[Ruthless Records]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.30077/title.tupac-ruthless-records-priority-records-set-to-be-honored-at-indie-entertainment-summit-conference-hip-hop-honors#|title=Tupac, Ruthless Records, Priority Records Set To Be Honored At Indie Entertainment Summit Conference & Hip Hop Honors|work=HipHopDX|access-date=2018-04-30|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1044602/ruthless-records|title=Ruthless Records|work=Billboard|access-date=2018-04-30}}</ref> [[Duck Down Records]], and [[Wu-Tang Records]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sjsMBAAAQBAJ&q=%22priority+records%22+%22+wu-tang+Records%22&pg=PA194|title=THE SUNEZ CRATES: 2013 PREMIEREHIPHOP.COM Book|last=Sunez|date=2014-07-22|publisher=Edward Sunez Rodriguez for Moon Soul Books|isbn=9780990584704|language=en}}</ref> According to ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'', "few record labels were as important to the rise of [[West Coast hip-hop]] as Priority Records".<ref name="billboard2017"/> | ||
== Company history == | == Company history == | ||
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In the early 1990s, the label struck up a distribution deal with [[EMI]], while continuing to operate independently. EMI bought a 50% stake in Priority in 1996, and the remainder in 1998. | In the early 1990s, the label struck up a distribution deal with [[EMI]], while continuing to operate independently. EMI bought a 50% stake in Priority in 1996, and the remainder in 1998. | ||
In 1997, Priority released the [[I'm Bout It (soundtrack)|I'm Bout It soundtrack]] by [[No Limit Records]]. The album was a critical and commercial success, debuting and peaking in the top 5 on the ''Billboard 200''. It sold 300,000 copies in its first week | In 1997, Priority released the [[I'm Bout It (soundtrack)|I'm Bout It soundtrack]] by [[No Limit Records]]. The album was a critical and commercial success, debuting and peaking in the top 5 on the ''Billboard 200''. It sold 300,000 copies in its first week and was certified platinum by the RIAA. It featured the hit single ''Pushin' Inside You'' by Priority/No Limit act [[Sons of Funk]]. | ||
In 1998, | In June 1998, Priority and No Limit released Master P's seventh studio album, ''[[MP Da Last Don]]''. Promoted as Master P's final album and heavily anticipated, it sold over 495,000 copies in its first week, debuting atop the Billboard 200. The album featured guest appearances from Priority/No Limit artists Snoop Dogg, Sons of Funk, and Silkk the Shocker. ''MP Da Last Don'' went on to sell over 4.5 million copies in America, being certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA. That October, Priority released [[Mack 10]]'s third studio album, ''[[The Recipe (album)|The Recipe]]''. A top 15 charting album on the U.S. ''Billboard 200'', the album went on to be certified Gold by the RIAA. ''The Recipe'' featured guest appearances from Priority artists Master P and Snoop Dogg. | ||
In January 1999, Priority and No Limit released Silkk the Shocker's album, ''[[Made Man (album)|Made Man]]'', which debuted and peaked at | In January 1999, Priority and No Limit released Silkk the Shocker's album, ''[[Made Man (album)|Made Man]]'', which debuted and peaked at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200. The album was certified Platinum by the RIAA. | ||
Despite EMI's full ownership, Priority continued to be an independently managed company until 2001, when its operations were merged into EMI's major U.S. subsidiary, [[Capitol Records]]. Priority was absorbed into Capitol Records in 2004 and ceased operations.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2001/08/03/capitol-idea-for-priority-records/|title=CAPITOL IDEA FOR PRIORITY RECORDS|last=Furman|first=Phyllis|work=nydailynews.com|access-date=2018-04-30|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="billboard2017"/> | Despite EMI's full ownership, Priority continued to be an independently managed company until 2001, when its operations were merged into EMI's major U.S. subsidiary, [[Capitol Records]]. Priority was absorbed into Capitol Records in 2004 and ceased operations.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2001/08/03/capitol-idea-for-priority-records/|title=CAPITOL IDEA FOR PRIORITY RECORDS|last=Furman|first=Phyllis|work=nydailynews.com|access-date=2018-04-30|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="billboard2017"/> | ||
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*[[Hoo-Bangin' Records]], founded by [[Mack 10]] | *[[Hoo-Bangin' Records]], founded by [[Mack 10]] | ||
*[[No Limit Records]], founded by [[Master P]]. The label's roster included Master P and [[Silkk the Shocker]]. | *[[No Limit Records]], founded by [[Master P]]. The label's roster included Master P and [[Silkk the Shocker]]. | ||
*[[Roc-A-Fella Records]], founded by [[Kareem Burke]], [[Damon Dash]], and [[Jay-Z]]. Roc-A-Fella's lone release with Priority was Jay-Z's 1996 debut album, ''[[Reasonable Doubt (album)|Reasonable Doubt]]. | *[[Roc-A-Fella Records]], founded by [[Kareem Burke]], [[Damon Dash]], and [[Jay-Z]]. Roc-A-Fella's lone release with Priority was Jay-Z's 1996 debut album, ''[[Reasonable Doubt (album)|Reasonable Doubt]]''. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
Latest revision as of 01:48, 28 December 2025
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Priority Records is an American distribution company and record label[1][2] known for artists including N.W.A, Ice Cube, MC Ren, Dr. Dre, Master P, Snoop Dogg, Mos Def, Silkk the Shocker, Jay-Z, Paris, Mack 10, 504 Boyz, Brotha Lynch Hung, C-Murder, Mia X, Westside Connection, and Ice-T.[1] It also distributed hip-hop record labels including Death Row Records,[3][4] Hoo-Bangin' Records,[5][6] No Limit Records,[7] Posthuman Records,[8] Rap-A-Lot Records,[9][10] Rawkus Records,[11][12] Roc-A-Fella Records,[13] Ruthless Records[14][15] Duck Down Records, and Wu-Tang Records.[16] According to Billboard, "few record labels were as important to the rise of West Coast hip-hop as Priority Records".[17]
Company history
Beginnings (1985–1996)
The Los Angeles-based company (with no ties or relations to a previous Priority Records label that was a subsidiary of what was then CBS Records) was formed in 1985 by three former K-tel executives: Bryan Turner, Mark Cerami and Steve Drath.[18][19] Initial funding was provided by R-tek,[20] a company headed by former K-tel board members: Ray and Harold Kives, and their company took an initial 50% ownership in Priority. Priority bought out the R-tek interest in 1987.
Its first success came with novelty act the California Raisins.[15][21] To support early operations, Priority Records licensed repertoire from others and released compilation albums using archive recordings while developing its own artist roster.[22] Priority Records achieved success as an independent label by developing a precedent-setting "street-based" formula of underground marketing which bypassed mainstream radio.[23]Script error: No such module "Unsubst". This approach allowed Priority to sell millions of records without entering into the fiercely competitive major label battles over radio airplay.Script error: No such module "Unsubst". Priority's strategic marketing team was developed by Vice President Alyssa Pisano, who led Priority's Marketing and Creative Services Department between 1987 and 1996. Priority's roster featured numerous gold, platinum and multi-platinum artists, including N.W.A, Ice Cube, MC Ren, Eazy-E, Master P, Snoop Dogg, Silkk the Shocker, Jay-Z, Paris, Mack 10, 504 Boyz, Brotha Lynch Hung C-Murder, Mia X, Westside Connection, No Limit and Ice-T.
Priority distributed rapper Jay-Z's debut album, Reasonable Doubt, in June 1996 with Jay-Z's company Roc-A-Fella Records. The album was a critical success, but a minor success upon release, selling 43,000 copies in its first week and 420,000 copies altogether.[24][25] It was ultimately certified Platinum by the RIAA. Reasonable Doubt was Roc-A-Fella and Jay-Z's only album with Priority Records.
EMI acquisition (1996–2004)
In the early 1990s, the label struck up a distribution deal with EMI, while continuing to operate independently. EMI bought a 50% stake in Priority in 1996, and the remainder in 1998.
In 1997, Priority released the I'm Bout It soundtrack by No Limit Records. The album was a critical and commercial success, debuting and peaking in the top 5 on the Billboard 200. It sold 300,000 copies in its first week and was certified platinum by the RIAA. It featured the hit single Pushin' Inside You by Priority/No Limit act Sons of Funk.
In June 1998, Priority and No Limit released Master P's seventh studio album, MP Da Last Don. Promoted as Master P's final album and heavily anticipated, it sold over 495,000 copies in its first week, debuting atop the Billboard 200. The album featured guest appearances from Priority/No Limit artists Snoop Dogg, Sons of Funk, and Silkk the Shocker. MP Da Last Don went on to sell over 4.5 million copies in America, being certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA. That October, Priority released Mack 10's third studio album, The Recipe. A top 15 charting album on the U.S. Billboard 200, the album went on to be certified Gold by the RIAA. The Recipe featured guest appearances from Priority artists Master P and Snoop Dogg.
In January 1999, Priority and No Limit released Silkk the Shocker's album, Made Man, which debuted and peaked at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200. The album was certified Platinum by the RIAA.
Despite EMI's full ownership, Priority continued to be an independently managed company until 2001, when its operations were merged into EMI's major U.S. subsidiary, Capitol Records. Priority was absorbed into Capitol Records in 2004 and ceased operations.[26][17]
Relaunch (2006–2013)
In late 2006, EMI revived Priority Records, and it was supposed to start releasing new records again but never did except for a couple compilation and greatest hits albums from the likes of N.W.A, Westside Connection, Mack 10, and Ice Cube. In 2009, Snoop Dogg was appointed creative chairman of the label; Priority released Snoop Dogg's tenth studio album, Malice N Wonderland on December 8, 2009.[27] In July 2013, Priority was re-launched via a joint venture between Capitol Records and Insurgency Music. Based at the Capitol Records Building in Los Angeles, the new Priority Records was a producer centric label that focused on a broader array of music genres, including electronic music as well as urban music.[21][28] The lone release under Priority's first relaunch was Snoop Dogg's Malice n Wonderland, which was a commercial failure. Following this, Priority remained dormant.
Second relaunch (2015–present)
In 2015, due to the success of the 2015 American biographical film Straight Outta Compton based on former Priority act N.W.A, Priority Records was relaunched one more time as a distributor. This time the focus was on new acts, including G Perico, Snoh Aalegra and Jonn Hart.[17] In 2018, Priority Records partnered with TuneGO.[29] Priority Records signed TuneGO Artist, Three Guests and distributed their album, 3G. Priority also signed Massachusetts rap group Bandits The Label and later went on to distribute DtheFlyest debut project "Dope Boy Diaries" which was executive produced by CruufromtheNorth and featured a hit single with rap superstar Lil Baby titled "Fugazi" (2018).[30][31]
Artists
Associated labels
- Hoo-Bangin' Records, founded by Mack 10
- No Limit Records, founded by Master P. The label's roster included Master P and Silkk the Shocker.
- Roc-A-Fella Records, founded by Kareem Burke, Damon Dash, and Jay-Z. Roc-A-Fella's lone release with Priority was Jay-Z's 1996 debut album, Reasonable Doubt.
See also
References
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External links
- Official website of Priority Records
- "2002 Music Awards" by Anthony Mariani, Fort Worth Weekly, June 13, 2002, retrieved June 29, 2006
- Pages with script errors
- Record labels established in 1985
- Record labels disestablished in 2004
- Record labels established in 2006
- Re-established companies
- American record labels
- Hip-hop record labels
- Universal Music Group
- Labels distributed by Universal Music Group
- Gangsta rap record labels
- 1985 establishments in California
- 2004 disestablishments in California
- 2006 establishments in California