Full Surface Records
| Full Surface Records | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Parent company | Warner, Sony, Universal |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Founder | Kasseem Dean |
| Distributor(s) | Atlantic (In the US) WEA International Inc. (Outside the US) |
| Genre | Hip hop, R&B |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Location | New York City, New York |
Full Surface is a record label founded in 2001, by American hip hop recording artist and record producer Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean. With the help of his protégé, Cassidy, who was the 1st artist signed, the label was established. The label used to operate through Sony's J and through Universal's Interscope, Motown and Universal Motown. However, the label also had released material through joint ventures with other companies outside the Sony BMG group.
History
[edit]In 2001, Philadelphia-based battle rapper Cassidy, was the 1st artist to sign a recording contract with Full Surface. His March 2004 debut major label studio album Split Personality was certified Gold in America in April 2004. In 2002, it was announced Swizz Beatz signed Southern rapper Yung Wun, to the label. In a January 2003 interview with AllHipHop, Swizz Beatz said: "My new label [Full Surface] is on its way, by storm. We are moving like the army on the creep. I wanted something new so I got a mix of talent – Bounty Killa, Cassidy, Mashonda, Yung Wun, Big Tigg and Mr. Sweat – with me the beat man."[1]
In 2005, Cleveland-based rap group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, signed with Full Surface and secured a distribution deal with Interscope, the following year.[2] In 2005, DMX was about to sign to Full Surface but chose Sony Urban Music instead.[3] In April 2006, it was announced Ruff Ryders alumni Eve, signed a joint venture deal with Full Surface and Dr. Dre's Aftermath.[4] Eve went on to release the singles "Tambourine" and "Give It to You". In October 2007, it was announced another Ruff Ryders alumni, Drag-On, signed a record deal with Full Surface.[5][6]
Roster
[edit]Artists
Executives
- Swizz Beatz (Founder, CEO)
- Grady Spivey (A&R)
DJs and producers
[edit]- The Individualz - A group of music producers, composed of Avenue, Joe Bravo and Jose, who have produced songs for Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Swizz Beatz, 50 Cent, Jay-Z and Mary J. Blige.[10]
- Neo da Matrix - A producer from Philadelphia. Also signed to Ruff Ryders Entertainment and was signed with Roc-A-Fella Records.[11]
- Snags - A producer who has produced songs for Swizz Beatz and Jadakiss.
- Swizz Beatz
Discography
[edit]- All releases distributed by J Records, unless otherwise noted.
| Artist | Album | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Swizz Beatz | Swizz Beatz Presents G.H.E.T.T.O. Stories (released with Ruff Ryders and DreamWorks) |
|
| Cassidy | Split Personality |
|
| Yung Wun | The Dirtiest Thirstiest |
|
| Cassidy | I'm a Hustla |
|
| Mashonda | January Joy |
|
| Bone Thugs-n-Harmony | Strength & Loyalty (released with Interscope) |
|
| Swizz Beatz | One Man Band Man (released with Universal Motown) |
|
| Cassidy | B.A.R.S. The Barry Adrian Reese Story |
|
References
[edit]- ^ AllHipHop. "Swizz Beats Signs Tigga, Keith Sweat And Others To New Label - Exclusive Hip Hop News, Interviews, Rumors, Rap & Music Videos - Allhiphop". allhiphop.com. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
- ^ AllHipHop. "Bone Thug-N-Harmony Ink Deal With Interscope Through Swizz Beatz' Full Surface Label - Exclusive Hip Hop News, Interviews, Rumors, Rap & Music Videos - Allhiphop". allhiphop.com. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
- ^ Reid, Shaheem; Dukes, Rahman (January 2006). "Mixtape Monday Headlines – The Streets Is Talking: News & Notes From The Underground". MTV. Archived from the original on January 4, 2006. Retrieved November 22, 2021.
- ^ "Eve Signs Joint Venture with Swizz Beatz and Dr. Dre - XXL". XXL Mag. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
- ^ "Drag-On Signs With Swizz Beatz's Full Surface Records - XXL". XXL Mag. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
- ^ "BREAKING: Drag-On Signs With Swizz Beatz". hiphopdx.com. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
- ^ "Drag-On Signs With Swizz Beatz's Full Surface Records - XXL". XXL Mag. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
- ^ "Eve Signs Joint Venture with Swizz Beatz and Dr. Dre - XXL". XXL Mag. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
- ^ "Isn't He Rich? Rich Hilfiger's Rap Career Is Poised To Take Off | Observer".
- ^ "INDIVIDUALZ - Listen and Stream Free Music, Albums, New Releases, Photos, Videos". Myspace. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
- ^ "Neo Da Matrix/twitter.com/NeoDaMatrix - Listen and Stream Free Music, Albums, New Releases, Photos, Videos". Myspace. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
External links
[edit]- Full Surface Records Archived 2004-06-06 at the Wayback Machine