Top Hip Hop Record Labels 2012
Russell Simmons (founder of Def Jam Records)
Hip Hop originated in New York during the 1970s, Russell Simmons (GlobalGrind.com) along with wealthy punk rocker Rick Rubin were the first pioneers of the hip hop music genre to create a record label empire; Def Jam records. Def Jam introduced the world to legendary artists such as RUN DMC, LL Cool J and the Beastie Boys in the 1980s which led to immediate success, turning Def Jam Records into the biggest record label in Hip Hop during this time period. In today’s world Russell Simmons is more interested in yoga and occupying Wall Street rather than breaking the next big artist. Therefore the door has opened for new moguls to takeover the throne and create empires for the 2012 generation. GWOP Magazine staff has put together a list of the top Hip Hop/Rap Record labels for 2012. Nas said ‘Hip Hop was dead in 2006’, well these labels are destined to prove that the music genre has only suffered a heart attack and there is no need to panic. Checkout the full list after the jump.
Young Money Cash Money Brothers have set the standard for a record label in 2012. #YMCMB has sold the most records out of any Hip Hop/Rap label this year with the release of Lil Wayne’s Carter IV (2x Platinum) and Drake’s Take Care.
YMCMB
Location: Miami
Founder: Lil Wayne
President: Mack Maine
Roster: Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Drake, Tyga, Bow Wow, Busta Rhymes, Mystikal, Lil Chuckee, Mack Maine, Birdman, Gudda Gudda, Short Dawg, Cory Gunz, Shanell, T-Pain, Torian Sellers, DJ Khaled
Style: Radio Killers. Money.
Maybach Music Group
Location: Miami, FL
Founder: Rick Ross
Roster: Rick Ross, Wale, Meek Mill, Pill, Triple C’s, Stalley, Masspike Miles, Teedra Moses, DJ Scream
Style: D-Boy Muzik. Money, Cars, Clothes.
Shady 2.0
Founder: Eminem
Roster: Eminem, Slaughterhouse, Yelawolf
Style: Lyricists
G.O.O.D. Music “Getting Out Our Dreams”
Location: New York, NY
Founder: Kanye West
Roster: Kanye West, Big Sean, Pusha T, Cyhi Da Prynce, John Legend, Common, Kid Cudi, Mos Def
Style: Feel Good Hip Hop Music
Rostrum Records
Location: Pittsburg, PA
Founder: Benjy Grinberg
Artists: Mac Miller, Wiz Khalifa, Lola Monroe
Style: Stoner Muzik, Party
Grand Hustle
Location: Atlanta, GA
Founder: T.I. & Jason Geter
Artists: T.I., B.O.B., P$C, Killer Mike, 8Ball & MJG, Young Dro, DJ Drama
Style: Trap Muzik
CTE (Corporate Thugz Entertainment)
Location: Atlanta, GA
Founder: Young Jeezy & Kinky B
Artists: Young Jeezy, 2 Eleven, Slick Pulla, Freddie Gibbs, Boo Rossini, JW, Tone Trump, Tru Breed, Lil Lody
Style: D Boy, Street Muzik
1017 BrickSquad
Location: Atlanta, GA
Founder: Gucci Mane
Artists: Gucci Mane, Waka Flocka Flame, Scooter, Oj Da Juiceman, Frenchie, Wooh Da Kid, Slim Dunkin (R.I.P.)
Style: Street Muzik, Crunk, Trap, Party
GWOP MAGAZINE 
Hey ymcmb b looking out 4 a 13 year old boy dat can rap and sing my name is jurael live in winston salem north carolina my rap name is lil rale and lil rallie
Ymcmb TRASH!!!! SWAG FAG MUZIK…..SHADY RECORDS GO HARD REAL RAP!!
hello i have a female cousin that nows how to rap.sing.and she write her own music she lives in s.c but willing to travel her name is shawnnaredd and she is on youtube what do she need to do to send you a demo or her cd thanks
waste yutes
I know a rapper who goes by the name of Judoo and he writes his own music, his own ideas for the videos, and is definitely at the top of the list when it comes to rapping. one shot and i know he’ll make it. Mixtape coming soon!!!
Does any magazine editor/writer/journalist notice there IS a difference between music group and record label? Rick Ross (MMG) and Kanye West (GOOD Music) are both signed to the record label Def Jam Recordings (or IDJMG-which is a music group) of Universal Music Group. You all are something else.
@Anonymous 2. Who are you signed to, bum?
hot female artist i go by the name of miss assasin. Un sighned not looking for any hand outs only want to sighn with Gucci or freebandz check me out on youtube type in my bitch country im from ga my # is 4047099537. leave me a message if u want me to get down with the squad.
Hi I am representing a female rapper that has bars like its crazy. Her name is Boobaby Bentley and she really need to be heard she really need a chance to prove herself.
http://www.datpiff.com/BooBaby-Bentley-911-Emergency-mixtape.346957.html
She really has a talent and can do it.
Hi I am representing a female rapper that has bars like its crazy. Her name is Boobaby Bentley and she really need to be heard she really need a chance to prove herself.
http://www.datpiff.com/BooBaby-Bentley-911-Emergency-mixtape.346957.html
My contact information:
Business: 404-418-2336
Personal: 770-374-2929
SUP WORLD AND LOOK OUT FOR THE NEW MIXTAPE, READY 2 PUT ALL YALL NEW RAPPERZ TO SHAME N FLOSS YO CHAIN, U CAN HAVE UR FAME, MY NAME WILL FOREVER REMAIN.
Check out my blog and listen to some of the up and coming talent on my page got some east coast and midwest guys flowing do there thing take a look it might be your newest member.
Im looking for a record deal im 15 anf can
rap..
Im 15 looking for a tecord deal..
im a 16 year old rapper looking for a deal i go by the name of Hydro and i believe i have GREAT lyrical talent…
i also have a partner that i rap with his name is Arshad Frazier i really believe we deserve a chance to be heard….
He isn’t lieng Arshad Frazier NEEDS TO BE HEARD look him up on GOOGLE. HE hasn’t even put out his serious projects. He has only put out songs for fans while he’s mastering his freshman album
How do I send you our music ?
send music to: (gwopmagazine@gmail.com)
where can i find a hip hop record, most nigga mova fucker wouldnt tell fucking black bastered
Hi There Im A Hip Hop Producer and would like to know if you are recruiting producers my soundcloud name Predator.Beatz bless up the good work fam
me im not lookin for a record deal or nothing all these people before me is wasting they time and everyone know it if you dont do it yourself no one can do it for you so me honestly woudnt waste my time on these labels they doing their on thing dont get me they are some of hip hop greatest labels right now but just be self made and not help made
youtube.com/grownkidztv where you will find the most talented artist on here!!!
i got bars for days my music speak for its self
http://www.soundcloud.com\maintain901
you tube maintain901
YMCMB is the type of organization i like
for the rest of my life and by his grace i will join them soon