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Shady Records

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Shady Records
File:Shady Records Logo .png
Parent companyUniversal Music Group
Founded1999
FounderEminem
Paul Rosenberg
Distributor(s)Interscope Records (U.S.)
Polydor Records (outside U.S.)
GenreHip hop
Country of originUnited States
Official websiteShadyRecords.com

Shady Records is an American record label specializing in hip hop music. Eminem and his manager Paul Rosenberg founded the label in 1999 after the release of The Slim Shady LP.

The label has signed nine acts over the years, earning RIAA certifications of platinum or higher on seven of its twelve released albums. Signed acts include D12, 50 Cent, Cashis, Slim da Mobster, Slaughterhouse, Yelawolf and Bad Meets Evil, while former acts include Obie Trice, Stat Quo, Bobby Creekwater.

History

1999–2004

After Eminem released The Slim Shady LP, he started his own record label in late 1999 with his manager, Paul Rosenberg. Eminem looked for an avenue to release his Detroit-based rap group, D12, and Rosenberg was keen to start a label, which led to the two teaming up to form Shady Records.[1] Its A&R Marc Labelle has defined the imprint as "a boutique label but [with] all the outlets of a major [and] Interscope backing up our every move."[2]

D12 was the first to be signed as they have been rapping together since the 1990s, and the members had made a promise that whoever became successful would come back and sign the others.[3] In June 2001, D12 released Devil's Night, peaking at number one on the Billboard 200.[4] Obie Trice was introduced to Eminem through D12 member Bizarre. Eminem signed him in June 2001 as the second Shady Records act.[5][6] Obie Trice first got public attention via a freestyle skit on the Devil's Night album.

While working on the film 8 Mile, Eminem had a meeting with then small time New York rapper 50 Cent. Eminem had heard 50 Cent's early mixtapes, taken them to Dr. Dre and offered him the chance to work together on the artist. 50 Cent became the first artist signed to Shady Records and Aftermath Entertainment.[7] The 8 Mile soundtrack was the second Shady Records album to be released.[8][9] The first single was "Lose Yourself", which earned multiple nominations and became a surprise win of an Academy Award for Best Original Song, the first time a hip hop song had ever won the award.[10][11][12] The second single was 50 Cent's "Wanksta", which was released as a buzz track[13] and became popular in 50 Cent's home town.[14] During this time, Eminem had also made a deal with DJ Green Lantern, who released the label's first mixtape, Invasion!, in 2002.[15] He was to DJ for Eminem during the Anger Management Tour.[16]

The third release from Shady Records was 50 Cent's Get Rich or Die Tryin', in February 2003 (which was also released under Aftermath Entertainment). The album became the fastest selling debut in U.S. history.[17] Next to be released from Shady Records was Obie Trice's debut album, Cheers, six months later. Despite having been a commercial success, the album was considered overshadowed by 50 Cent's music at the time.[6] In 2002 and 2003, Shady Records was involved in several controversies with the likes of the inherited Murder Inc. feud that 50 Cent and G-Unit was involved in,[18] on-going problems with the previous co-owners of The Source magazine, namely Benzino,[19] as well as escalating issues with rapper Royce da 5'9", who was previously a friend of Eminem and D12.[20]

Near the end of 2003, Dr. Dre and Eminem signed a joint deal with Atlanta rapper Stat Quo.[21] Stat Quo became the second artist to be signed to Shady/Aftermath, after 50 Cent. The following year saw the release of D12's second album, D12 World. Also, in 2004, Eminem and Rosenberg began a venture offered by Sirius Satellite Radio that saw the airing of their uncensored hip hop radio station, Shade 45.[1][22] Shady Records DJ, DJ Green Lantern, was given his own show,[23] whilst 50 Cent's G-Unit DJ, DJ Whoo Kid, co-hosted G-Unit Radio on Saturdays.[24]

2005–2009

2005 saw the release of 50 Cent's second release, The Massacre, which set a record as the sixth fastest selling album since Nielsen SoundScan started tracking albums in 1991, with 1.14 million albums sold in four days.[25][26] The album was a commercial success, and was only 32,000 records away from being the best-selling album of the year.[27] On "Piggy Bank", a song off of the album, 50 Cent insulted several artists, including Jadakiss.[28] The feud between Jadakiss and 50 Cent indirectly led to DJ Green Lantern leaving Shady Records. A few months after the release of The Massacre, Jadakiss appeared on a street DVD, and had DJ Green Lantern on loudspeaker through his phone, without Green Lantern being aware of this. The DJ shared his thoughts on how to deal with the feud. When the DVD was released and Eminem found out about what happened, Green Lantern had to leave Shady Records and Shade 45, and his upcoming album, Armageddon, was no longer a Shady Records-related project.[29] Alchemist was signed on as the official tour DJ for Eminem on the 2005 Anger Management 3 Tour, replacing the recently-ousted DJ Green Lantern.[30]

Magazine cover of XXL Presents Shade 45

In August 2005, Eminem and the XXL magazine teamed up to release a special issue titled XXL Presents Shade 45, and was designed to give maximum exposure to Shade 45 as a radio station, and at the same time give maximum exposure to the Shady Records label as a whole, as well as the radio DJ's and G-Unit Records' artists. XXL executive publisher, Jonathan Rheingold, stated that typically magazines based around particular artists were not favorable, but "since Shade 45 is a truly authentic and uncensored rap radio channel, the marriage with the XXL brand made sense," before adding that it's what would interest rap fans.[31] 2005 also saw the signing of Bobby Creekwater to the label, making him the fifth artist and the second Atlanta-based rapper.[32]

In early 2006, Cashis, a Chicago-born Orange County, California-based rapper joined Shady Records, after he managed to get his demo/mixtape heard by Eminem.[33][34] Later in 2006, Obie Trice released his second album, Second Round's on Me. However, the album did not fare as well commercially as his debut, seemingly because of the state of the hip-hop industry.[35] The album saw a change in Obie Trice's style, whose first album was considered to be a little light-hearted. Second Round's on Me was considered to be a more serious, dark album, mainly showing the grittiness of Obie Trice's life and surroundings.[6][36]

In early 2006 there had been talk of Eminem having the label's roster on a mixtape with new material to be presented by DJ Whoo Kid and The Alchemist.[37] This talk went on for several months. In the end, it was announced that Eminem was so impressed with the mixtape material that he had decided to make it an official album, called Eminem Presents the Re-Up. The album had been long anticipated, until it was released in early December 2006. The release had spawned the single "You Don't Know", which featured 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, and the latest signee Cashis.[38]

In May 2007, Cashis released the eight-track The County Hound EP in an attempt to have people "fiend" for his music, or garner interest in it. The album was released as a limited edition EP.[39] September saw the release of 50 Cent's third album with the label, Curtis, which was involved in a well publicized competition with rapper Kanye West, who had his third album, Graduation set for release on the same day.[40] In June 2008, Obie Trice departed from the label. A misunderstanding was made where it was believed he was attacking the label and Eminem on a single titled "The Giant" but they were quickly dismissed.[41] Stat Quo was also released from the label in 2008,[42] citing differences in direction, and Dr. Dre signed Slim da Mobster as the first artist under Aftermath / Shady / G-Unit Records, but in 2011 officially moved from G-Unit Records to G-Unit West but is still signed to Aftermath & Shady. And with 2009 bringing the departure of Bobby Creekwater who had been working on his debut album, A Brilliant Mistake.[43][44]

2010–present

It has been reported that hip hop supergroup Slaughterhouse will be joining Shady Records with member Royce da 5'9" confirming talks between both sides then later stating that the deal should be done in Late April to early May. The group guest featuring Eminem's last album Recovery on the bonus track "Session One". On January 12, 2011, Slaughterhouse and Yelawolf appeared on the cover of the XXL magazine with Eminem, then was confirmed that both acts were signed to Shady Records. On March 2, 2011, a track called "2.0 Boys" performed by Eminem, Slaughterhouse and Yelawolf was leaked. [45]

On the other hand, rapper Cashis preps his debut album Euthanasia LP with the label, which is slated to drop on June 14, 2011. The first single off the album "I'm Not Lyen" dropped on March 8, 2011.[46] Since 2011, Cashis does not appear in articles about the label, but still remains a Shady Records artist.

On April 25, 2011, Eminem and Royce da 5'9" announced plans to team up for a joint EP, slated for release on June 14. The project serves as a long-awaited follow-up to their 1999 collaboration "Nuttin' to Do", and is set to feature production from Mr. Porter, Havoc of Mobb Deep, DJ Khalil, Bangladesh and more.

Eminem spoke on the topic, saying, "Royce and I started hanging out again and inevitably that led us back into the studio," said Eminem in a statement. "At first we were just seeing where it went without any real goal in mind, but the songs started to come together crazy, so here we are."

Royce also talked about it and said, "I'm excited to see this project come to fruition considering the long lapse in time between when we worked before and now. We had a blast doing it and we just hope everyone enjoys it while we're working on the 'Monster' that will be the Slaughterhouse album."

Artists

Current acts

Act Year signed Albums under Shady Description
D12 1999 2 Group from Detroit, Michigan composed of rappers Eminem, Mr. Porter, Bizarre, Swifty, Kuniva and Fuzz Scoota, and were additionally signed with deceased rapper Proof. As a group, they knew each other pre-success from the Hip Hop Shop, in Detroit, and were the first to be signed to the label. They are currently working on their third album.[3]
50 Cent 2002 4 Rapper from New York. He is signed under Shady and Aftermath. 50 Cent has since also established his own label, G-Unit Records, and released his fourth album, Before I Self Destruct, in 2009.
Cashis 2006 1 Rapper from Orange County, California. Released one EP on the label in 2007.
Slim da Mobster 2008 - Rapper from South Central Los Angeles . He is signed under Shady, Aftermath and G-Unit Records.In 2011 he was moved from G-Unit Records to G-Unit West.[2]
Slaughterhouse 2011 — Supergroup composed of rappers Crooked I, Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz and Royce da 5'9".
Yelawolf 2011 — Rapper from Gadsden, Alabama.
Bad Meets Evil 2011 1 Duo composed of rappers Royce da 5'9" and Eminem. Released their EP Hell: The Sequel on June 14, 2011.

Current producers

Former acts

Act Years on the label Albums under Shady Description
Obie Trice[47] 2001–2008 2 Obie Trice is a rapper from Detroit, Michigan. He was the second act ever to be signed by Shady Records. He was dropped from the label in 2008, and is currently signed to Lil Jon's record label Black Market Entertainment.
Stat Quo[48] 2003–2008 — Stat Quo is a rapper from Atlanta, Georgia. Like Obie Trice, he parted ways with Shady Records in 2008, and is currently signed to Sha Money XL's record label Dream Big Ventures. Stat Quo appears on an unreleased track from Eminem, which is called "Syllables", was leaked into the internet in 2010, together with Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent and Cashis. He released an album in 2010, called Statlanta with Eminem having nothing to do with the album.
Bobby Creekwater[49] 2005–2009 — Bobby Creekwater a rapper/producer who, like Stat Quo, is also from Atlanta, Georgia. He left Shady in 2009, and has since founded his own label, BGOV Incorporated, and is currently working on his debut album, Revenge which is due for release in July, 2011.

Discography

Artist Album Details
D12 Devil's Night
— 8 Mile
  • Released: October 29, 2002
  • Chart position: 1 U.S.[52]
  • RIAA certification: 4× Platinum[53]
50 Cent Get Rich or Die Tryin'
(released with Aftermath)
  • Released: February 6, 2003
  • Chart position: 1 U.S.[54]
  • RIAA certification: 8× Platinum
Obie Trice Cheers
  • Released: September 23, 2003
  • Chart position: 5 U.S.[55]
  • RIAA certification: Gold
D12 D12 World
  • Released: April 27, 2004
  • Chart position: 1 U.S.[56]
  • RIAA certification: 2× Platinum
50 Cent The Massacre
(released with Aftermath)
  • Released: March 3, 2005
  • Chart position: 1 U.S.[57]
  • RIAA certification: 5× Platinum
Obie Trice Second Round's on Me
  • Released: August 15, 2006
  • Chart position: 8 U.S.[58]
  • RIAA certification: Gold
— Eminem Presents: The Re-Up
  • Released: December 5, 2006
  • Chart position: 2 U.S.[59]
  • RIAA certification: Platinum[60]
Cashis The County Hound EP
  • Released: May 22, 2007
  • Chart position: 106 U.S.[61]
50 Cent Curtis
(released with Aftermath)
  • Released: September 11, 2007
  • Chart position: 2 U.S.[62]
  • RIAA certification: Platinum
50 Cent Before I Self Destruct
(released with Aftermath)
  • Released: November 9, 2009
  • Chart position: 5 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: Gold
Bad Meets Evil Hell: The Sequel
  • Released: June 13, 2011
  • Chart position: 1 U.S.

Upcoming releases

References

  1. ^ a b Ben Detrick (August 2005). ""Loyalty" - Paul Rosenberg interview (online copy)". XXL Presents Shade 45 (magazine), p. 22. Accessed January 29, 2008.
  2. ^ "Interview With Marc Labelle". HitQuarters. Nov 28, 2005. Retrieved Jun 21, 2010.
  3. ^ a b Quibian Salazar-Moreno (September 18, 2003). "Emvisible: D12 looks to get out from underneath Eminem's shadow". Westword.com. Accessed September 11, 2007.
  4. ^ Todd Martens (June 28, 2001). "Devilish D12 Debut At No. 1". Billboard. Accessed January 15, 2008.
  5. ^ Ruben Diaz (September 18, 2003). "Obie Trice: Real Name, No Gimmicks (Interview)". BallerStatus.com. Accessed September 11, 2007.
  6. ^ a b c Leah Rose (August 2005). ""Let Me In" - Obie Trice article (online copy)". XXL Presents Shade 45 (magazine), p.60. Accessed January 29, 2008.
  7. ^ Shaheem Reid (July 1, 2002). "50 Cent, Worth a Million to Dr. Dre and Eminem". MTV. Accessed March 12, 2007.
  8. ^ Todd Martens (January 3, 2003). "'8 Mile' Back Atop The Billboard 200". Billboard. Accessed January 16, 2008.
  9. ^ Todd Martens (January 8, 2003). "'8 Mile' Cruises To Fifth Week At No. 1". Billboard. Accessed January 8, 2008.
  10. ^ Frank Ochieng (March 23, 2003). "The Aftermath: The 75th Annual Academy Awards". TheWorldJournal.com. Accessed January 21, 2008.
  11. ^ Jon Burlingame (April 18, 2003). "That Win For "Lose Yourself"". FilmMusicSociety.org. Accessed September 11, 2007.
  12. ^ Abbey Goodman (March 23, 2003). "'Chicago' Dances Away With Six Oscars; Eminem's Will Be Mailed To Him". MTV. Accessed January 21, 2008.
  13. ^ "Music Inspired By "8 Mile"". About.com (October 1, 2002). Accessed January 16, 2008.
  14. ^ Shaheem Reid (October 1, 2002). "50 Cent Works With Dre, Em, Trina, Possibly DMX On Debut". MTV. Accessed January 16, 2008.
  15. ^ Shaheem Reid (April 11, 2003). "Eminem Says If Tupac Were Alive, 'He Would Never Ride With Ja'". MTV. Accessed January 23, 2008.
  16. ^ "Lighting the Way". Rochester City Newspaper (December 23, 2003). Accessed January 16, 2008.
  17. ^ Kitty Empire (February 23, 2003). "He's cool. Dead cool". The Observer. Accessed September 15, 2007.
  18. ^ Ethan Brown (November 24, 2003). "Got Beef?". New York. Accessed January 15, 2008.
  19. ^ Rahman Dukes (November 22, 2002). "Benzino Ignites Beef By Calling Eminem '2003 Vanilla Ice'". MTV. Accessed January 15, 2008.
  20. ^ Selina Thompson. "Royce Da 5'9 (Interview)". TheSituation.co.uk. Accessed January 15, 2008.
  21. ^ Matt Barone (December 2, 2004). "Stat Quo: The Shady South (Interview)" BallerStatus.com. Accessed September 11, 2007.
  22. ^ Robert Strauss (October 28, 2004). "Arts, Briefly; Eminem Goes Sirius". The New York Times. Accessed January 16, 2008.
  23. ^ Paul Heine (December 6, 2004). "Eminem, DJ Green Lantern To Host Mix-tape Radio Show". AllBusiness.com. Accessed January 16, 2008.
  24. ^ "50 Cent gets Sirius". CNN Money (February 24, 2005). Accessed January 16, 2008.
  25. ^ James Montgomery (March 9, 2005). "50 Cent's The Massacre Makes Huge Chart Debut". MTV. Accessed January 16, 2008.
  26. ^ Margo Whitmire (March 9, 2005). "50 Cent Massacres Album Chart Competition". Billboard. Accessed January 16, 2008.
  27. ^ Gil Kaufman (December 29, 2005). "Mariah Carey Outguns 50 Cent On Year-End LP Sales Chart". MTV. Accessed January 16, 2008.
  28. ^ Shaheem Reid (February 22, 2005). "50 Cent's LP Pushed Up, Harsh 'Facts' Sound Like Disses On Leaked 'Piggy Bank'". MTV. Accessed January 19, 2008.
  29. ^ Shaheem Reid (May 6, 2005). "DJ Green Lantern Explains Eminem Split". VH1. Accessed March 12, 2007.
  30. ^ http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?I=4380
  31. ^ Carl Chery (August 23, 2005). "Eminem & Shade Collabo W/XXL For Special Radio Issue". SOHH. Accessed January 29, 2008.
  32. ^ Kimbel Bouwman (May 15, 2006). "HitQuarters Artist Bobby Creekwater Signs A Record Deal With Shady Records! (Interview)". HitQuarters. Accessed September 11, 2007.
  33. ^ Serge Fleury. "Ca$his - Ruling Everything Around Him (Interview)". NobodySmiling.com. Accessed September 11, 2007.
  34. ^ Shaheem Reid (December 14, 2006). "Who's That On Eminem's The Re-Up? Time For Roll Call ...". MTV. Accessed January 29, 2008.
  35. ^ "Sales of Rap Albums Take Stunning Nosedive". Fox News (March 1, 2007). Accessed September 15, 2007.
  36. ^ Brendan Frederick (June 2, 2006). "Obie Trice - Second Round’s On Me". XXL. Accessed September 12, 2007.
  37. ^ Shaheem Reid (May 30, 2006). "Eminem Re-Up's with Whoo Kid; Lloyd Banks brings the Gang Green". MTV. Accessed January 29, 2008.
  38. ^ Gil Kaufman (September 19, 2006). "Eminem, New Shady Artists Join 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks On The Re-Up". MTV. Accessed March 12, 2007.
  39. ^ "RealTalk with Ca$his: New EP The County Hound Drops Today". Real Talk NY (May 2, 2007). Accessed January 19, 2008.
  40. ^ "War of words: 50 Cent vs Kanye". BBC (September 10, 2007). Accessed September 11, 2007.
  41. ^ Tai Saint-Louis (June 30, 2008). "Shady Records Issues Statement On Obie's Departure". AllHipHop.com. Accessed July 1, 2008.
  42. ^ Stat Quo To Release "300-400" Unreleased Dr. Dre Tracks. HipHopDX.com. Accessed October 23, 2008.
  43. ^ Painkiller45 (August 14, 2009). "Creekwater leaves Shady Records". AftermathMusic.com. Accessed November 26, 2009.
  44. ^ Ryan (September 12, 2006). "Bobby Creekwater Interview". RapSearch.com. Accessed January 19, 2008.
  45. ^ http://rapradar.com/2011/01/12/eminem-covers-xxl-signs-slaughterhouse-yelawolf/
  46. ^ http://www.aftermathmusic.com/blog/2011/03/08/cashis-im-not-lyen-audio/
  47. ^ Shady Records Issues Statement On Obie's Departure
  48. ^ Stat Quo To Release 300-400 Unreleased Dr. Dre Tracks
  49. ^ Bobby Creekwater
  50. ^ "Artist Chart History - D12". Billboard. Accessed January 19, 2008.
  51. ^ "Devil's Night RIAA certification". RIAA. Accessed January 23, 2008.
  52. ^ "8 Mile Soundtrack". Billboard. Accessed January 19, 2008.
  53. ^ "8 Mile Soundtrack RIAA certification". RIAA. Accessed January 23, 2008.
  54. ^ "Get Rich or Die Tryin'". Billboard. Accessed January 19, 2008.
  55. ^ "Cheers". Billboard. Accessed January 19, 2008.
  56. ^ "D12 World". Billboard. Accessed January 19, 2008.
  57. ^ "The Massacre". Billboard. Accessed January 19, 2008.
  58. ^ "Second Round's on Me". Billboard. Accessed January 19, 2008.
  59. ^ "Eminem Presents the Re-Up". Billboard. Accessed January 19, 2008.
  60. ^ "Eminem Presents the Re-Up RIAA certification". RIAA. Accessed January 23, 2008.
  61. ^ "The County Hound EP". Billboard. Accessed January 19, 2008.
  62. ^ "Curtis". Billboard. Accessed January 19, 2008.
  63. ^ [1]
  64. ^ http://www.billboard.com/news/eminem-collaborator-denaun-porter-talks-1005242392.story
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