1996 was a huge year for hip-hop. There were countless debuts of artists, top-charting singles and millions of dollars circling through the industry. Back then, the hip-hop industry’s success was based on the success of the record label. From the east-coast/west-coast feud to the release of some of the best hip-hop albums, this year was the year of the record labels. Here’s a few of the labels that topped hip-hop with the most street cred, drama, and hits in 1996.
- LaFace Records
Founded in 1989 by L.A. Reid and Babyface, Atlanta’s own La Face Records dominated the 90’s in both hip hop and R&B. TLC, Toni Braxton helped formed the success of LaFace, but there was one group in particular that put them on the map in hip-hop music. One word, OutKast. In 1996, OutKast released their sophomore album, ATLiens. This album included a unique, smooth out-of-this-world production by Organized Noize and OutKast themselves. The album rose to the number two spot on Billboard’s 200 chart and their single Elevators earned them a spot on Billboard’s Hot 100, in the top 40. This album put OutKast on the map and gave them cred and respect from hip-hop heads across the country. This album success of the album shadowed the pending lawsuits LaFace was facing from TLC and Toni Braxton in 1996. Other top artists that gave LaFace Records cred in 1996 include Goodie Mob and the Southsyde B.O.I.Z.
- Ruthless Records
Ruthless Records was founded in 1986 by Eazy-E & Jerry Keller. The label was created as a pathway for NWA so that they could release their music. After contractual disputes and absent paychecks, Ice Cube left the label and pursued a solo career in 1989. Soon Dr. Dre followed suit in 1991. Following the death of Eazy-E, the label restructured as they debut their new rap group. In 1996, Bone Thugs -N- debuted Tha Crossroads, inspired by their rough upbringing in Cleveland, Ohio. The song was dedicated to their mentor, the late Eazy-E.
- Roc-A-Fella Records
Roc-A-Fella Records was founded in 1996, a major year for hip hop music by Shawn “Jay-Z" Carter, Kareem “Biggs” Burke and Damon “Dame” Dash. The label was created as a platform for Jay Z to release his debut album and by the end of the year after they were previously turned down by many major labels. Ironically by the end their founding year, Def Jam began to take notice. The release of Jay-Z Dead Presidents in 1996 gave an image to what would come of the label in the future. Following the release of the single, Dead Presidents, Jay-Z released his debut album Reasonable Doubt. The song went on to get an RIAA gold certification in June of 1996 and went down in history as one of the best hip hop songs.
- Bad Boy Records
Bad Boy Records was founded in 1993 by Sean “Diddy” Combs and was home to various poppin’ artists in 1996. After the success of Notorious B.I.G, in 1996 Puff Daddy began recording his own solo album. Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down, the first single off the album climbed to the number one spot across the R&B, rap and pop charts. Bad Boy was a hit! It was in 1996 that the legend Clive Davis took notice and offered Diddy financial backing and global distribution through Arista and BMG. They then became business partners and Bad Boy grew to become the most successful label on the East Coast. The emergence of this East Coast empire was giving Death Row Records a run for their money. The East Coast/West Coast feud began as each label released hit after hit forcing hip-hip fans to pick a side.
- Death Row Records
Death Row Records, leading label of the West Coast, was founded in 1991 by Dr. Dre, The D.O.C, and Suge Knight. The label climbed to the top of the hip hop world and peaked in 1996 with the success of the rising artist 2Pac. 2Pac signed to Death Row Records in 1995, released his fourth studio album All Eyez On Me in February 1996. The success of the label shook as they faced many changes throughout the year. In March 1996, Dr. Dre left Death Row after claiming that he got tired of the “all gangsta” image and feel of the label. 2Pac being signed to the label solidified his decision to leave and start his own label, Aftermath Entertainment.
Death Row continued to stir up hip-hop with their feud with the east coast’s top record label, Bad Boy Records. The feud escalated in 1996 with shots fired both symbolically and physically. 2Pac, their premier artist, was shot and killed in September of that year and Suge Knight was faced with criminal charges.
The label later debuted The Dogg Pound’s album, Dogg Food, and Snoop Dogg’s the Doggfather that went double platinum.
