Uptown Records

Uptown Records was an American record label, founded by Andre Harrell in 1986. It went on to become one of the most popular hip-hop and R&B labels of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Featured on the roster were Guy, Heavy D & The Boyz, Jodeci, Mary J. Blige, Al B. Sure!, and Soul for Real amongst others.

History

Founded in 1986 by one half of rap duo, Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde, Andre Harrell. After securing distribution deal through MCA Records the compilation album, Uptown Is Kickin' It was released. Among the artists featured on the album were Heavy D & The Boyz and Marley Marl. By 1987, two debut albums by Heavy D and Al B. Sure! would be successful for the young label. Heavy D & The Boyz' Living Large would be certified Gold while Al B. Sure! Warner Bros distributed Uptown album In Effect Mode would have many hit singles, chart number seven on the R&B charts. In 1988, Guy featuring group member and producer Teddy Riley released their debut album, Guy. This album continued Uptown's hot streak as the album went number one and continued building upon the bubbling New jack swing sound created by Riley. Also in that same year, Uptown released the Capitol-distributed album from the Gyrlz Love Me or Leave Me.

Uptown Records (jazz)

Uptown Records is a jazz record label based in New York.

Discography

References