Strange Music, Inc. is an American independent record label specializing in hip hop music founded by Tech N9ne and business partner Travis O'Guin in 1999. It is currently distributed through Fontana Distribution.
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History
Travis O'Guin, an established businessman in the world of furniture, was looking to get into the music industry. He had been a fan of Tech N9ne's music and had seen how his career was being handled.
At the time, Tech had several engagements pulling him in several directions. At the time, he was signed to Qwest Records as well as MidwestSide Records. He also had commitments with both QDIII's Soundlab and Sway & King Tech of The Wake Up Show. Travis came into the picture and offered Tech something he never had, his own label. They agreed upon a 50/50 division of profits, with Travis acting as President and Tech as Vice President.
Their first venture was a deal with JCOR Entertainment to release Anghellic, though JCOR mishandled the album. They would then seek another 50/50 deal, this time with Mark Cerami (previously of Priority Records) & Dave Weiner (previously of JCOR Entertainment) who were doing their own joint label at the time, MSC Entertainment. The first album Absolute Power was a success, selling about 250,000 copies.
The label is now independent, no longer joined with MSC Entertainment, instead having a distribution deal through Fontana Distribution. Their first release under the deal with Fontana was Tech N9ne's 2006 effort, Everready (The Religion). While many albums were advertised for 2007 releases in the artwork for that album, only one release was seen in 2007 from Strange Music, Misery Loves Kompany.
The other albums advertised inside the Everready case would however see release a year later in 2008, along with a solo effort from Project: Deadman/Bedlam member, Prozak. For the majority of 2008, Ill Bill looked to be releasing his The Hour of Reprisal through Strange Music, though the talks would fall through and he would instead sign with Fat Beats Records to release the album.
February 7, 2009, it was announced on Tech N9ne's official website that Big Scoob had joined the Strange Music label.
On February 9, 2009, it was announced on Tech N9ne's official website that Skatterman & Snug Brim had decided to leave the Strange Music label after fulfilling their commitment.
In May 2009, Tech signed Brotha Lynch Hung to Strange Music. Brotha Lynch released his Strange Music debut album, Dinner and a Movie on March 23, 2010.
In July 19, 2009, Cognito signed to the Strange Music label. Cognito did not tour with other labelmates during the KOD Tour in order to complete his 2010 album, "Automatic". This ultimately led to the low sales of the album, and led to Cognito's departure from the label the following year.
It was announced by XXL magazine on September 27, 2010 that Jay Rock had signed with Strange Music for a multi-album deal.
On March 31, 2011, the label announced the addition of Stevie Stone to its roster. Stone officially signed with the label on March 17, 2011.
On April 11, 2011, it was announced on Strange Music's official website that Miami-based hip-hop band ¡MAYDAY! signed to the label. The band immediately joined Krizz Kaliko, Kutt Calhoun, Big Scoob, Stevie Stone and Jay Rock on Tech N9ne's All 6's and 7's Tour, beginning in May 2011.
In December 2011, Strange Music announced that Prozak had signed to the label as a solo recording artist. The artist had previously worked with the label on various projects, including his 2008 Tales from the Sick which was distributed by the label.
In January 2012, Strange Music signed rap duo CES Cru, made up of rappers Ubiquitous and Godemis. They had worked with Strange in the past with albums Bad Season, All 6's and 7's, and recently on Tech N9ne Collabos: Welcome To Strangeland. The two Kansas City rappers would then release two mixtapes simultaneously on April 6, 2012: The Deevil from Godemis and Matter Don't Money from Ubiquitous.
In August 2012, Tech N9ne signed Slumerican rapper Rittz. Rittz and Tech N9ne immediately began working together, releasing the popular collaboration remix of Rittz's "Bloody Murdah" shortly after Rittz joined the label.
In 2013, Strange Music signed ¡MAYDAY! emcee Wrekonize as a solo act. He released his Strange Music debut album The War Within on June 25, 2013.
On February 7, 2014, it was announced via Tech N9ne's Facebook page that Murs signed to Strange Music.
On September 22, 2014, it was announced that Kutt Calhoun left Strange Music after fulfilling his commitment. He stated that he's still in good terms with the label. That same month, Tech N9ne revealed that Jay Rock had left his Strange Music imprint and is now only signed to Top Dawg Entertainment.
On October 14, 2015, it was announced that St. Louis-based singer Darrein Safron signed to the label. He appears as a featured artist on Strangeulation Vol. II, including his own song "Real With Yourself", featuring Tech N9ne. Safron released his debut project titled The Brilliant EP on March 11, 2016.
On December 12, 2015, during the Tech The Halls 2015 concert, it was announced that Kansas City-based rapper JL of B.Hood signed to the label. He also appears on Strangeulation Vol. II.
After the release of the single "Actin Like You Know" featuring Tech N9ne, Strange Music confirmed that Mackenzie Nicole, the daughter of CEO Travis O'Guin, signed to the label.
On February 23, 2016, Tech N9ne confirmed via Instagram that Chicago-based pop group AboveWaves signed to the label. The group, most notably lead vocals Ryan Bradley, has appeared on several of Tech N9ne's songs, such as "Over It", "Burn It Down", and "Praise K.O.D.". They are currently finishing their debut album.
In 2016, Strange Music signed ¡MAYDAY! emcee Bernz as a solo act. He released his Strange Music debut album See You On The Other Side on July 8, 2016.
In 2017 Rittz fulfilled his contractual obligations and decided not to renew it and part ways with Strange Music on good terms. His contract is set to expire July 2018. Strange Music also signed Kansas City rapper Joey Cool and Chicago rapper, as well as the winner of the Warrior Build competition, Jay Trilogy. This was announced during the release concert of Strange Reign
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Subsidiaries
Strange Music West
On May 14, 2009, a press release was issued by the label, naming Dave Weiner (formerly of Priority Records, JCor Entertainment & MSC Entertainment) the Vice President of "Strange Music West." In this new position, Dave will work hand in hand with Label President, Travis O'Guin from his satellite office in Los Angeles. One of his duties for the label will be to find and sign new acts to the label. Weiner was responsible for signing Sacramento, California rapper, Brotha Lynch Hung to the Strange Music label.
Strange Lane Records
In 2010, Strange Music Inc. started a new label called Strange Lane Records. The first artist signed to the new subsidiary was Young Bleed. However, the subsidiary's roster is currently empty after Young Bleed departed in early 2012.
Roster
Current artists
Former artists
Discography
See also
- List of record labels
References
External links
- Official website
- Music Blogs
Source of article : Wikipedia
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