THE 25 MOST IMPACTFUL HIP-HOP RECORD LABELS OF ALL TIME

1. Def Jam Recordings – Founded in 1984 by Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin, Def Jam became hip-hop’s first true powerhouse, launching LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Beastie Boys, Jay-Z, DMX, and Kanye West. It set the blueprint for the business of hip-hop.

See also: Colombian Singer Karol G Faces Backlash, Branded “Temu Shakira” After NFL Halftime Show in Brazil

2. Death Row Records – Formed in 1991 by Dr. Dre, Suge Knight, The D.O.C., and Dick Griffey, Death Row defined the West Coast G-Funk era with Snoop Dogg, 2Pac, and Dr. Dre’s The Chronic.

3. Bad Boy Records – Established in 1993 by Sean “Diddy” Combs, Bad Boy was home to The Notorious B.I.G., Ma$e, Lil’ Kim, and more. It combined street grit with glossy mainstream appeal.

4. Cash Money Records – Created in 1991 by brothers Bryan “Birdman” Williams and Ronald “Slim” Williams, Cash Money turned Lil Wayne into a superstar and later gave rise to Drake and Nicki Minaj.

5. No Limit Records – Founded by Master P in 1990, No Limit was known for its non-stop releases, flashy Pen & Pixel album covers, and a massive roster that reshaped Southern hip-hop hustle.