Ill Flava Records

infobox record label


founded = 1999
founder = Karl Hinds
distributor = Cargo Records, Boombox Distribution
genre = Hip hop, R&B
country = U.K.
location = London
url = [http://www.illflavarecords.com/ Ill Flava Records]

Ill Flava Records (originally Ill Flava) is an UK Hip hop/R&B record label founded by Hip Hop award winner, producer/rapper Karl "Don Gramma" Hinds in 1999 that is now partnered with Digital Dreamspace.

History

Beginnings

Ill Flava Records is east London’s primary Hip Hop label. Formed in 1999 by Hip Hop award winner, producer/rapper Karl Hinds, the label quickly resonated with street youth nation wide when his debut single “Don Gramma” premiered on London’s Kiss FM by Big Ted. Written, Produced and Performed by Karl Hinds, the single instantly achieved critical acclaim, which led to the song being nominated for Single of the year at the UK Hip Hop awards, Karl Hinds being nominated for Best Newcomer, and a UK Hip Hop award for Best Video. In 2001 Ill Flava Records negotiated its first deal with a major label, licensing “Don Gramma” to Wordplay, a subsidiary of Virgin music group. Within its first year, Ill Flava Records had released one off the greatest British Hip Hop records of all time.

Having worked with artists such as Estelle, Skinnyman, Seanie T, Blak Twang, Roots Manuva and Jeff3, the album established huge success. The label’s first album “Hindsight” (by Karl Hinds) built on the success generated by the early singles “The Next” and “Get to know me” (both by Karl Hinds) and was compared to albums made by Dr Dre, Jay Z and KRS One by critics who widely regard Hindsight as a classic album.

By 2003 Ill Flava Records had become a name known around Europe and a deal was negotiated for the label to release German producer DJ Dynamite’s album ”Welcome to the world of Joni Rewind.” The album included music by artists from the USA, UK, Jamaica and Germany. This collaboration brought Ill Flava international recognition with material by outstanding artists such as Capleton, Blak Twang, Estelle, Diamond D, Lord Finesse, among many others.

By 2004 Ill Flava Records Karl Hinds returned to the forefront releasing his second album “Have Patience” which spurned another underground hit for the label with the L.P.’s lead single “Lets Av It” featuring Skinnyman. Considered the best concept album off that year the label grew in notoriety and expanded it consumer base.

2006 saw Ill Flava Records team up with JPM Recordings to launch the career of Rapper Serocee, releasing his debut single “Life” proving that the label is prepared to back street talent.

The Vision

Ill Flava Records aims to be the first Hip Hop Label in Britain to deliver a true reflection of the life style led by the British street Youth. The label has never been interested in chart success, instead Ill Flava Records has always focused on delivering a culture to its listeners. Now firmly established, the label aims to prove that you can prosper financially in British music without having to make commercially friendly material.

Though proud of its history, Karl Hinds feels that Ill Flava Records should not be considered a U.K. Hip hop label, but a company that makes [Hip Hop] music in the U.K. Karl has always been clear about defining Ill Flava’s sound and it’s easy to see why. As Hip Hop has evolved, Ill Flava Records has changed with it, refusing to conform to the stagnant sound that has plagued Hip hop music in Britain.

Digital Innovation

Award winning development company, Digital Dreamspace, has joined forces with Ill Flava Records after successful negotiations for the two companies to work together.

In addition to music production, Ill Flava Records now has an award winning digital design and development team on board as a major player in Internet Marketing, Online Media production and e-Commerce Solutions.

With over 10 years of professional Internet solutions, Digital Dreamspace will be working with Ill Flava Records to implement Online Digital Innovations never before used in the UK Hip hop industry for independent labels.

Providing award winning designs, development and production, the two successful companies have a great future together.

Artists

*Karl Hinds
*Jeff3
*Seanie T
*Serocee

Affiliated Artists

*Estelle
*Skinnyman
*Capleton
*Joni Rewind
*Tempa
*Demolition Man
*Roots Manuva
*Blak Twang

Awards

*UKHH Awards
**2001, Best Hip Hop Video: Karl Hinds (Winner for Don Gramma single from the album Hindsight, released: 2002)
**2001, Best Single for Don Gramma: Karl Hinds (Nominated)
**2001, Best New Comer: Karl Hinds (Nominated)
**2003, Best Single for Get To Know Me: Karl Hinds (Nominated)

Discography

External links

** [http://www.illflavarecords.com Ill Flava Records]
** [http://www.digitaldreamspace.co.uk Digital Dreamspace]
** [http://www.putyourselfout.net PYO Entertainment]