Uptown Records, the label that once housed Mary J. Blige, The Notorious B.I.G., Jodeci and Heavy D, has been revived under the Republic Collective umbrella. Danielle Price Sanders will lead the venture as President of Uptown and Executive Vice President of Republic Collective.
She will be joined by Natina Nimene, Executive Vice President of Urban Audience and Artist Relations at Republic Collective.
Uptown Records was founded in 1986 by the late Andre Harrell, who was one-half of the rap duo Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde. The label became a prominent force in hip-hop and R&B during the 1980s and 1990s, launching the careers of Sean “Diddy” Combs, Al B. Sure!, Soul 4 Real, and the aforementioned artists, among others. Harrell died of heart failure in May 2020 at age 59.
Uptown’s current rap roster includes G Herbo, Yung Miami, Trap Dickey and producer ATL Jacob.
“Andre Harrell built one of the most influential record companies in music history, creating a platform where hip-hop and R&B artists could break through and truly impact the mainstream with integrity,” Sanders said. “I’m honored to help carry that legacy forward and support the next generation of artists.”
G Herbo added: “Uptown Records was a flagship for rap music. It created the template for superstars in the eighties and nineties. It’s an honor to be a part of its story.”
