Cold Chillin' Records
Encyclopedia
Cold Chillin' Records was a record label
that released some important music in the golden age of hip hop from the late 1980s to the early 1990s. A producer-and-crew label founded by manager Tyrone Williams and run by Len Fichtelberg (d. November 4, 2010), most of the label's releases were by members of the Juice Crew
, a loosely knit group of artists centered around producer Marley Marl
.
, but label head Tyrone Williams and Fichtelberg decided to merge their companies, and Prism was absorbed by Cold Chillin’. In 1988, it signed a 5-year distribution deal with Warner Bros. Records
, which remained intact for its full duration. However, since Kool G. Rap
& D.J. Polo's third album, Live And Let Die
, was rejected by Warner Bros. on behalf of parent company Time Warner
because of the anti-gangsta
and anti-Time Warner sentiments that followed in the footsteps of the Cop Killer controversy involving hip hop artist Ice-T
. Cold Chillin' opted to distribute the album independently, and, as such, it did so with various projects throughout the remaining years of activity, including its short-lived distribution deal with the Epic Street division of Epic Records
, which released two albums by the label: the second album by Grand Daddy I.U.
and the debut solo effort by Kool G. Rap.
Cold Chillin' also formed a sub-label named Livin’ Large, which released Roxanne Shanté
's and YZ
's second albums along with several titles by other artists, and was distributed by former Warner Bros. Records subsidiary Tommy Boy Records
as part of its deal with Warner.
After it closed down in 1998, rights of the Cold Chillin' catalog (including the Prism catalog) were purchased by Massachusetts-based LandSpeed Records, now known as Traffic Entertainment Group. Along with Ruthless Records, Death Row Records
, and Rap-a-Lot Records
, Cold Chillin' Records is widely respected for serious contributions to hip hop music during its formative years. In 2006, LandSpeed started releasing new versions of the classic albums in Cold Chillin's’ catalog with their original artwork intact.
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
Record label
In the music industry, a record label is a brand and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. Most commonly, a record label is the company that manages such brands and trademarks, coordinates the production, manufacture, distribution, marketing and promotion,...
that released some important music in the golden age of hip hop from the late 1980s to the early 1990s. A producer-and-crew label founded by manager Tyrone Williams and run by Len Fichtelberg (d. November 4, 2010), most of the label's releases were by members of the Juice Crew
Juice Crew
The Juice Crew was a hip hop collective of largely Queensbridge-based artists in the mid- to late-1980s. Founded by producer Marley Marl and radio DJ Mr. Magic and housed by Tyrone William's Cold Chillin' Records, the Juice Crew would introduce New School artists Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie,...
, a loosely knit group of artists centered around producer Marley Marl
Marley Marl
Marlon Williams , better known as Marley Marl, is an American DJ and record producer, who is considered one of the most important and influential hip-hop producers in the history of hip hop.-Biography:...
.
History
Initially, Cold Chillin’ was a subsidiary of Prism RecordsPrism Records
Prism Records was an American record label formed in 1978 by Len Fichtelberg. It was originally an independent label, focusing on the New York R&B and disco music scene of the day...
, but label head Tyrone Williams and Fichtelberg decided to merge their companies, and Prism was absorbed by Cold Chillin’. In 1988, it signed a 5-year distribution deal with Warner Bros. Records
Warner Bros. Records
Warner Bros. Records Inc. is an American record label. It was the foundation label of the present-day Warner Music Group, and now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of that corporation. It maintains a close relationship with its former parent, Warner Bros. Pictures, although the two companies...
, which remained intact for its full duration. However, since Kool G. Rap
Kool G Rap
Nathaniel Thomas Wilson , better known by his stage names Kool G Rap , Kool G. Rap, and Giancana , is an American rapper, from the Corona neighborhood of Queens, New York. He began his career in the mid-1980s as one half of the group Kool G Rap & DJ Polo and as a member of the Juice Crew...
& D.J. Polo's third album, Live And Let Die
Live and Let Die (album)
Live And Let Die is the third, and final, studio album by the American hip hop duo Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, released November 24, 1992, on Cold Chillin'. The album features guest appearances from Ice Cube, Big Daddy Kane, Scarface, and Bushwick Bill...
, was rejected by Warner Bros. on behalf of parent company Time Warner
Time Warner
Time Warner is one of the world's largest media companies, headquartered in the Time Warner Center in New York City. Formerly two separate companies, Warner Communications, Inc...
because of the anti-gangsta
Gangsta rap
Gangsta Rap is a subgenre of hip hop music that evolved from hardcore hip hop and purports to reflect urban crime and the violent lifestyles of inner-city youths. Lyrics in gangsta rap have varied from accurate reflections to fictionalized accounts. Gangsta is a non-rhotic pronunciation of the word...
and anti-Time Warner sentiments that followed in the footsteps of the Cop Killer controversy involving hip hop artist Ice-T
ICE-T
* Ice-T, an American rapper and actor* ICE T , a tilting model of the German InterCityExpress series of high-speed trains...
. Cold Chillin' opted to distribute the album independently, and, as such, it did so with various projects throughout the remaining years of activity, including its short-lived distribution deal with the Epic Street division of Epic Records
Epic Records
Epic Records is an American record label, owned by Sony Music Entertainment. Though it was originally conceived as a jazz imprint, it has since expanded to represent various genres. L.A...
, which released two albums by the label: the second album by Grand Daddy I.U.
Grand Daddy I.U.
Grand Daddy I.U. is an American emcee from Queens, New York, active during the golden age of hip-hop. He states his nom de plume is similar to the pronunciation of his first name, "Ayub" ....
and the debut solo effort by Kool G. Rap.
Cold Chillin' also formed a sub-label named Livin’ Large, which released Roxanne Shanté
Roxanne Shanté
Roxanne Shanté is an American hip-hop pioneer. Born and raised in the Queensbridge Projects, Shanté first gained attention through the Roxanne Wars and her association with the Juice Crew....
's and YZ
YZ
YZ, Y.Z., or Yz can refer to:Astronomy* YZ Canis Minoris, a red dwarf star in the constellation Canis Minor* YZ Cassiopeiae, a star system in the constellation Cassiopeia* YZ Ceti, a red dwarf star in the constellation CetusTransportation...
's second albums along with several titles by other artists, and was distributed by former Warner Bros. Records subsidiary Tommy Boy Records
Tommy Boy Records
Tommy Boy Entertainment is an independent record label started in 1981 by Tom Silverman.-History:...
as part of its deal with Warner.
After it closed down in 1998, rights of the Cold Chillin' catalog (including the Prism catalog) were purchased by Massachusetts-based LandSpeed Records, now known as Traffic Entertainment Group. Along with Ruthless Records, Death Row Records
Death Row Records
Death Row Records is a record label founded in 1991 by Marion "Suge" Knight Jr., Andre Young , Tracy Lynn Curry and Michael Harris . It is known to have been home to many popular West Coast hip hop artists such as Dr...
, and Rap-a-Lot Records
Rap-A-Lot Records
Rap-a-Lot Records is a Houston hip hop record label. Rap-a-Lot was created in 1986. Sublabels include Smoke-a-Lot Records. The label was founded by James Prince in the mid-1980s and, with its most famous act the Geto Boys, put the South on the hip hop map. Since then, it has maintained its success...
, Cold Chillin' Records is widely respected for serious contributions to hip hop music during its formative years. In 2006, LandSpeed started releasing new versions of the classic albums in Cold Chillin's’ catalog with their original artwork intact.
Albums
1987- M.C. Shan—Down by LawDown by Law (MC Shan album)Down by Law is the debut album by East Coast hip hop artist MC Shan. Released at the height of the Bridge Wars, a feud between artists from Queensbridge and South Bronx , the album contains various diss tracks...
1988
- Big Daddy KaneBig Daddy KaneAntonio Hardy better known by his stage name Big Daddy Kane, is an American rapper who started his career in 1986 as a member of the rap group the Juice Crew. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential and skilled MC's in Hip Hop...
—Long Live the KaneLong Live the KaneLong Live the Kane is the debut album by MC Big Daddy Kane, released by Cold Chillin' Records in 1988. It was produced by Marley Marl and established both him and Kane as premier artists during hip hop's golden age... - MC ShanMC ShanMC Shan is an American rapper. He is perhaps best known for collaborating with Snow in "Informer", an international number one hit single.-Biography:...
—Born to be WildBorn to Be Wild (album)Born to Be Wild is the second album released by Juice Crew member and East Coast rapper MC Shan. After his debut album Down by Law, MC Shan's second album Born to Be Wild became another one of his master works. With the production work of Marley Marl, MC Shan directly attacked Boogie Down... - Biz MarkieBiz MarkieMarcel Theo Hall better known by his stage name, Biz Markie, is an American rapper, beatboxer, DJ, comedian, singer, reality television personality, and commercial spokesperson. He is best known for his single "Just a Friend", an American Top 10 hit in 1989...
—Goin' OffGoin' OffGoin' Off is the debut studio album by Biz Markie, a US hip hop musician. The album was released by Cold Chillin' Records, and produced by Marley Marl. The album was praised for its wit and humor. Big Daddy Kane wrote the lyrics of the album's first five songs... - Marley MarlMarley MarlMarlon Williams , better known as Marley Marl, is an American DJ and record producer, who is considered one of the most important and influential hip-hop producers in the history of hip hop.-Biography:...
—In Control Volume 1In Control Volume 1In Control, Volume 1 is an album by hip hop producer Marley Marl of the Juice Crew, released September 1, 1988 on Cold Chillin' Records. The album compiles ten studio recordings by Juice Crew members and artists affiliated with Marley Marl. It showcased his style of hip hop production and sampling...
1989
- Big Daddy KaneBig Daddy KaneAntonio Hardy better known by his stage name Big Daddy Kane, is an American rapper who started his career in 1986 as a member of the rap group the Juice Crew. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential and skilled MC's in Hip Hop...
—It's a Big Daddy ThingIt's a Big Daddy ThingIt's a Big Daddy Thing is the second full-length album by American rapper Big Daddy Kane. It was released on September 15, 1989.To date, it is his most successful effort commercially, certified gold by RIAA.... - Kool G RapKool G RapNathaniel Thomas Wilson , better known by his stage names Kool G Rap , Kool G. Rap, and Giancana , is an American rapper, from the Corona neighborhood of Queens, New York. He began his career in the mid-1980s as one half of the group Kool G Rap & DJ Polo and as a member of the Juice Crew...
& DJ Polo—Road to the RichesRoad To The RichesRoad to the Riches is the debut album by hip hop duo Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, which was released in 1989 on then-prominent hip hop label Cold Chillin' Records... - Roxanne ShantéRoxanne ShantéRoxanne Shanté is an American hip-hop pioneer. Born and raised in the Queensbridge Projects, Shanté first gained attention through the Roxanne Wars and her association with the Juice Crew....
—Bad SisterBad SisterBad Sister is the first album released by Roxanne Shanté. The album was released October 31, 1989, on Cold Chillin' Records and was produced by Marley Marl... - Biz MarkieBiz MarkieMarcel Theo Hall better known by his stage name, Biz Markie, is an American rapper, beatboxer, DJ, comedian, singer, reality television personality, and commercial spokesperson. He is best known for his single "Just a Friend", an American Top 10 hit in 1989...
—The Biz Never SleepsThe Biz Never SleepsThe Biz Never Sleeps is the second studio album by Biz Markie. It was released on October 10, 1989, on Cold Chillin'/Warner Bros. Records and was produced by Biz, his cousin Cool V and seminal producer Paul C, instead of Cold Chillin' in-house producer Marley Marl...
1990
- Grand Daddy I.U.Grand Daddy I.U.Grand Daddy I.U. is an American emcee from Queens, New York, active during the golden age of hip-hop. He states his nom de plume is similar to the pronunciation of his first name, "Ayub" ....
—Smooth AssassinSmooth AssassinSmooth Assassin is the debut album by Grand Daddy I.U., released on September 14, 1990 through Cold Chillin' Records. The entire album was produced by Biz Markie, with Cutmaster Cool V serving as both the co-producer and mixer of the album.... - Master AceMasta AceDuval Clear , known better by his stage name Masta Ace, is a rapper from Brownsville, Brooklyn. He appeared on the classic 1988 Juice Crew posse cut "The Symphony"...
—Take a Look Around - 2 Deep—Honey, That's Show Biz
- Kool G RapKool G RapNathaniel Thomas Wilson , better known by his stage names Kool G Rap , Kool G. Rap, and Giancana , is an American rapper, from the Corona neighborhood of Queens, New York. He began his career in the mid-1980s as one half of the group Kool G Rap & DJ Polo and as a member of the Juice Crew...
& DJ Polo—Wanted: Dead or Alive - Big Daddy KaneBig Daddy KaneAntonio Hardy better known by his stage name Big Daddy Kane, is an American rapper who started his career in 1986 as a member of the rap group the Juice Crew. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential and skilled MC's in Hip Hop...
—Taste of ChocolateTaste of ChocolateTaste of Chocolate is the third album by emcee Big Daddy Kane, released in late 1990 on Cold Chillin' Records. After the success of his first two albums, Long Live the Kane and It's a Big Daddy Thing, Taste of Chocolate became Kane's first album not to reach Gold sales status. The album received... - M.C. Shan—Play it Again, ShanPlay it Again, ShanPlay it Again Shan is the third and final album by Cold Chillin' Records artist and Juice Crew member MC Shan. The album was released during 1990 on Cold Chillin’/Warner Bros. Records.-Tracklisting:#Ain't It Good To You Play it Again Shan is the third and final album by Cold Chillin' Records artist...
1991
- Big Daddy KaneBig Daddy KaneAntonio Hardy better known by his stage name Big Daddy Kane, is an American rapper who started his career in 1986 as a member of the rap group the Juice Crew. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential and skilled MC's in Hip Hop...
—Prince of DarknessPrince of Darkness (Big Daddy Kane album)Prince of Darkness is the fourth album by rapper Big Daddy Kane, released October 29, 1991 on Cold Chillin' Records. The album features guest appearances from Q-Tip and Busta Rhymes, and features the singles "Groove With It", "Raw '91" and "The Lover in You."-Track listing:-Samples:*"Brother,... - Kid CapriKid CapriDavid Anthony Love, Jr , also known by his stage name Kid Capri, is an American musician.He was born in the Bronx, New York City, New York, USA....
—The TapeThe Tape (Kid Capri album)The Tape is debut album by Kid Capri released on February 19, 1991, on Cold Chillin' Records , The album was produced by Biz Markie and co-produced by Cool V.-Tracklisting:#"News Story"#"Billy"... - Diamond Shell—The Grand Imperial Diamond Shell
- Biz MarkieBiz MarkieMarcel Theo Hall better known by his stage name, Biz Markie, is an American rapper, beatboxer, DJ, comedian, singer, reality television personality, and commercial spokesperson. He is best known for his single "Just a Friend", an American Top 10 hit in 1989...
—I Need a HaircutI Need a HaircutI Need a Haircut is the third studio album by Biz Markie. It was released on August 27, 1991, on Cold Chillin'/Warner Bros. Records and was produced by Biz Markie and his cousin Cool V... - Marley MarlMarley MarlMarlon Williams , better known as Marley Marl, is an American DJ and record producer, who is considered one of the most important and influential hip-hop producers in the history of hip hop.-Biography:...
—In Control, Volume 2: For Your Steering Pleasure - The GeniusGZAGary Grice , better known by his stage names GZA and The Genius, is an American hip hop artist and founding member of the seminal hip hop group the Wu-Tang Clan. He has also appeared on his fellow clan members' solo projects and has maintained a successful solo career...
—Words from the GeniusWords from the GeniusWords from the Genius is the debut album by the emcee GZA as the Genius, under his previous stage name. It is historically significant as the only album any Wu-Tang Clan member released before the founding of the group in 1992 Words from the Genius is the debut album by the emcee GZA as the Genius,...
1992
- Kool G RapKool G RapNathaniel Thomas Wilson , better known by his stage names Kool G Rap , Kool G. Rap, and Giancana , is an American rapper, from the Corona neighborhood of Queens, New York. He began his career in the mid-1980s as one half of the group Kool G Rap & DJ Polo and as a member of the Juice Crew...
& DJ Polo—Live and Let DieLive and Let Die (album)Live And Let Die is the third, and final, studio album by the American hip hop duo Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, released November 24, 1992, on Cold Chillin'. The album features guest appearances from Ice Cube, Big Daddy Kane, Scarface, and Bushwick Bill... - Roxanne ShantéRoxanne ShantéRoxanne Shanté is an American hip-hop pioneer. Born and raised in the Queensbridge Projects, Shanté first gained attention through the Roxanne Wars and her association with the Juice Crew....
—The Bitch is Back (released on Livin’ Large) - Nubian M.O.B.Nubian M.O.B.Nubian M.O.B. is the only album of an R&B group of the same name, released in 1992 on Cold Chillin' Records. It was produced entirely by Daddy-O of the group Stetsasonic.Executive Producers were Kedar Massenburg, Tyrone Williams & Leonard Richardson....
- Nubian M.O.B.Nubian M.O.B.Nubian M.O.B. is the only album of an R&B group of the same name, released in 1992 on Cold Chillin' Records. It was produced entirely by Daddy-O of the group Stetsasonic.Executive Producers were Kedar Massenburg, Tyrone Williams & Leonard Richardson....
1993
- Big Daddy KaneBig Daddy KaneAntonio Hardy better known by his stage name Big Daddy Kane, is an American rapper who started his career in 1986 as a member of the rap group the Juice Crew. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential and skilled MC's in Hip Hop...
—Looks Like a Job For…Looks Like a Job For…Looks Like a Job For... is the fifth album by emcee Big Daddy Kane, released in 1993 through Cold Chillin' Records. After the commercial failure of his 1991 album Prince of Darkness, Kane was able to regain his past acclaim, with an album that was considered as a return to his past greatness... - Biz MarkieBiz MarkieMarcel Theo Hall better known by his stage name, Biz Markie, is an American rapper, beatboxer, DJ, comedian, singer, reality television personality, and commercial spokesperson. He is best known for his single "Just a Friend", an American Top 10 hit in 1989...
—All Samples Cleared!All Samples Cleared!All Samples Cleared! is the fourth studio album by Biz Markie. It was released on June 2, 1993; produced by Biz and his cousin Cool V; and was his final studio album released by Cold Chillin'/Warner Bros. Records. The album was not much of a success, only peaking at #43 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop... - TBTBT—Too Bad to Be True
- YZYZ (rapper)YZ is a rapper from Trenton Hills, New Jersey. He is best known for his two early-1990s albums.YZ is the owner of Blackworld Entertainment, a management firm...
—The Ghetto’s Been Good to Me (released on Livin’ Large) - T.C.F. Crew—Come & Play with Me
1994
- Grand Daddy I.U.Grand Daddy I.U.Grand Daddy I.U. is an American emcee from Queens, New York, active during the golden age of hip-hop. He states his nom de plume is similar to the pronunciation of his first name, "Ayub" ....
—Lead PipeLead Pipe (album)Lead Pipe is the second album by Grand Daddy I.U., released on June 21, 1994 through Cold Chillin' and Epic Records. The entire album was produced by Grand Daddy I.U. and Kay Cee.... - King Sun—Strictly Ghetto (released on Livin’ Large)
1995
- Kool G RapKool G RapNathaniel Thomas Wilson , better known by his stage names Kool G Rap , Kool G. Rap, and Giancana , is an American rapper, from the Corona neighborhood of Queens, New York. He began his career in the mid-1980s as one half of the group Kool G Rap & DJ Polo and as a member of the Juice Crew...
—4,5,64,5,64,5,6 is the solo debut by hip hop artist Kool G Rap, released in September 1995 on Cold Chillin' Records. The release followed his break-up with DJ Polo in 1993. The album was mostly received neutrally among critics, but was warmly accepted by underground fans...
Non-album singles
- Juice Crew All-Stars—"Juice Crew All-Stars"
- Big ScoobBig ScoobStewart D. Ashby, Jr., better known by his stage name Big Scoob is an American rapper from Kansas City, Missouri and a member of Strange Music. Though he is one of the newest on the label, he isn't new to the rap game. He has been rapping since 1998 with a Local KC rap group called 57th Street...
—"Suckaz Can't Hang" - Madame Star—"Looking for a Dame"
- Big ScoobBig ScoobStewart D. Ashby, Jr., better known by his stage name Big Scoob is an American rapper from Kansas City, Missouri and a member of Strange Music. Though he is one of the newest on the label, he isn't new to the rap game. He has been rapping since 1998 with a Local KC rap group called 57th Street...
—"Champagne on the Block" - Juice Crew All-Stars—"Cold Chillin' Christmas"