Ill Flava Records aims to be the first Hip Hop Label in Britain to deliver a true reflection of the life style lead by the British street Youth. The label has never been interested in chart success; instead Ill Flava 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 commercial material.
Though proud of its history, Karl Hinds feels that Ill Flava 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 has changed with it, refusing to conform to the stagnant sound that has plagued Hip Hop music in Britain.
This is the end of the beginning for Ill Flava Records “we keep it pushing”.

Ill Flava Records is east London’s premier Hip Hop label. Formed in 1999 by artist/producer 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 of the greatest British Hip Hop records of all time.
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 C.E.O 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 Skinny Man. Considered the best concept album off that year the label grew in notoriety and expanded it consumer base.

2006 saw Ill Flava 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.

2008-09 after recognizing the labels massive potential on-line Karl Hinds set about developing illflavarecords.com. Hinds saw the opportunity for the label to deliver its music to a wider audience without restriction or prejudice. With the development of its own on-line shop and other digital distribution deals the labels record sales have sawed with out the having to compromise its integrity or credibility.

2011 we will continue to make history