Ill Flava Records is east London’s primary 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 off 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 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. |