THIS TEXT ORIGINALLY APPEARS IN THE STORY “PLAY YOUR PART” FROM APRIL 2011 ISSUE OF XXL. ON SALE NOW

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Rostrum Records

Birthed: 2003
Founder: Benjy Grinberg
Description: A Pittsburgh-based independent label and management company. Rostrum also has an office in New York City.
Past Achievements: Wiz Khalifa appeared on the 2010 XXL Freshmen cover; landed a record deal with Atlantic Records.
Current Roster: Wiz Khalifa, Mac Miller, Vali Porter (R&B Singer), Donora (Indie Rock Band) and Scott Simons (Singer/Songwriter)

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Cinematic Music Group

Birthed: 2007
Founders: Jonny Shipes and Jen McDaniels
Description: An independent label and management company based in New York City with wise but young rap talent who have strong street followings; focused on cultivating fans through live shows
Past Achievements: Former signee Nipsey Hu$$le landed on the 2010 XXL Freshmen cover; secured distribution deal with Def Jam Recordings for Big K.R.I.T.’s major-label debut
Current Roster: Big K.R.I.T. and Smoke DZA

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Ghet-O-Vision Entertainment

Birthed: 1999
Founder: Kawan “KP” Prather
Description: An Atlanta-based management company and independent label bursting with talent from less-popular parts of the country, such as Alabama and Las Vegas
Past Achievements: Launched the careers of Young Bloodz and T.I.; locked distribution deals with Island Def Jam in 2009 and Interscope/Shady in 2010 Current Roster: Yelawolf and Mr. Finley
We’re Making an Impact on Hip-Hop Now Because... “the artists I sign or deal with are respectable and able to get the respect of people who have gone through it. If a vet can’t find something about you to respect in your newness, it’s probably not there.” —Kawan “KP” Prather

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Top Dawg Entertainment

Birthed: 2006
Founder: Dude Dawg a.k.a. Top Dawg
Description: West Coast–based independent label and management company made up of a batch of some of the hungriest rappers coming out of Southern California
Past Achievements: Two XXL Freshman artists in a row (Jay Rock, class of 2010; Kendrick Lamar, class of 2011); digital release by Kendrick Lamar charting in the top 10 on iTunes’ hip-hop/rap chart
Current Roster: Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q and Ab Soul

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Maybach Music Group

Birthed: 2008
Founder: Rick Ross
Description: The brainchild of Rick Ross is based in Miami and boasts a diverse roster of artists who represent themselves with strong independent movements
Past Achievements: The critically acclaimed albums Deeper Than Rap and Teflon Don, by Rick Ross, and his two popular mixtapes, The Albert Anastasia EP and Ashes to Ashes
Current Roster: Meek Mill, Wale, Gunplay, Masspike Miles, Torch, Duce Pound, Carol City Cartel, Magazeen and Audra the Rapper

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