Started in '98 this label has fast become one of the UK's finest. Building up a fine roster and putting out one quality release after another this label definately deserves yor attention.

This summer, the BBC will launch a new national radio station dedicated to black music. Not yet named, but currently being referred to as Network X, the station aims to etch out its own identity and lead the way in youth radio by supporting new UK talent as well as showcasing the best urban music from abroad. As part of the government plan to phase out analogue radio (FM/AM/MW), Network X will be using a digital broadcasting system. This means that listeners will be able to tune into the station using digital radio receivers, digital satellite television, digital cable television, or the Internet and get near-CD-quality reception.

Powercut is a small label that was started by DJ Steg G in January 1994. It grew partly out of a venture called "Underground Street Tapes" which put out British Hip-Hop music.

Kriminal Recordz was a Scottish label. The label was founded by Big Div of Major Threat in 2000 and is slowly begining to grow from existing to release Major Threat material, to signing and releasing material by Loki and Respect BA.

MC Strike and producerwriter Mosquito are a hip-hop duo from Stockport, UK. Check them at: http://www.strikeandmosquito.com or [email protected].

Minc. Records.™ is an independent recording company created through the partnership of Sporadic Entertainment and g*a*s ™ management.

Skitz and Mickle's own label.

“It’s based on a personality and a goal,” explains 21 year old Kebbie Conteh about the meaning behind his hip-hop moniker Joker Starr. “’Joker’ was given to me by my cousins when I was younger, and ‘star’ is what I want to be.” Having been rapping seriously for only three years, it is impressive what he has so far been able to achieve.

Due to the modest financial returns it offers the majority of its artists, British hip-hop has had more than its fair share of casualties over the years. One example of this is the defunct collective Lords of Rap. After releasing a string of singles in the early 1990s with limited success, the London-based quartet decided to split up. Eight years on, the group’s main producer and rapper Def G now goes by the name of Soliheen and was the man responsible for producing two of the tracks on Ty’s well-received debut LP as well as crafting beats for new rhyme-slinger Joker Starr.

Music Of Life Records, one of the original UK hip hop labels. They released a fair bit of US stuff, a lot of crap sounding stuff but a few good UK 12"s.