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Strange Music

US record label


US record label

FieldValue
bgcolor#000000
name
imageStrangeMusicLogo.png
founded
founder
distributorCompound Interest Entertainment, Virgin Music Group
genre{{Flat list
countryU.S.
locationLee's Summit, Missouri, U.S.
website
  • Hip hop
  • rap rock
  • R&B
  • pop

Strange Music is an American independent record label specializing in hip hop music and founded by Tech N9ne and Travis O'Guin in 1999.

History

In 2009 Skatterman & Snug Brim fulfilled their commitment to Strange Music and left the label.

In 2010 Jay Rock signed a multi-album deal with Strange Music.

In 2011 Stevie Stone joined the label in March and Prozak in December.

In 2012 Strange Music signed the duo CES Cru, made up of rappers Ubiquitous and Godemis, in January and Slumerican rapper Rittz in August.

In 2014, Murs signed with Strange Music in February and Kutt Calhoun and Jay Rock left Strange Music in September.

In 2016 Chicago-based pop group AboveWaves signed to the label.

In 2018 Strange Music announced a new pop music subsidiary Strange Main in February, and Murs left in March after completing his contract.

In 2019 Krizz Kaliko announced his intentions of leaving the label on October 6, then signed a new contract on stage on October 20. However, Kaliko officially announced his departure from Strange in order to form his own label Ear House Inc. on May 15, 2021.

Subsidiaries

Strange Music West was announced in 2009 with Dave Weiner, formerly of Priority Records and JCOR Entertainment, as Vice President. Weiner immediately signed Brotha Lynch Hung to the label.

Strange Lane Records was started in 2010 and signed Young Bleed as its first artist.

Strange Main, a pop music division, was announced in 2018 with former radio personality Ponch Hudgens as Executive Director and C.E.O. Travis O'Guin's daughter Mackenzie as its flagship artist.

It Goes Up Entertainment is a subsidiary of Strange Music that acts as a distribution company to other artists and their labels or independent projects. It was founded and launched in 2021. It currently distributes artists Saigon, Jelly Roll, Dax & ¡Mayday!

Roster

Current artists

ArtistYear signedAlbums released by StrangeDescription
Tech N9neFounder23Rapper from Kansas City, Missouri, he co-founded the label alongside Travis O'Guin in 1999. Under the label, he has released an extensive collection of 23 albums, 12 EPs and one mixtape, and has gone on to become the #1 independent artist in hip hop. Released his twenty-fourth studio album, Bliss, on July 14, 2023.
Big Scoob20094Rapper from Kansas City, Missouri. Had appeared as an album guest on two of Tech N9ne's previous albums before signing with the label. Released his fourth studio album, Duality, on May 25, 2018.
Prozak20114Rapper from Saginaw, Michigan. Originally signed to the label in 2004 alongside Mike E. Clark as Project: Deadman, and the group released its only album Self Inflicted that same year. Released his debut solo album, Tales from the Sick, through the label in 2008, three years prior to his signing to the label as a solo act. Released his fourth studio album, Black Ink, on October 9, 2015.
Mackenzie Nicole20152Singer from Kansas City, Missouri, and daughter of Strange Music CEO Travis O'Guin. She made several guest appearances on numerous Tech N9ne songs, including "Fear" and "K.O.D", along with appearances on projects by other Strange Music artists before signing to the label. With "Actin Like You Know", Nicole produced her first song under Strange Music with the help of Krizz Kaliko and Seven. The song featured Tech N9ne and appeared on his sixteenth album, Strangeulation Vol. II. Released her second album, Mystic, on February 14, 2020.
AboveWaves20161Pop band from Chicago, Illinois. Consists of vocalist Ryan Bradley, guitarist Colin Greshock, drummer Lance Bennett, and bassist Bryan Walker. Has made appearances on Tech N9ne's fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth albums before signing to the label. Released their debut studio album, Fugitives, on November 1, 2019.
Joey Cool20175Rapper from Kansas City, Missouri who worked with Tech N9ne on the Special Effects song "Life Sentences", as well as with several other Strange Music artists. Signing was announced at the Strange Reign Release Concert at Red Rocks, CO on October 13, 2017, alongside Jay Trilogy. Released his fifth album with Strange Music, The Chairman of the Board, on July 15, 2022.
Jay Trilogy2017Rapper from Bloomington, Illinois, who won the PTSD Warrior Built Contest in 2016 before being signed the following year. The contract was announced live at the Strange Reign Release Concert at Red Rocks, CO on October 13, 2017, alongside Joey Cool.
Maez30120183Rapper from Gaithersburg, Maryland, who was discovered by Erving Pope and Jerome Taylor in 2017, both of whom later helped him to get signed the following year. The contract was announced on Instagram March 22, 2019. Maez301's real name is Hasaan Keller. Maez301 was born in Queens, New York, on November 3, 1993. He currently lives in Los Angeles, California. Released his third album, Hello, Goodbye on January 14, 2022.
King Iso20193EP]], 8 P.M. Med Call, on September 30, 2022.
Jehry Robinson20192Rapper originating from New York. The contract was announced on December 20, 2019. Released his sophomore album, The Name is Not Important, on September 3, 2021.
HU$H20211Multi-genre musician from Fairfield, Iowa, whom had previously worked with Tech N9ne on their collaborative EP BL1GHT. His signing was confirmed the following year, and he released his debut Strange Music LP, SKUNKWORKS, on May 12, 2023.
X-Raided20221Legendary rapper from Sacramento, California, whom alongside Brotha Lynch Hung was a member of the Black Market Records hip hop collective in the 1990s. At Tech N9ne's ASIN9NE Red Rocks performance on May 1, 2022, X-Raided was brought back onto stage and announced as the newest member of the Strange Music roster.
Nnutthowze20231Rap collective from Kansas City, Missouri who Tech N9ne was affiliated with many years prior to the creation of Strange Music. Members include Tech N9ne, Zkeircrow & Phlaque The Grimstress. They released their debut EP, Signaling The Siqly, on October 31, 2023, after appearing on Tech's albums BLISS and Asin9ne.

Former artists

ArtistYear signedYear leftAlbums under StrangeDescription
Project: Deadman200420071Hip hop duo consisting of rapper Prozak and record producer Mike E. Clark. Released their only album Self Inflicted on July 13, 2004. The duo later disbanded and Prozak would go on to sign to Strange Music as a solo artist in 2011, while Mike E. Clark would sign once again to Psychopathic Records in 2013.
Grave Plott200820081Rap duo consisting of rappers Liquid Assassin and Killa C. Released their only studio album under Strange Music, The Plott Thickens, in 2008. Their distribution deal with the label ended after Grave Plott split up in 2008.
Skatterman & Snug Brim200420092Rap duo from Kansas City, Missouri. They were the first group to be signed to the label. Prior to signing with the label, the duo has appeared as an album guest on Tech N9ne's fourth album along with then-future signees Krizz Kaliko and Kutt Calhoun. Both of them along with Tech N9ne also appeared as guests on their debut album also. Released their second studio album with Strange Music, Word on tha Streets, on August 12, 2008. On February 9, 2009, Tech N9ne's official website announced the duo's decision to leave the label after fulfilling their commitment.
Cognito200920101Rapper from Fairfield, California. Released his debut studio album with Strange Music, Automatic, on April 20, 2010. On December 5, 2010, via Ustream, Cognito announced his decision to leave Strange Music after fulfilling his commitment.
Young Bleed201120121Rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Released his fifth studio album, Preserved, on October 11, 2011, through Strange Music's subsidiary label Strange Lane Records. In early 2012, Young Bleed departed from the subsidiary after fulfilling his commitment.
Kutt Calhoun200420144Rapper from Kansas City, Missouri. He was the first artist, besides Tech N9ne, to be signed to the label. Prior to signing with the label, he appeared as an album guest on Tech N9ne's fourth album along with rapper/singer Krizz Kaliko and rap duo Skatterman & Snug Brim who would also eventually be signed to the label. Released his fourth studio album, Black Gold, on February 26, 2013. On September 22, 2014, it was announced that Kutt Calhoun left Strange Music after fulfilling his commitment. Out of all the artists to depart from the label so far, his departure was the most controversial due to the big part Kutt played in the label's beginning.
Jay Rock201020141Rapper from Watts, Los Angeles, California. Released his debut studio album, Follow Me Home, on July 26, 2011. In September 2014, Tech N9ne announced that Jay Rock left his Strange Music imprint and is now only signed to Top Dawg Entertainment.
Brotha Lynch Hung200920153Rapper from Sacramento, California. Had appeared as an album guest on Tech N9ne's fifth album and Grave Plott's only album prior to signing with the label. Released his third studio album with Strange Music, Mannibalector, on February 5, 2013. He departed the label in 2015. In 2017, he joined Tech and fellow Strange Music artists for the Strictly Strange Tour 2017.
Rittz201220174Rapper from Gwinnett County, Georgia. Had appeared as a guest on Krizz Kaliko's fourth album before signing to the label in August 2012. He signed a four-year album with Strange Music. After he released his fourth album Last Call with Strange Music, he departed with them and started his own label CNT Entertainment.
MURS201420193Rapper from South Central, Los Angeles, California. Had appeared as a guest on ¡MAYDAY!'s Strange Music debut album before signing to the label in February 2014. Released his third studio album with Strange Music, A Strange Journey Into the Unimaginable, on March 16, 2018. On March 9, 2019, Murs announced his decision to leave Strange Music after fulfilling his commitment.
Godemis20192021Rapper originating from Kansas City, Missouri. Best known for being one half of the duo CES Cru. His departure was confirmed by Tech N9ne via Instagram in response to a fan on January 20, 2021.
Stevie Stone201120216Rapper from Columbia, Missouri. Tech N9ne had appeared as a guest on his debut album. Stone made guest appearances on Tech's tenth album, and Kutt Calhoun and Krizz Kaliko's third albums before officially signing with the label in early 2011. Released his fifth studio album with Strange Music, Black Lion, on August 7, 2020. In early 2021, Stone departed the label after fulfilling his commitment and started his own record label Ahdasee Records.
Darrein Safron201520211Singer and rapper from St. Louis, Missouri. Has appeared as a guest on Stevie Stone's second and third albums before signing to the label in the summer of 2015. With "Real With Yourself", Safron produced his first song under Strange Music with the help of Seven. The song featured Tech N9ne and appeared on his sixteenth album Strangeulation Vol. II. Released his debut EP titled "The Brilliant EP" on March 11, 2016. On March 18, 2021, Darrein officially announced his departure from the label in an interview.
JL201520213Rapper from Kansas City, Missouri. Tech N9ne and CES Cru had appeared on several of his solo projects. JL made guest appearances on CES Cru's debut album with Strange Music, Kutt Calhoun's first EP, and various Tech N9ne songs, including "Worldwide Choppers", before eventually signing to the label in 2015. Released his second and final Strange Music studio album, The Devil Hates Sundays, on September 25, 2020. In May 2021, it was announced by Tech N9ne in response to an Instagram comment that JL had departed the label.
Krizz Kaliko200620217url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/284807-krizz-kaliko-drops-off-legend-ft-tech-n9ne-rittz-and-more-new-mixtapetitle=Krizz Kaliko Drops Off "Legend" Ft. Tech N9ne, Rittz & Morework=HotNewHipHopdate=September 19, 2020access-date=September 20, 2020author=A., Aron}} On May 15, 2021, it was announced during Kaliko's virtual concert event "The Reveal" that he had officially left Strange Music to form his own label Ear House Inc. with his wife Crystal.
CES Cru201220213Rap duo from Kansas City, Missouri. Consists of rappers Ubiquitous and Godemis. They have worked with Tech N9ne in the past prior to signing with the label. Released their third studio album with Strange Music, Catastrophic Event Specialists, on February 10, 2017. In 2021, both members have departed the label after fulfilling their commitment.
UBI201820211Rapper originating from Kansas City, Missouri. Best known for being one half of the duo CES Cru. Released his debut album, Under Bad Influence on July 26, 2019. On August 20, 2021, UBI officially announced all across social media that he had departed the label and released a new song titled "Y.K.T.G." independently on September 1 of the same year through his newly formed Commercial Entertainment Syndicate.
¡MAYDAY!201120226Hip hop band from Miami, Florida. Consists of rappers Bernz and Wrekonize and percussionist NonMS. Former members include producer, keyboard player and guitarist Plex Luthor, drummer L T Hopkins and bassist Gianni Ca$h. Released their sixth studio album with Strange Music, Minute to Midnight, on March 19, 2021. On May 1, 2022, while performing at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater for Tech N9ne's ASIN9NE tour, it was announced that ¡MAYDAY! have fulfilled their contract with Strange Music, but will remain being distributed by It Goes Up Entertainment with their new record label Mayday Music.
Wrekonize201320223Rapper originating from Miami, Florida (originally from London, England, UK). Best known for being one half of the rappers in hip-hop group ¡MAYDAY!. Released his third studio album with Strange Music, Pressure Point, on November 6, 2020. In 2022, he, as a member of ¡MAYDAY! completed his contract with Strange Music but will be distributed through It Goes Up with the band's new record label titled Mayday Music.
Bernz201620222Rapper originating from Miami, Florida. Best known for being one half of the rappers in hip-hop group ¡MAYDAY!. Made appearances on Wrekonize's debut Strange album, and CES Cru's second Strange album before signing to the label as a solo act in 2016. Released his second studio album Sorry for the Mess on December 4, 2020. On May 1, 2022, he along with Wrekonize and NonMS, have announced that they have completed their contract with Strange Music but will now on be distributed through It Goes Up under their new imprint Mayday Music.
¡MURSDAY!201420221Rap group merged by Strange Music artists, ¡MAYDAY! and MURS. Released their self-titled debut on June 10, 2014. Both acts are now no longer with the label which means that ¡MURSDAY! have officially left Strange Music.

Discography

YearArtistAlbum
2001Tech N9neAnghellic
2002Absolute Power
2004Skatterman & Snug BrimUrban Legendz
Project: DeadmanSelf Inflicted
Kutt CalhounB.L.E.V.E.
2006Tech N9neEverready (The Religion)
2007Tech N9ne CollabosMisery Loves Kompany
2008Krizz KalikoVitiligo
Grave PlottThe Plott Thickens
ProzakTales from the Sick
Tech N9neKiller
Skatterman & Snug BrimWord on tha Streets
Kutt CalhounFeature Presentation
2009Tech N9ne CollabosSickology 101
Krizz KalikoGenius
Big ScoobMonsterifik
Tech N9neK.O.D.
2010Brotha Lynch HungDinner and a Movie
CognitoAutomatic
Kutt CalhounRaw and Un-Kutt
Tech N9ne CollabosThe Gates Mixed Plate
Krizz KalikoShock Treatment
2011Brotha Lynch HungCoathanga Strangla
Big ScoobDamn Fool
Tech N9neAll 6's and 7's
Jay RockFollow Me Home
Young BleedPreserved
Tech N9ne CollabosWelcome to Strangeland
2012¡MAYDAY!Take Me to Your Leader
ProzakParanormal
Krizz KalikoKickin' & Screamin'
Stevie StoneRollin' Stone
2013Brotha Lynch HungMannibalector
Kutt CalhounBlack Gold
CES CruConstant Energy Struggles
RittzThe Life and Times of Jonny Valiant
WrekonizeThe War Within
¡MAYDAY!Believers
Tech N9neSomething Else
Stevie Stone2 Birds 1 Stone
Krizz KalikoSon of Sam
ProzakWe All Fall Down
2014Tech N9ne CollabosStrangeulation
¡MAYDAY! & MURS¡MURSDAY!
CES CruCodename: Ego Stripper
RittzNext to Nothing
2015Tech N9neSpecial Effects
MURSHave a Nice Life
Stevie StoneMalta Bend
¡MAYDAY!Future Vintage
ProzakBlack Ink
Tech N9ne CollabosStrangeulation Vol. II
2016Krizz KalikoGO
RittzTop of the Line
BernzSee You on the Other Side
Big ScoobH.O.G.
Tech N9neThe Storm
2017CES CruCatastrophic Event Specialists
MURSCaptain California
Tech N9ne CollabosDominion
WrekonizeInto the Further
Stevie StoneLevel Up
JLDIBKIS
¡MAYDAY!Search Party
RittzLast Call
Tech N9ne CollabosStrange Reign
2018Tech N9nePlanet
MURSA Strange Journey Into the Unimaginable
Mackenzie NicoleThe Edge
Stevie Stone & JLKontra-Band
Joey CoolJoey Cool
Big ScoobDuality
¡MAYDAY!South of 5th
2019Tech N9neN9NA
UbiquitousUnder Bad Influence
Joey CoolOld Habits Die Hard
Above WavesFugitives
Maez301Maez301
2020Mackenzie NicoleMystic
King Isourl=https://music.apple.com/us/album/world-war-me/1501779365title = World War Me by King Isodate = March 13, 2020}}
Tech N9neEnterFear
Stevie StoneBlack Lion
Jehry Robinson20/Twenty
Maez301Hasaan
Krizz KalikoLegend
JLThe Devil Hates Sundays
Joey CoolCoolie High
WrekonizePressure Point
BernzSorry for the Mess
2021¡MAYDAY!Minute to Midnight
Joey CoolI Tried to Be Normal Once
Jehry RobinsonThe Name is Not Important
Tech N9neASIN9NE
2022Maez301Hello, Goodbye
King IsoGet Well Soon
Joey CoolThe Chairman of the Board
2023HU$HSKUNKWORKS
X-RaidedA Prayer in Hell
Tech N9neBliss
Jehry RobinsonDrink More Water
Joey CoolEnjoy The View
King IsoiLLdren
2024Tech N9ne CollabosCOSM (Class Of Strange Music)
X-RaidedA Sin In Heaven
Joey CoolRoller Coaster

References

References

  1. "AMPED - Superior Music Distribution".
  2. "STRANGE MUSIC, INC. :: Missouri (US) :: OpenCorporates".
  3. (February 9, 2009). "Skatterman & Snug Brim Leaving Strange".
  4. (September 27, 2010). "XXcLusive: Jay Rock Signs to Tech N9ne's Strange Music". Harris Publications, Inc.
  5. (March 31, 2011). "Stevie Stone Signs To Strange Music!".
  6. Nelson, Jeff. (December 15, 2011). "Prozak Signs To Strange Music". Strange Music Inc.
  7. Strange Music, Inc. "Strange Music". Strange Music, Inc.
  8. HipHopDX. (January 13, 2012). "Missouri Duo Ces Cru Signs With Strange Music". HipHopDX.
  9. Strange Music, Inc. "Strange Music". Strange Music, Inc.
  10. Rys, Dan. (2014-02-07). "Murs Signs With Tech N9ne's Strange Music - XXL". Xxlmag.com.
  11. (September 29, 2014). "Tech N9ne Says Jay Rock Is No Longer Signed To Strange Music". XXL.
  12. "Announcement".
  13. "Murs Wants Jaden Smith To Sign Him For His Future "Strange Journeys"". HipHopDX.
  14. (March 9, 2019). "MURS on his rap career & love for wrestling and video games! - Special Guest Savepoint".
  15. "@krizzkaliko on Instagram: "Spent half of my life with this guy here. Doin what I was born ta do. Thanks for all the years bro 😢@therealtechn9ne"".
  16. Kaliko, Krizz. (October 6, 2019). "All I can say is thank you guys (all the fans) 4 being part of my life. You mean more 2 me than you know.".
  17. (October 20, 2019). "Krizz Kaliko re-signs to Strange Music! | Faygoluvers".
  18. (May 28, 2021). "Krizz Kaliko Leaves Strange Music: Talks Decision & New Single "Weight".
  19. "Krizz Kaliko Introduces His New Single "Weight" and Label EAR HOUSE – Sway's Universe".
  20. (May 14, 2009). "Hip Hop Press: Strange Music Names Dave Weiner Vice President Of Strange Music West".
  21. Gamble, Ronnie. (May 14, 2009). "Brotha Lynch Hung Signs To Tech N9ne's Strange Music Label". BallerStatus.com.
  22. (May 19, 2009). "Hip Hop Press: Strange Music Signs Brotha Lynch Hung".
  23. "Exclusive Presidents Day Interview With Travis O'Guin".
  24. Mitchell, Gail. (February 22, 2018). "Tech N9ne's Strange Music Launches Pop Division Strange Main: Exclusive". [[Billboard (magazine).
  25. "It Goes Up Entertainment".
  26. "Strange Music Inc. - Artists".
  27. "Strange Music Inc. - Artists".
  28. "Strange Music Inc. Artist - MAEZ301".
  29. "Maez301 - Hello Goodbye CD Strange Music, Inc Store".
  30. "King Iso - Get Well Soon CD Strange Music, Inc Store".
  31. Die, Legends Will Never. (2022-09-30). "King Iso Returns for a "8 P.M. Med Call" (EP Review)".
  32. "King Iso on Instagram: "ISOLDIERS!!! STOP what you're doing and go Pre Order my new E.P (8p.m. Med Call) right now!!! Dropping FRIDAY! Link is in my bio!! Much love! Please LIKE and SHARE this post for me! 👨🏾‍⚕️ 💊"".
  33. (September 3, 2021). "The Name is Not Important by Jehry Robinson".
  34. Gonda, Christopher. (2022-05-12). "HU$H Drops 'SKUNKWORKS' and "Dulli" Video ft. Tech N9ne and X-Raided".
  35. (May 3, 2022). "X-Raided Signs with Strange Music".
  36. (September 6, 2016). "Brotha Lynch Hung announces departure from Strange Music {{!}} Faygoluvers".
  37. "Strictly Strange Tour 2017 – VIP Packages Now Available!". Strange Music Inc..
  38. "Login • Instagram".
  39. "Login • Instagram".
  40. (March 18, 2021). "Darrein Safron Talks About Why He Left Strange Music {{!}} Interview with Joe K {{!}} itsJoeKMusic".
  41. "Login • Instagram".
  42. A., Aron. (September 19, 2020). "Krizz Kaliko Drops Off "Legend" Ft. Tech N9ne, Rittz & More". HotNewHipHop.
  43. "therealubiquitous on Instagram: Though we're part of a whole we all start on our own, don't we? Welcoming in the new era like... đ&#x;ŒŠ YKTG đ&#x;ŒŠ 9•1•21 #ubiquitous #ubi‌". Instagram.com.
  44. (September 2021). "Yktg (You Know the Game)".
  45. "¡MAYDAY! - Minute to Midnight CD Strange Music, Inc Store".
  46. (May 17, 2022). "INTRODUCING MAYDAY MUSIC!!!".
  47. "Strange Music Inc. Artist - Wrekonize".
  48. "Strange Music Inc. Artist - Bernz".
  49. "Bernz - Sorry for the Mess CD - Presale Ship Date 12/04/2020 Strange Music, Inc Store".
  50. "Strange Music Inc. Artist - ¡MURSDAY!".
  51. "Automatic - Cognito | Release Info".
  52. (March 13, 2020). "World War Me by King Iso".
  53. "Joey Cool - I Tried to Be Normal Once CD Strange Music, Inc Store".
  54. "Jehry Robinson - The Name is Not Important CD Strange Music, Inc Store".
  55. "MAEZ301 - Hello Goodbye CD Strange Music, Inc Store".
  56. "King Iso - Get Well Soon CD Strange Music, Inc Store".
  57. "Joey Cool - The Chairman of the Board CD Strange Music, Inc Store".
  58. "HU$H - SKUNKWORKS CD Strange Music, Inc Store".
  59. "X-Raided - A Prayer In Hell CD Strange Music, Inc Store".
  60. "BLISS by Tech N9ne on Apple Music".
  61. "Jehry Robinson - Drink More Water CD Strange Music, Inc Store".
  62. "Joey Cool - Enjoy The View CD Strange Music, Inc Store".
  63. "King Iso - iLLdren CD Strange Music, Inc Store".
  64. "COSM by Tech N9ne Collabos & Tech N9ne on Apple Music".
  65. "X-Raided - A Sin In Heaven CD Strange Music, Inc Store".
  66. "Joey Cool - Roller Coaster CD Strange Music, Inc Store".
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