Funk Volume

Funk Volume was an American independent record label founded by American rapper Hopsin. The label was home to artists Dizzy Wright, Jarren Benton, SwizZz, and producers DJ Hoppa and Kato. The label is defunct due to a feud between co-founders Hopsin and Damien "Dame" Ritter in regards to financial alterations. Following the feud Hopsin decided to leave the label, resulting in all affiliated artists leaving Funk Volume. The label was shut down soon after.

History

Formation and success (2009-2015)

Following an ill-fated record deal with Ruthless Records rapper Hopsin founded the independent record label Funk Volume, while Dame Ritter acted as business manager over all the artists and the label. To start the label Hopsin went on LegalZoom, set up the business, and got the papers in the mail. The first rapper to be signed to Funk Volume would be Damien Ritter's younger brother and high school friend of Hopsin, SwizZz. The first project released by Funk Volume would be a collaboration mixtape between the two flagship artists, Hopsin and SwizZz titled ''Haywire'' on June 18, 2009. They originally wanted to sell it for retail sale, but were unable due to Hopsin still being contracted by Ruthless Records at the time. The first official album to be released on Funk Volume would be Hopsin's second studio album ''Raw'' in November 2010, which was supported by the singles "Sag My Pants" and "Nocturnal Rainbows".

In November 2011 Las Vegas rapper Dizzy Wright was signed to Funk Volume after they were "impressed by his smooth flow, confident stage presence and energy that won over the crowd." In early 2012 Hopsin would expand his roster by signing Atlanta rapper Jarren Benton, who would then release a mixtape ''Freebasing With Kevin Bacon'' in June 2012. Dizzy Wright would be the first artist besides Hopsin, to release an official studio album on Funk Volume which would be titled, ''SmokeOutConversations'' on April 20, 2012. It was followed by an EP titled ''The First Agreement'' in December 2012. Both peaked in the top 50 of the US ''Billboard'' Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Jarren Benton would release his debut studio album '' My Grandma's Basement'' on June 11, 2013. ''My Grandma's Basement'' peaked at number four on the ''Billboard'' Heatseekers Albums chart and number 152 on the ''Billboard'' 200.

On August 9, 2013 SwizZz released the first single, "Zoom In" from his untitled 2014 debut album. On August 20, 2013, Damien Ritter revealed in an interview that he had talked to many labels about distribution deals, but decided against it till the label built its brand more. He also stated that a Funk Volume compilation album would be released in the future. On September 18, 2013, Funk Volume revealed they had expanded their production division to include Kato and Rikio. The label then released Hopsin's ''Knock Madness'' on November 26, 2013. With the help of Empire Distribution, ''Knock Madness'' became the first Funk Volume release to be distributed in CD format to retail stores. In May 2014, Jarren Benton became the third Funk Volume artist in as many years to be named to the '' XXL'' freshman class. In 2015 Funk Volume signed a distribution deal with Warner Bros. Records.

Dame Ritter and Hopsin feud (2016)

On January 7, 2016, Hopsin posted on Instagram that Funk Volume was officially "dead". He cited the reason as co-founder Dame Ritter "wanting to control too much". Upset with the disrespect from his co-worker, Hopsin went on Instagram and threatened to leave Funk Volume if Ritter did not. Hopsin officially left the label 2 months later and is now under his own company Undercover Prodigy.

Former acts

Discography

References

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American record labels
American independent record labels
Hip hop record labels

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