Started from Trav’s basement…now we here.

In anticipation of tomorrow’s celebration of America’s independence, HipHopDX put together their list of “10 Most Explosive Independent Hip Hop Labels.”

Over 14 years of hard work and dedication has paid off in more ways than one: the most dedicated fanbase in the game, a roster of amazing artists and the near-impossible achievement of getting great music to the masses. DX recognized game by including Strange Music in their list, but went a step further in acknowledging Strange Music as the standard when it comes to this independent grind.

Peep:

Strange Music is the modern standard for independent labels. Founded by Tech N9ne and Travis O’Guin in 1999, the label is a household name and the snake and bat logo is a Hip Hop icon. The label’s roster consists of 12 artists. Last year, Strange Music set fire to the charts with eight projects including, Tech’s Something Else, Stevie Stone’s 2 Birds 1 Stone and ¡Mayday!’s Believers. In anOctober, 2013 interview with Homegrown Radio, Top Dawg Entertainment’s president Terrence “Punch” Henderson said Strange Music was the blueprint for TDE’s label’s business plan. Strange Music uses INgroove/Fontana for distribution but otherwise, does everything in-house at Strangeland Studios in Lee Summit, MO. Fans of Strange Music are fiercely loyal. According to a September 2013 Forbes profile, the label’s merchandise reportedly brings in upwards of $6 million per year.

Much love for the recognition!

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ENTIRE LIST

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER

CES CRU – CODENAME: EGO STRIPPER ON iTUNES

INCLUDES AN INSTANT DOWNLOAD OF “SOUND BITE” & “WHIPS”

• Do you think Strange Music is the standard of independent hip hop?
• Why or why not?

Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.