The label founded by Brian Brater and Jarret Myerin in 1996 helped launch the careers of Mos def, Talib Kweli, Pharaohe Monch... Rawkus was New York City hip-hop label formed in the late 90’s that promoted independent and unknown underground artists. After putting out a steady stream of quality releases, the label abruptly shut it doors sometime in 2001 and sold its rights to MCA Records. With MCA by its side the label now gears itself more towards the commercial side of hip-hop and no longer has the quality, respect, and underground credibility it once had. it closed down in January 2004.

The owners said the return of Rawkus will bring back quality music. “Jarret and I are very excited to bring Rawkus to the RED/Song/BMG fold,” says Brater. “We intend to make RED Distribution, once again, the dominant urban music player in the independent world. Expect an extremely active 2006 schedule.”

Rawkus are set to announce a release schedule for this fall soon.