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A&M Records was launched in California in 1962 by one of its founders, the versatile Latin musician/composer Herb Alpert, who became even more famous with the 700,000 copies of his first album "The Lonely Bull" with his bandmates The Tijuana Brass and the Delinquent Habits' "Tres Delinquentes", which was taken from the title track 24 years later! In addition, the catchy and world-conquering backing melody of the title track from Herb Alpert's 1980 album "Rise" is also featured in Biggie's hit "Hypnotize"!
It's true that from 1987-88 onwards, only a few rap records were released each year, and even those with licensing rights (ROXANNE SHANTÉ - Cold Chillin'/ Warner, RAHEEM - Rap-A-Lot, STETSASONIC - Tommy Boy, SIR-MIX-A-LOT - Nastymix).
The big breakthrough came in 1990, when Percy Chapman, rapper INTELLIGENT HOODLUM, who had been a member of the legendary MC group "JUICE CREW" of popular hip-hop producer Marley Marl for years before, but unfortunately not an official member of the Super Kids trio due to his incarceration, was chosen by the label. Back in 1991, the New Jack Swing-sounding rap album from acclaimed hiphop producer EASY MO BEE's rap trio, Rappin' Is Fundamental, proved to be an unlikely success.
Eventually, the label giant, which by then was on a 30-year run of success, decides to launch its own street rap subsidiary, TUFF BREAK RECORDS, like other major labels. In its inaugural year, it has managed to hit the Billboard charts with two solo rap album releases in a row: INTELLIGENT HOODLUM/ TRAGEDY and DRED SCOTT, one of the shining gems of jazz hip-hop records, who also provides the full musical backing with his own instrumental playing.
