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STS Records was established in 2001 by Josh Williams (aka One-i) & William Taylor with the concept of filling a hole in the rap industry. An industry that seemed to only focus on the artists and styles of the East and West Coasts, there was a void in the mainstream for the increasingly popular underground Southern Rap, specifically from Louisiana.
Realizing the expenses of paying for studio time the two began to piece together a small budget home studio to get things going, but soon realizing that poor sound quality would not suffice they began to purchase quality equipment. STS now boasts a great home studio with the latest in Pro Tools and various plug ins, a Roland VS-1880, Baby Bottle Blue condenser microphone, M Audio monitors, Focusrite Penta pre-amp and compressor, and other miscellaneous equipment.
Starting with dedication, hard work and a shoestring budget, STS Records signed local artists Flex, Thug and Diamond, and in their first year of business released three low budget albums. Sales were moderate, however put the initial taste in the mouths of locals for what STS had to offer. Through various trips to Baton Rouge concerts STS caught the attention of such local legends as South Coast Coalition, T-Bo the Firecracker, and Lil Witness. After the increasing attention the artists STS released the mixtape South Side Unified, and formed the group 50 Shots with plans of a group album.
In the fall of 2003, STS released their first retail ready album, One-I and Taylor's "Till The World Blows". By this time there was heavy talk of those boys from Hammond, and clubs were beginning to book them at shows. It was during this time that STS decided Flex, an aspiring local rapper from Covington, Louisiana, begin work on his debut album.
STS released Flex's "Pending Charges" in Spring of 2004. While it was his solo album, most of the songs included verses from the other artists on the label, as well as many big named feature artists from Louisiana. "Pending Charges" was by far the best collaboration that STS had released to date, and showed the growth of the STS artists since their humble beginnings.
The STS boys at this point had gone from playing hole in the wall clubs and parties, to performing at large car shows & some of Louisianas hottest clubs. With over 75 shows throughout the deep south opening for the such head liners as Young Bleed, UNLV., Webbie, Max Minelli, SCC, T-Bo, Sam I Am, Mookie, Haystak, and more.
During the recording of Pending Charges, STS Records signed their sixth artist, Hydro to the label and to 50 Shots with plans to take make their definitive mark in the rap game. Unfortunately, with growth of roster and growth of popularity, so grew problems in the ranks.
With the departure of two artists, the decision had to be made to move forward either individually or as a team. The tight knit crew decided to stay together with a new direction, a positive attitude and a beefed up sound.
Quickly following up the release of "The Machine Volume 1" (Regular speed and Chopped & Screwed Version) One-I collaborated with Baton Rouge superstar and long time friend Lil Witness to release "Give It Up". Both of these mixtapes were One-i's best work to date, and moved hundreds of units strictly through word of mouth and internet promotion. Also Give It Up received over 5,000 downloads from www.SouthWest-Connection.com. The success of these two mixtapes was shortly followed by Flex's rebuttal to Pending Charges, "Head Turning", another underground hit just waiting for national attention.
It was at this time STS records caught the attention of local business man Jeff Booker. Wanting to offer the financing for a big budget album and help fine tune the marketing skills of the young rappers, Booker entered into a partnership with STS as President of the company and head of Finances & Marketing. With this partnership came a refreshment to the groups energy and enthusiasm, as they knew that the light at the end of their tunnel was growing nearer.
Also looking to diversify their business in mid 2005 STS Records started a new company 50 Shots Clothing by offering men and womans t-shirts.
After 4 years, 11 released CD's, multiple guest appearances, and a revamped lineup, STS was still here stronger than ever. One-i, Flex, Thug and Diamond were finally on track for one of their most successful and prosperous years in 2006.
In January 2006 STS signed their fifth artist to the roster Jayroc, and also released One-is Vol. 2" in his Machine mixtape series. In February STS released the long overdue 50 Shots mixtape Ya Better Ask Somebody. Receiving great responses in the street STS decided to use the mixtape as a marketing tool for the label and pressed up 1,000 free copies while 50 Shots hit the studio to work on their full length self titled album.
In April 2006 STS released Jayrocs first effort as a artist on STSs roster, Say Goodbye To Hollywood, in June 2006 STS released a group effort from One-i & Zippa, Plan B: The Hustlin Option, and in July released Jayrocs 5150 mixtape.
In October 2006 STSs artists wrapped up a compilation to showcase the talent of the label as a whole. The album was entitled Who Gon Stop Us and featured production from Prince Blakk, XV, Young Dru, & More. Features were also kept to a minimum on this project with only have Lil Witness, Dutty Devioso, and Prince Blakk on the album.
With more releases slated from Jayroc, One-i and the rest of the STS crew the label doesnt intend to stop.
In 2007, STS Records will begin shifting their full attention to the growth of the label as a brand. They will kick the summer off with hosting multiple mixtapes, releasing their own then later follow with their sophomore album. The follow up album is set to release in late 2007. So far production for the album includes Howard M. Of X-Fyle (B.G., Lil Wayne, Master P, C-Loc), 2Saint (C-Murder, Max Minelli), XV, and up and comer Prince Blakk. The album is also set to feature regional superstars Max Minelli, Box, SCC, and Mookie (Da Jiggalaters, Brown & White). Also, STS has locked in many clubs in Louisiana for "The 10-12 Split Tour" will kick off this summer! The tour features Jayroc, One-i, Diamond, Flex, Lil Witness and Dirty Bird.
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