ABB Records

GETBACK TOUR VIDEO WEEK 1
GETBACK TOUR VIDEO WEEK 2
DEEP THOUGHTS WITH PHONTE VOLUME 1
POOH ON SPORTS VOLUME 1
Register for ABB Records/ ABB Soul/ BAHHC email
Since its inception in 1997, ABB Records has established itself as an independent force to be reckoned within the world of hip-hop. Major labels, in particular, have certainly taken the ABB quality standard seriously: several ABB artists have gone on to ink major record deals. ABBs worldwide rep has been built on a solid foundation of consistency and musical excellencenot always a given when dealing with the hip-hop industry.According to label President Beni B, what makes ABB unique from all the other labels all clamoring for the hip-hop fans attention span is the individuality of its artists. All the artists have been different, he emphasizes, adding, When you look at all the releases as a whole, they all exemplify the ABB philosophy. Meaning, keeping it simple, keeping it basic.Even though Beni B and the label have attracted media attention from such publications as the Source, Vibe, Billboard, URB, Spin, SF Weekly, Bay Guardian, and Elemental Magazine (to name a few), the ABB game plan hasnt changed since day one. As Beni B explains, At the end of the day, its not about your image in the industry, its all about whether you make good records.ABBs track record backs up Benis statement. The labels first two singles, Defaris Bionic/ Change and Switch, and Dilated Peoples Third Degree/ Confidence/ Global Dynamics, were regarded as instant classics by influential hip-hop DJs (including Stretch and Bobbito, DJ Revolution, the Baka Boyz, DJ Premier, and the Beat Junkies) and true heads alike. Dilateds second maxi-single, Work the Angles/ Main Event/ Triple Optics spawned an independent movement in and of itself. The record moved over 30,000 copies and was named one of the best 12-inches ever in Ego Trips Book of Rap Lists. More recently, the labels latest musical acquisition, Little Brother, has made quite an impact on the musical world; their debut album The Listening has sold close to 50,000 units to date and have recently been picked up by Atlantic Records thanks in part to ABBs hard work and dedication.Part sage, part musical encyclopedia, and 100% focused on the business of making quality records, Beni B, a veteran college radio jock (KALX-Berkeley) who also serves as Director of the grassroots organization Bay Area Hip Hop Coalition, hasnt let ABBs status as an indie hip-hop sensation go to his head. My label is only as good as the last record I put out. Thats what drives me, he insists.Since opening its doors almost eight years ago, Beni B has found others who share his vision and passion for ABB. Armed with a strong and dedicated staff, ABB moves forth devoting its energies to building a label that could be mentioned in the same breath as classic hip-hop labels like Cold Chillin, Wild Pitch, Def Jam, and Profile.Back in 1997, West Coast indie hip-hop wasnt exactly highly regarded in the industry. That has since changed, due in no small part to the efforts of ABB. Also, there was the question of whether radio jocks and DJs nationwide would lend an ear to a label hailing from Oakland, an area known more at that time for game-related rappers than true hip-hop MCs. Almost eight years down the road, Beni B can look back with pride on what ABB has accomplished in a relatively short amount of time. Weve done it the way we wanted to and people have gravitated toward that, he says with a smile.
DEFARI - STREET MUSIC - IN-STORES NOW!!!
PLANET ASIA - THE MEDICINE - PRODUCED BY EVIDENCE - IN STORES 10.03.06!!!
SAAFIR - GOOD GAME:THE TRANSITION - IN STORES 10.17.06!!!
RAPPER BIG POOH AND JOE SCUDDA AT HOB ANAHEIM .. .. .. .. LITTLE BROTHER IN SAN FRANCISCO AT MEZZANINE .. .. .. .. PLANET ASIA AND DEFARI IN SAN FRANCISCO AT MEZZANINE .. .. .. .. BABU IN VANCOUVER AT THE COMMODORE .. .. .. .. RAKAA IN VANCOUVER AT THE COMMODORE .. .. .. .. EVIDENCE IN VANCOUVER AT THE COMMODORE .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ABB catalog is also available digitally via www.itunes.com