Set up in late 2003 by the Jazz Cafe's Adrian Gibson, Freestyle Records has rapidly amassed a consistently strong and impressive catalogue of fine and funky releases. Featured artists include luminaries such as Chaka Khan, Fred Wesley, Soulive, Chali 2Na (Jurassic 5), Me'shell Ndegeochello, The Beatnuts, JTQ featuring Roy Ayers, Lewis Taylor, Michael Franti, Saul Williams and Ursula Rucker.
As well as these international stars we have also focussed on developing home-grown artists such as Sleeve, Flow Dynamics, Kokolo, Afrodizz, Reggie Watts, Jazz Juice, Richy Pitch and The Society.
Throughout the full catalogue you will find an eclectic output from funk, hip hop and soul to afrobeat, breaks, disco and house. The emphasis is definitely on quality and broadness, rather than perpetuating existing musical genres, which has won fans as far afield as Kenny Dope, Gilles Peterson, Norman Jay, Mr Scruff, Danny Krivit, Jazzanova, DJ Spinna, Annie Mac, Quantic, Fort Knox, Kev Beadle, Spiritual South, DJ Yoda, Mad Mats, Boca 45, Dr Rubberfunk and countless other DJs worldwide.Below are just a few of the nice things people have said about us... "Freestyle by name, freestyle by nature...the releases cover Latin, soul, jazz, funk and breaks. Fun and full or suprises!"
Mr Scruff
"Consistent & satisfying, one of the UK's most eclectic labels"
Will Holland (Quantic)
Norman Jay
"Labels as diverse as this are not meant to exist - and anyway, it shouldn't work. By calling the label 'Freestyle' it's given them carte blanche to put out what the bloody hell they want because they're allowed to, and they have - a delicious clash of all permutations of Black Music covering a thirty year period. See? It does work."
Snowboy (Acid Jazz/The Hi Hat)
"Freestyle rocks the spot"
Scott Hendy (Boca 45/Dynamo Productions)
"Not many labels describe a genre of music (Acid Jazz, Motown, Stax) but this one does.one of my favorite record labels out of London"
Paul Murphy (Afro Art records)
" The Freestyle tunes keep getting better and better!"
Jon H (Fort Knox Five)
"More releases than a sperm bank and all good!
Mark Robertson (Spiritual South)
"Life before Freestyle must have been a dull placejust how do they do it AND do it so well???!!!"
Pete Isaac (Jelly Jazz)
"This label continues to pave the way for UK funk on 45"
Gerald Short (Jazzman Records)
"As one of the most, if not THE most, prolific independent record labels around, Freestyle always delivers the goods. Whether it be a cheeky dancefloor cut-up, or deep & jazzy b-side, this imprint always comes up trumps!"
Dom Servini (Straight No Chaser)
"We don't have a feature on our website called 'Freestyle, my new favourite label' for nothing you know!"
Phillippa (Piccadilly Records)