Payday Records Explained

Payday Records, Inc. is a New York-based hip hop label that was launched in 1992 by Patrick Moxey. The label began in association with FFRR/London Records, and released in the UK and Europe via London/PolyGram Records. Artists launched via Payday Records include Jeru the Damaja, Jay Z, Mos Def (via his first group U.T.D.), Showbiz & A.G., WC and the Madd Circle. Other associated productions include the works of DJ Premier and Guru of Gang Starr.^[1]

The label officially relaunched on November 2, 2017, with "Our Streets," a record by DJ Premier and A$AP Ferg.^[2] They have also released Pell's girasoul EP.

In 2017, Payday Records catalog is now distributed by Ultra Records (later Sony Music Group; now Warner Music Group).

Music videos

Payday has worked with world renowned graffiti artists, photographers, and video makers- including Haze, Nick Quested, Andrew Dosumnu among others- to produce visual content for its releases.

Current artists

• DJ Premier
• OJ Da Juiceman
• Pell
• Gloss Gang
• BBY GOYARD
• RetcH
• Slimesito
• BlumBros
• Ishawna
• Antslive

Former artists

• 1st Down
• Big Red
• Big Shug
• DJ Crystl
• Gang Starr
• Group Home
• Jay-Z
• Jeru the Damaja
• Junior Tucker
• Kaliphz
• M-Beat
• Mass 187
• Motif
• O.C.
• Radamiz
• Raazda Rukkuz
• Screechy Dan
• Showbiz and A.G.
• Spax
• Urban Species
• Urban Thermo Dynamics
• The Watts Prophets
• WC
• WC and the Maad Circle

Discography

Full Payday Records discography.

Notes and References

1. News: 25 Payday Records Essential Cuts. 2017-11-10. Mass Appeal. 2018-04-11. en-US.
2. Patrick Moxey Relaunches Classic Hip-Hop Label Payday Records: Exclusive. Billboard. 2018-01-11.