Avatar Records
| Avatar Records | |
|---|---|
| AVATARLOGO-blk.jpg | |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Founder | Larry Robinson |
| Distributor(s) | Macola Polydor EMI RED Fontana |
| Genre | Hip hop |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Official website | http://www.avatarrecords.com/ |
Avatar Records is a Los Angeles, California based independent record label known mainly for hip hop releases and soundtracks. Avatar is also a leading digital distributor, providing music to online retailers like Apple's iTunes Music Store. Some of the projects released on Avatar include The OZ Soundtrack, Planet Asia, Martin Luther, Fear of a Black Hat Soundtrack, One Block Radius, Bishop Don Magic Juan, the NVA Straight from The Crates compilation which features Mos Def, Blackmoon, Pharcyde & Jurassic 5, and others. Avatar's digital distribution clients include Anya Marina, Lord Tariq, Aron Carter, Dinco D, Steve Harvey, Taylor Hawkins & The Coatail Riders, Tony Chasseur, Aurele, Martin Luther, and many others.
Avatar's releases are distributed worldwide by a network of leading independent distributors including Koch (Canada), Pinnacle (UK), PIAS (France, Germany & Benelux), Kartel (Poland), Venus (Italy), JVC (Japan) and others.
Avatar also publishes songs recorded by artists including Tony Toni Tone, DMX, Brandy, Tupac, Redman, Foxy Brown, Spice 1, Vanessa Williams, Bell Biv Devoe, Patti Labelle, One Block Radius, Boyz II Men, Ja Rule, Guy, Vinx, Planet Asia, Keith Murray, and many others. The company also licenses music into film and television programs and commercials. Additionally, the company collects royalties around the world on behalf of their writer and publishing partners.
Controversy
In March of 2007 Avatar Records was accused by disgruntled artists Deux Process of not paying advances due them under their recording deal. Avatar's position has been commnicated through its lawyer that until the group is in compliance with its recording agreement and all required paperwork (signed contracts, licenses, agreements, etc.) are delivered, no additional funds would be advanced. Deux Process disagrees with this position and has decided to air its critism of the label on the internet.
Artists
- Planet Asia
- Deux Process
- One Block Radius
- Blanca G
- The Prophet of CMe
- Martin Luther
- Hogg Boss
- Don "Magic" Juan
- Rosalia de Souza
Releases
- Planet Asia "The Grand Opening"
- Deux Process "In Deux Time"
- One Block Radius "Long Story Short"
- Don "Magic" Juan "Green is for the Money..."
- National Vinyl Association "Straight From The Crates"
- Mos Def "Workin' it Out"
- Various Artists "The OZ Soundtrack"
- Pharcyde feat Jurassic 5 "Hard Times"
- NWH "Fear of a Black Hat Soundtrack"
- Martin Luther "Rebel Soul Music"
- The Prophet of MCe "Sworn In"
- Domingo Presentando "Dulce de Leche"
- Saigon "Do You Know"