Rap-A-Lot Records Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary With Scarface, Geto Boys Vinyl Reissues

Rap-A-Lot Records is kicking off a yearlong campaign Monday (April 27) to celebrate its 40th anniversary. To get the party started, the independent label is announcing vinyl pre-orders for two classic albums: Scarface’s The Diary and the Geto Boys’ We Can’t Be Stopped, available June 19 and July 10, respectively.

James Prince founded the Houston-based, pioneering Rap-A-Lot in 1986. Asked if he envisioned the label attaining such a milestone, Prince tells Billboard, “I wasn’t even thinking 40 years from now when I started, so I had no idea we would be in the position that we’re in right now. From day one, my mission was to try and break the poverty curse where my family was concerned. That was my driving force. I’m real happy and satisfied that we were able to go above and beyond the mission.”

The aforementioned vinyl reissues comprise the first phase of Rap-A-Lot’s 40th salute. Throughout the year, the label’s campaign will spotlight additional vinyl titles and anniversary-related releases, special projects, media initiatives and various cultural moments.

Initially released in 1994, Diary marked Scarface’s third album. It debuted and peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and scored the same slot on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums before being certified Platinum. Its new vinyl version will include the previously unreleased track “Ease Up Now.” Also certified Platinum following its 1991 release, the Geto Boys’ third album, We Can’t Be Stopped, claimed No. 24 on the Billboard 200 and No. 5 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. The vinyl reissues can be preordered via Rap-A-Lot.

Reflecting further on Rap-A-Lot’s 40 years-and-counting legacy, Prince shares additional insights with Billboard:

You’ve said Def Jam inspired Rap-A-Lot’s launch. Why did Def Jam propel you to press the go button?

I would say unity — how united they were as a label. Def Jam was really impactful, inspiring me to go back to Houston and create that same type of movement for the South.

What key win in that journey made you think I’m on the right track? What challenge made you question moving forward?

One key win, and the most inspiring, was the success of the Geto Boys’ “Mind Playing Tricks on Me” and actually getting radio stations around the world to embrace it. I’d say just the loss and grind of money and time had me questioning whether to keep moving forward: the trial-and-error mistakes, spending money in the wrong place and just learning as you go along. It was seven years before seeing a profit and a constant return on the investment.

What artist did you want to sign, but you missed the opportunity?

Vanilla Ice was an artist I should have had, and also Too $hort. I was really feeling Too $hort back in the day.

What is your take on today’s hip-hop scene?

I think the present culture is getting what they like. Just like back in the day, a lot of people weren’t feeling our music or movement. I remember all the criticism: That rap isn’t gonna last; the music is garbage. But I think the youngsters are on their own frequency, and I’m happy for them.

What’s next for Rap-A-Lot?

Right now, we’re focusing on our catalog and these vinyl releases coming out this year for the 40-year anniversary. I’m also excited for this new deal we did with Virgin Music. We’re going to be embracing new opportunities as they present themselves. The priority for us is to always maximize the growth and potential that we’ve built over the past 40 years.

Describe Rap-A-Lot’s legacy in one word, and why that word?

Battle-tested. We’ve withstood the storms of life in every aspect. And the fact that we’re still here, still standing strong is a testament in itself. We’ve made an impact; influenced the culture. And now, I truly understand where it all came from … we planted that seed. I’m proud of us for embracing that mindset, for carrying the movement forward because it wasn’t easy. So yeah, Rap-A-Lot is definitely battle-tested. And we’re still here.