The Label
Upanotch Records is a Label that was started in 1999 by Terrell Cooper and Daniel Williams Jr. in Washington D.C. Lawrence N. Hardwick became a partner in 2004 and gave the label financial push when he funded the release of The Brain Housing Group and an 11-billboard campaign that gave the label worldwide exposure. After launching one of the most expensive promotional campaigns in Champaign, Illinois (Hip Hop Rots Your Brain), the label was quickly targeted as media food for internet blogs, local award shows, radio, High School & University of Illinois assignments and newspapers. Artist such as Young Prez, Playboy Gigalo, Sk, Tyd, Dre Bill, That Drank, and Identity were the flagship artist responsible for building the labels local Champaign presence from 2004-2006. Since then, Upanotch Records has worked with major artists Kentrell, Lloyd, Shawnna, Jak Frost, Arm & Hammer Boys, Fuji Mollotti, Marvo, Hearon, Pauli Carman, Chip-Fu (Fu-Shnickens) and more. Today Upanotch Records is taking a more focused approach and will start adding a new roster in 2012.