Trading big bass for big business, Tha Dogg Pound rapper Kurupt is launching an independent record label that aims to quell the battle between West Coast and East Coast rap camps. |
With offices in both Philadelphia and Los Angeles, Kurupt's ANTRA Records is a groundbreaking venture for the 25-year-old musician. Formerly president of Wall Street Records, Kurupt recently joined forces with A&M Records to create ANTRA [All New Talent Recording Artists] -- the nation's first and only rap label to straddle both ends of the country.
"Part of the purpose of ANTRA Records is to show young people that, if you're inspired enough, if you dedicate enough time and effort, you can reach your dreams," Kurupt said. "A hip hop record company with East and West Coast offices can heal the rift between the two coasts with music and creativity."
ANTRA's first release -- a 2-CD set titled Kuruption -- is representative of both the label's mastermind and its objective. Kurupt, who has earned multiplatinum sales figures on collaborations with Dr. Dre, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Tupac Shakur and with Tha Dogg Pound, said he styled the new double album to appeal to fans on both coasts.
Also in the works for ANTRA is a venture between Kurupt, Snoop Doggy Dogg and Ice Cube tentatively titled 3 The Hard Way. (Anni Layne)
