Critically acclaimed
hip-hop group The Beatnuts have signed a deal with the recently re-launched
Penalty Recordings, one of the most successful independent record labels of
the 1990’s.
"I watched
their career develop on Relativity and Loud Records and I became a huge fan,"
CEO Neil Levine said. "The Beatnuts are career artists who produce, rap
and tour; they are timeless and can make hit records. This is the perfect artist
to re-launch the Penalty brand”.
In 2002, Levine
snagged a deal with Ryko Music and formed Penalty Associated Labels, which handles
the distribution for other independent record labels.
“When I started
Penalty I saw a void in the marketplace and now in 2003 with all of the consolidation
going on at the labels, this is an extremely exciting time to be an independent,"
CEO Neil Levine said. "It’s the time to take chances with the music
and to keep pushing the envelope to where the multi-nationals are afraid to
go. It’s all about great music.”
Penalty Associated
Labels handles distribution for Ice T’s Final Level Entertainment, Blackstone
Entertainment and Raptivism Records.
Levine said he
plans to announce new signing in the future.