Nkosi Records
| Nkosi Records | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Founder | Nathan Schroer |
| Defunct | 2017 |
| Genre | Christian hip-hop |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Location | Evansville, Indiana, U.S. |
| Official website | https://mkt.com/nkosirecords |
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Nkosi Records is a defunct American Christian record label founded by Nathan Schroer in the late 2010s.[1] Throughout the label's history, it included Christian rappers E2, Beamz, Yung Kriss, Anno Domini, Charis, and Don Ready. Nkosi dissolved in early 2017.
History[edit]
Origins and early signs (2013-14)[edit]
Nkosi Records was founded by police officer and former musician Nathan Schroer in 2013.[2] Anno Domini and Charis were first signed by Nkosi. Yung Millie, a rapper from the Terre Haute scene, moved to Evansville. After he converted to Christianity, Millie was approached by Anno Domini and signed by Nkosi. In mid-2013, Charis released his debut extended play under the Nkosi label. The E.P. was named Brand New. Millie released the mixtape Church Music Vol. 1 as Yung Kriss. E2 signed the label the same year and release his debut studio album, A.G.B.T.G.
Later signs and termination (2015-17)[edit]
In 2015, Nkosi signed Beamz. The rapper released the album Resilient under the Nkosi label. In August 2015, Yung Kriss began previewed for his sophomore album, Not so Young. On September 11, the album was released. In 2016, Charis released Forever Loved on January 30, Anno Domini released Follow Me on July 16, and E2 released Waiting Room on December 9. In late 2016, rumours began that the Nkosi label would close due to recognitional stagnacy and a deteriorating fanbase. In 2017, Don Ready was signed to Nkosi where he released his debut studio album Chosen which would become the last piece of work released by the label.[3] Nkosi Records decided to shut down. The label hosted a reunion concert at the Foundry Center for the Arts in Newburgh, Indiana where the past and present Nkosi artists joined to perform.[4]
Crictism and controversies[edit]
Nkosi artists were accused of hypocrisy by several music critics. They claimed the label's artists had attempted to mimic mainstream rappers and secular society, a trend commonly present in Christian hip-hop. Nkosi was also criticized for its promotional methods. Charis posted a YouTube video where he explained his reasons for leaving the label. In the video, Charis acknowledged Nkosi's potential to become a national-recognized label but felt the management was content with staying regional. This also played a role in Nkosi shutting down in 2017.
Artists[edit]
| Act | Years under the label |
Releases under the label |
|---|---|---|
| Charis | 2013-2016 | 3 |
| Anno Domini | 2013-2017 | 1 |
| Yung Kriss | 2013-2017 | 3 |
| JGP | 2013-2015 | 2[5] |
| E2 | 2014-2016 | 2 |
| Beamz | 2015 | 1 |
| Don Ready | 2016-2017 | 1 |
Discography[edit]
2013[edit]
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Brand New |
|
2014[edit]
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| A.G.B.T.G. |
|
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Church Music Vol. 1 |
|
2015[edit]
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Resilient |
|
| Not so Young |
|
2016[edit]
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Forever Loved |
|
| Follow Me |
|
| Waiting Room |
|
2017[edit]
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Chosen |
|
References[edit]
- ↑ "Nathan Schroer Obituary." Legacy.com. November 21, 2013. Web. April 28, 2018.
- ↑ O’Bryan, Ryan. "Record Label Founded By Nathan Schroer Hosting Concert on December 11th." 106.1 KISS FM. November 23, 2013. Web. April 28, 2018.
- ↑ Nkosi Records. Web. April 28, 2018.
- ↑ Payton, Scott. "The Last Nkosi Concert." The Foundry Center for the Arts. April 26, 2017. Web. April 28, 2018.
- ↑ https://www.reverbnation.com/musician/jonpounders
