iHipHop AdminLabel name: Threshold Recordings, LLC
Founded (Date): 1998
Founders: Kurt Matlin aka KutMasta Kurt
Backstory (What’s the story behind the launch of the label? How was it launched? Why was it launched?):
Kurt was working with Kool Keith for a few years developing the Funky Ass Records imprint. In that time he learned a lot about the indie music biz and decided it would make sense to start his own label. Most of legendaey Funky Ass catalog is now pressed & distributed by Threshold.
Greatest Achievements (What are the label’s proudest moments? Going platinum? Releasing a classic? Signing a legend?):
The catalog it’s self. it includes some really cool and critically acclaimed releases by the likes of kool keith, motion man and kutmasta kurt. it also has released singles with such artists as planet
Current and Future projects (What current projects are you pushing and what’s planned for the next year?):
current projects:
1. motion man-pablito’s way feat too short, gift of gab, dj qbert, kool keith mistah fab, dizzy dustin of ugly duckling +
2. sex style limited edition re-issue
3. tomc3 and kool keith’s-project polaroid feat motion man, prince po (organized konfusion) +
4. substance abuse-overproof feat mf doom, kool keith, motion man, saafir +
future projects for 07:
1. KutMasta Kurt presents Sex Style the un-exposed sessions 1994-97
2. Tomc3 and Prince Po (title tba)
3. Dr Dooom pt 2
Goals and Purpose (What kind of impact are you hoping to make on the industry? What goals do you have for the label?):
to give the hip-hop market quality and substance (in the music) first and foremost. listening to threshold music is like enjoying a high quality meal and a nice restaurant. it looks good, smells good, tastes amazing, leaves you feeling satisfied and digests well with it’s listeners. if you consume too much fast, cheap and over marketed food (music), you may not be able to appreciate the finer dinning experience threshold provides it’s clientele.
as you know the founder is a well respected and highly lauded dj/producer, so the goal of threshold is to be a platform for for kutmasta kurt to release the kind of music he likes and believes in.
Within the Game (How does the label fit within the current climate of hip-hop? Or does it even fit in at all? What’s the label’s personality in relation to the rest of hip-hop?):
threshold fits in with contemporary’s like stones throw, quannum, battle axe, def jux, abb, etc.
the labels’ personality is unique but somehow finds a way to release music that appeals to a broad cross section from hip-hop purists to the new generation of kids who are just learning about hip-hop music. check out www.threshrecs.com for videos and more info etc.
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