No Sleep Recordings is an artist-run record label, dedicated to satisfying collectors of golden-era (late 80s to mid 90s) Hip-Hop. Overseen by James “DL” Ellison, a radio, mix-tape and industry veteran, NSR works to release music that was either previously unreleased, unavailable in CD (or even vinyl) format, or otherwise very rare. The label was conceptualized in early 2007 by James “DL”, who cur
rently doubles as a co-owner of the successful deejay management agency; PSP, LLC. Having been a mainstay in the NYC Hip-Hop scene since the mid-90s, DL is considered an authority by many on Hip-Hop, and “underground” Hip-Hop specifically. According to DL, the goal is not to “re-create” golden-era Hip-Hop, but actually to release authentic, but obscure music from the era. Relying on relationships with many of Hip-Hop’s legendary underground heavyweights and also the slept-on talents, DL intends to share as much of this music as possible. Having already released compilations of rarer material by Lord Finesse and Buckwild, as well as the official release of the shelved studio album by the Ill Biskits, the concept of NSR was created to increase general awareness to these types of releases. The first two CDs by Kwest Tha Madd Lad and Godfather Don, respectively, were shining examples of where this label the headed. NSR tirelessly worked with both of these artists to unearth and present songs that most fans either did not know existed or could be ever released. Fans and collectors of vintage Hip-Hop now had a home to go to when they want to purchase the genuine articles and directly support the artists that created them. . In keeping with this goal of unearthing Hip-Hop, the next releases were by slept-on Hip-Hop production mainstay; Nick Wiz. Three consecutive 2CD releases of rarer and obscure Nick Wiz production for the likes of The Cella Dwellas, Pudgee Tha Phat Bastard, Channel Live, Chubb Rock and more, greatly accommodated fans of that 1993 to 1997 sound. Also, the groundbreaking collaboration of underground heavyweight, Celph Titled and D.I.T.C. production legend, Buckwild, was one of 2010’s biggest underground Hip-Hop releases. This successful debut was followed up with popular releases on NSR, of vaulted material by O.C. and Ran Reed. With these and numerous other projects being conceptualized as of press, NSR plans on adding to the collections of many a Hip-Hop head. The label aims to continue this story throughout 2014 and beyond.
