Alamo Records Celebrates 10 Years with Stellar Artist Success
Alamo Records marks its 10th anniversary this year with significant achievements under the leadership of CEO Todd Moscowitz. Since rebranding from Cold Records in 2016, the label has emerged as a formidable force in the hip-hop industry. The recent partnership with Drake’s OVO Sound has further solidified its reputation, offering distribution and marketing services that have already produced notable successes.
The collaboration has already borne fruit, with the release of Drake and PartyNextDoor’s joint album, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, which debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 in February 2024. This album features the hit single “NOKIA,” which soared to No. 2 on the Hot 100 chart. This success has elevated Alamo’s visibility in the competitive pop-rap landscape.
The label operates under a three-tiered system designed to nurture talent from the ground up. The distribution arm, Foundation, signs emerging artists on flexible agreements to assess their market potential. Successful candidates then advance to Santa Anna, which provides additional resources, before possibly landing at Alamo itself for full-scale label support.
At the heart of Alamo’s success are two of hip-hop’s most prominent artists: Rod Wave and Lil Durk. Rod Wave’s latest album, Last Lap, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, adding to his impressive track record, which includes three consecutive No. 1 albums: SoulFly (2021), Beautiful Mind (2022), and Nostalgia (2023). Moscowitz attributes his success to Rod’s authenticity and dedication to his craft, stating, “He’s had six platinum albums without going outside his core audience.”
Lil Durk’s journey has been more tumultuous. Recently facing a murder-for-hire charge related to a 2022 shooting in Los Angeles, he released his album Deep Thoughts while incarcerated. The album still managed to debut at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, marking his tenth entry into the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. “His team had to step up in his absence, and of course, Durk thankfully had made a great album,” said Moscowitz.
In addition to established stars, Alamo has made significant investments in rising talent like BossMan Dlow. His debut single “Get In With Me” marked his arrival on the Hot 100, while his first album, Dlow Curry, featured collaborations with artists such as Ice Spice and Lil Baby.
As Alamo looks to the next decade, its guiding principle remains clear: prioritize conviction over convention. Reflecting on the past year, Moscowitz highlighted the label’s consistent ranking among the top ten for current market share alongside major labels. He noted that the collaboration with OVO Sound stands as a pivotal moment for the company.
The evolution of Santa Anna has also been marked by the rapid ascension of artists like Bayker Blankenship and Chuckky. Within just two years, these artists have gained recognition in pop culture, showcasing the effectiveness of Alamo’s early-stage artist development approach.
Alamo’s unique three-tiered system allows for flexibility in signing and nurturing artists. This model enables the label to support artists during their formative stages without the pressure typically associated with major labels. “It’s essentially an incubator,” Moscowitz explained. “This approach is more necessary than ever in today’s fast-paced environment.”
When discussing the philosophy behind artist selection and development, Moscowitz emphasized the importance of cultural relevance and authenticity. He believes that unique artists who carve their own paths, rather than fitting a mold, ultimately succeed in the industry.
Balancing the needs of both new talent and established artists is a challenge many labels face. Yet, Moscowitz argues that having successful acts eases financial pressures, allowing for greater risk-taking and creative exploration. He stressed, “If you use it to reinvest in your staff and new young artists, you will develop more successful artists.”
As the music industry evolves, Alamo continues to position itself for future leadership by making substantial investments in artist development and remaining adaptable to ongoing changes. Moscowitz concluded, “Be early, be right and have the conviction to stay with them, because they deserve it.” With a decade of experience behind it, Alamo Records is poised to shape the future of hip-hop and beyond.
