The label, founded by the late Andre Harrell in 1986, will operate under the REPUBLIC Collective umbrella with a roster including G Herbo and Yung Miami.
Courtesy of Uptown Records
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Forty years after the late Andre Harrell founded Uptown Records, the iconic hip-hop and R&B record label has been revived.
Uptown, which announced an official relaunch of the label on Tuesday (June 16), will operate under the REPUBLIC Collective umbrella. Danielle Price Sanders is set to serve as the president of Uptown Records and executive VP of REPUBLIC Collective. Natina Nimene will join Sanders in leading the label as executive vp of urban audience and artist relations at REPUBLIC Collective.
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“Andre Harrell built one of the most influential record companies in music history, creating a platform where hip-hop and R&B artists could break through and truly impact the mainstream with integrity,” Sanders saaid in a statement. “I’m honored to help carry that legacy forward and support the next generation of artists.”
She continued: “Relaunching Uptown as part of the REPUBLIC Collective is especially meaningful, given its entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to artist development. Advancing this vision alongside the other Collective labels — and drawing on our natural synergy with Def Jam, led by Tunji Balogun and Kevin Lipson — is a proud moment as we shape what’s next.”
With the 2026 revival, the label currently boasts a rap roster including G Herbo, Yung Miami, Trap Dickey (signed to Uptown in partnership with Top Dawg Entertainment) and producer ATL Jacob. Fans can expect more music from Herbo, Miami and Trap Dickey later in 2026.
Yung Miami stamped her return this year with “Spend Dat,” which reached a peak of No. 34 on this week’s Billboard Hot 100.
“This is a legendary label being resurrected and run by incredible female record executives. I’m excited to continue my solo career with Uptown Records,” Yung Miami states. “The level of care and attention to detail they’ve already shown gives me full confidence that everything we’re building will truly elevate me. Uptown already feels like home.”
G Herbo had a busy 2025, which was headlined by his platinum-certified “Went Legit.” The Lil Herb standout peaked at No. 70 on the Hot 100.
“Uptown Records was a flagship for rap music,” said Herbo. “It created the template for superstars in the eighties and nineties. It’s an honor to be a part of its story.”
Harrell founded Uptown Records in 1986 and compiled a roster that included the likes of Mary J. Blige, The Notorious B.I.G., Jodeci and Heavy D. He passed away due to heart failure at 59 years old in May 2020.
