Best of Rawkus Records

Rawkus Records ruled the indie rap scene of the late-'90s. Backing underground talent like Mos Def, Talib Kweli, and R.A. The Rugged Man, the James Murdoch-funded label offered artists creative freedom with a promotional budget that could compete with the majors. Most poignantly, the venture clocked up a gold-certified success in the U.S. with Big L's posthumous The Big Picture in 2000.