Mo' Wax
From Free net encyclopedia
Mo' Wax is a UK-based record label owned by James Lavelle, who founded it in the early 1990s. The label is most famous for being a purveyor of the "Trip-Hop" sound, although many artists dislike the term, or prefer the broader "abstract hip-hop" tag, if the music must be labeled at all. The label is also responsible for bringing attention to the graffiti artist Futura 2000 by using his artwork on many of its releases in the early to mid 1990s.
Mo' Wax released records by many artists over its years of existence, the most notable being by DJ Shadow, DJ Krush, Andrea Parker, Luke Vibert, Air (band), Dr. Octagon, Attica Blues, Money Mark, Malcom Catto, Nigo (of Bathing Ape fame), David Axelrod, South, Blackalicious, and Lavelle's own UNKLE. Lavelle made a deal with A&M Records in 1996. Currently, Mo' Wax is part of the Beggars Banquet Group, but there are rumors that the label itself has folded and is no longer putting out new releases.
The original Mo' Wax logo as used on the very early releases was designed by UK graphic designer Swifty. Ben Drury was the main designer responsible for the art direction and design of the label.
In 2005, Lavelle started a clothing line called Surrender, and launched Mo' Wax Arts.