is an
American Record Label owned by
Universal Music Group , and operates as part of The Universal Motown/Universal Republic Group.
Founded in
1995 as ''
Rising Tide Records '', the following year its name was changed to Universal Records and began to thrive. It was created by current Universal Music Group Chairman, Doug Morris, and
Daniel Glass , who became its President.
The label had success in breaking new artists, including the multi-platinum debut of
Erykah Badu ,
Billie Myers , Goldfinger, and the
Lost Boyz . Recognizing the changing landscape of the industry, Glass strategically aligned Universal with such independent record labels as Kedar Entertainment, home to Erykah Badu, and Mojo Records, home to platinum artist
Reel Big Fish and the
Cherry Poppin' Daddies .
As the
1990s ended and the
2000s began, the label had notable success with acts like 3 Doors Down,
98 Degrees ,
Jack Johnson ,
Juvenile , and
Nelly . Overseas, it has notable success with the band
Grinspoon . In 1999, Universal Records was pooled together with
Motown Records and
Republic Records to form , under which it operates today. The label is one of the largest with 250 artists on the label.
And now it has amazing new artists like Akon, Vanessa Carlton, Nelly, Shiny Toy Guns, McFLY ,
Anberlin and more.
