Hip Hop moguls need to rely on a few key components for success, but the patience and belief in a vision to go far are at the top. Travon “Trizzy” Howard created Ruby Recordings in 2015, a record label and management company that built its name off of signing acts from around the globe. He certainly had a vision for success and the patience to see it through.
Many Ruby signees have gone on to have real success in hip-hop, with Michael Wavves, 9000, Tonee Marino, and Haitian Fresh as prime examples. The label’s first big breakthrough artist is Michael Wavves, who got through the door with the crawling track “On The Low” in 2018, then blew up for real with “Purple Heart EP” in 2019.
Ruby has added and moved on from a few artists after launching five years ago, but all while solidifying themselves as one of the most powerful indie labels in rap. Today, the label has agreements with The Orchard, Sony Music’s distribution division of nearly all the acts on their label. By behaving like a manager as well as an exec, Trizzy is drawing a road map for other upstart indies in the 21st century. To head its A&R department, the company attracted Maurice Hamell, a hip-hop recording artist, songwriter, and businessman.
JT5K is a Canadian artist from Edmonton, Alberta. He creates catchy melodies and memorable hooks over an OVO/XO inspired production. Growing up listening to industry favorites like Drake, Tory Lanez and NAV, he has modeled his style after these Canadian artists. Growing up in Western Canada, JT5K is one of the few hidden music gems on the hip hop scene. He is making his mark slowly in the music industry and is set to blow up anytime soon with his unique style, flow, and voice.
JT5K has officially signed to Ruby Recordings. Now the real work begins for the Canadian rapper. The label broke the news on social media.
On Monday (May 11), Ruby Recordings announced JT5K’s debut single “Came From Nothing” featuring John Cardiff and Trizzy, which will be released on June 12th. Pre-order will be available on May 18.
