Owned by Universal Music Group (UMG), Republic Records is an American record label. Avery and Monte Lipman launched the New York City-based label as an independent venture in 1995. UMG purchased it in 2000. Republic was formerly a label of the Universal/Motown Records Group. Following a 2006 restructure, it was renamed Universal Republic Records before returning to its old moniker in 2012.
History[]
Republic Records was conceived by brothers Avery and Monte Lipman in their New York apartment when, between jobs, they started releasing recordings as a hobby, beginning with Dingleberry Haze by the Bloodhound Gang. Founded in 1995 as a division of MCA's Geffen Records, it was swiftly integrated into the newly formed Universal Records. In 2000, Universal Music Group acquired Republic Records, entirely owned by the Lipman brothers. Avery Lipman became president of Republic Records, while Monte Lipman assumed the role of president and CEO of Universal Records. A 2006 corporate reorganization led to the merger of Universal Republic Records, with Avery Lipman as co-president and COO, and Monte Lipman as president and CEO. The label saw success, winning accolades like Variety's Hitmaker Label of the Year in 2017. Key signings included Taylor Swift in 2018 and a reunion with the Jonas Brothers in 2019. Republic Records diversified in 2020 by entering the K-pop market with Twice and (G)I-dle. The label continued its dominance, securing "Label of the Year" at the 2020 and 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards and topping Billboard's year-end label rankings in 2021. Strategic moves included collaborations with DistroKid and the appointment of co-presidents Jim Roppo and Wendy Goldstein. The label expanded globally in 2021, debuting in China and the Philippines, and in 2022, the partnership with JYP Entertainment expanded to cover all artists. Republic Records maintained its position at the forefront of the industry in 2023 with a record-setting streak atop the Billboard 200, cementing its leading role in the U.S. record label market share.
Releases[]
Republic Records has been a powerhouse in the music industry, boasting a diverse roster of successful artists. Notable releases include the Bloodhound Gang's 1994 EP, "Dingleberry Haze," and their debut LP, "Use Your Fingers." Kevin Rudolf's "Let It Rock" achieved triple platinum status, while Jay Sean's debut single, "Down," sold six million copies in the U.S. Taylor Swift, a quadruple-platinum artist with numerous accolades, joined Republic in 2019, releasing hits like "ME!" Jack Johnson and Damian Marley received gold and platinum certifications, respectively. Ariana Grande, the Jonas Brothers, The Weeknd, Florence and the Machine, Lorde, James Blake, Pearl Jam, Poppy, and Kim Petras have all contributed to Republic Records' success with a string of well-received albums spanning various genres, solidifying the label's influential presence in recent years.
Artists[]
- AJR
- Ariana Grande
- Bastille
- Benee
- Bo Burnham
- BoyWithUke
- Clairo
- Conan Gray
- Drake
- FLO
- Florence + the Machine
- Glass Animals
- Hailee Steinfeld
- James Bay
- James Blake
- John Mellencamp
- Julia Michaels
- Kid Cudi
- Kim Petras
- Leith Ross
- Lil Wayne
- Metro Boomin
- Morgan Wallen
- Nicki Minaj
- Noah Kahan
- Of Monsters and Men
- Peach PRC
- Pearl Jam
- Peter Gabriel
- Post Malone
- Shania Twain
- Stevie Wonder
- Stray Kids
- Swedish House Mafia
- Taylor Swift
- The Weeknd
- Tomorrow X Together
- Twice
- ITZY
- VCHA
- ZAYN