Freight Train Records was created out of a void in Hip Hop. Founder Diablo Slim was living in NYC in an attempt to find a sound that had eluded him for many years. “ I had been from ATL to NY in search of a sound that best represented me and the sound I was trying to bring to the game” says Diablo Slim. After a unsuccessful stint in NYC, in the fall of 2006 he decided that it would be best if he moved back to his hometown of Washington, DC and start working on his own production. With a make-shift recording booth, some studio equipment and a couple of Diablo’s friends FTR was born. FTR released their first Underground CD entitled “Hammer and Nails” Vol.1 in the summer of 2007. The CD had a unique blend of Hip Hop, Jazz and Funk; add in the raw, edgy lyrics and H&N Vol.1 was instant underground success. The initial members of FTR included Ace Vigor, Vega$, O-Face and Diablo Slim.” I never set out to be a CEO of a record company, I was just a rapper looking for production but circumstances led to this opportunity and I accepted the role” explains Diablo on the change from rapper to CEO. Theses four individuals stormed onto the DC open mic scene like...well a Freight Train, quickly gaining notoriety amongst their peers and often showing up at these events in access of over twenty people. Their raw and unique style was different from the masses and FTR was a fixture at local hip hop events, even developing a small fan base. Sadly however FTR was struck with tragedy when member Ace Vigor died suddenly in the fall of 2007. This sent the young label into a state of inaction for several months. Life after Ace Vigor’s passing was difficult to overcome but it marked a new beginning for FTR.
In the months following Ace Vigor’s death FTR slowly started to recover and even grow. “When Ace passed I was looking for a top notch rapper to come in, that’s when my A&R brought Phenox to my attention” says Diablo. With the acquisitions of Bam, a veteran in music production and an accomplished musician and singer as well as newcomer Phenox Arson, a rapper with an vicious verbal arsenal and commanding presence FTR got back to work in the studio and on the stage. With new artist City Swagga, Footz and Hollywood, FTR now bolsters a full roster of recording artist, producers, A&R, engineers, graphic designers, marketing and promo team FTR has been nominated and won for various underground awards shows and competitions. Performing from NY to Dallas and everywhere in between, even receiving radio play in the United Kingdom. In the fall of 2009 FTR released “Hammer and Nails Vol.2” a compilation of FTR artist that paid homage to early FTR while showcasing FTR’s future. With such a diverse sound and identity FTR is sure to be a force in the local, regional, national and international music scene. And Hip Hop is just the beginning Diablo Slim has plans to incorporate other genres of music under the Freight Train Records most notably Pop and Alternative Rock.
Freight Train Records! All Aboard!! Doors Closing!!!
That is the bio from Freight Train Records!! I seen these guys at a show at the Black Hole Club in Dundalk! I was pleasantly surprised at how they were on stage! As time went on I got the privilege to see them on a couple more occasions. They each have their own personalities and no one on the label is the same. I really can't even compare them to any industry artist which to me is so nice! LOL Especially in this time of everyone trying to sound and flow like Lil Wayne or Gucci Mane!
You can check them out on MySpace, Facebook and YouTube! Just Google the name and tons of stuff will come up! LOL
www.myspace.com/freighttrainrecords07
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Freight-Train-Records/209026138777
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