Cold Chillin' Records: Licensed To Chill

Cold Chillin' Records was started in 1986 by Tyrone Williams. As manager of Marley Marl — a 23 year old producer, writer, arranger, and renowned New York DJ — Williams had got increasingly frustrated about not being paid in full. To ensure against this, Williams set up his own operation. Cold Chillin' Records was born. His first move was to appoint Marley Marl as executive producer. Marley's production talents coupled with his ability to seek out original and talented rappers has seen Cold Chillin' release a stream of varied and unique records. From the sassy queen of rap, Roxanne Shante, to the funny bone of Biz Markie — taking in such noted rap luminaries as Big Daddy Kane, MC Shan, and Kool G Rap along the way Cold Chillin' have established themselves as the label. No wonder, then that WEA should come to Cold Chillin', the label many look upon as the new Def Jam. Over the next three pages, we celebrate the rise and rise of this label. On the facing page PAOLO HEWITT grabs a long chat with whizzkid MARLEY MARL, below, JOHN McCREADY reverses the charges and talks to BIZ MARKIE, BIG DADDY KANE, ROXANNE SHANTE, KOOL G RAP AND MC SHAN. Time to get Cold Chillin' kids!