Black Cloud Music

Lore & Background

Black Cloud Music began in 2006 with the release of its first compilation, Beats and Life, produced by founder Jynxx, featuring emcees such as Dirty Birdy, Mykill Myers, and Bocafloja. The following year, Jynxx collaborated with E Dubb to form the group SOP and released a full-length album, Music 4 Da Deaf & The Lyrically Challenged. Between 2008 and 2009, the label built its roster by adding local artists Jynxx met at events like It’s The Common Ground, including Noa James, Curtiss King, Art Barz, and Faimkills, and focused on Noa James’s debut album Beautiful Darkness, released on iTunes in 2009. In 2010, Black Cloud Music released the compilation 12 Days on Cloud 9, featuring all roster artists and others. In 2011, Noa James performed at the 6th annual Paid Dues Independent Hip-Hop Festival, and the label added David May and Phantom Thrett. In 2012, Curtiss King performed at the 7th annual Paid Dues festival, Noa James hosted the Dues Paid Stage, and King’s debut album Atychiphobia: The Fear of Failure debuted at #61 on the iTunes hip hop charts. Kid Disko became the official DJ that year. In 2013, Black Cloud Music embarked on its first national tour with Murs, Fashawn, and Prof on the Road To Paid Dues Tour 2013, leading to the 8th annual Paid Dues festival where the label hosted the Monster Energy Stage. The label is set to release Phantom Thrett’s debut album Broken Winter and Faimkills’ album THRASHED OUT.

Reader's Guide

Black Cloud Music holds significance as a foundational independent hip-hop label in the Inland Empire, a region often overshadowed by Los Angeles. Founded in 2006, it provided a platform for local artists like Noa James and Curtiss King, whose album Atychiphobia charted on iTunes. The label’s involvement with the Paid Dues Independent Hip-Hop Festival, including hosting stages and touring with established acts like Murs, underscores its role in connecting regional talent to broader independent hip-hop networks. Its compilations, such as 12 Days on Cloud 9, fostered a collaborative community. The label’s legacy lies in its sustained output and its representation of Inland Empire hip-hop culture, though its discography remains modest. By focusing on local artists and grassroots events, Black Cloud Music exemplifies how independent labels can cultivate scenes outside major industry centers.

Did You Know?

• Black Cloud Music was founded in 2006 by Santiago Garcia (Jynxx) and Yasin.
• The label’s first compilation, Beats and Life, was released in 2006 and produced by Jynxx.