Black Star (music label)

Lore & Background

Black Star was established in 2007 as Black Star Inc., organizing an R&B/Soul festival titled «Vерсия 0.1» in collaboration with companies «АРС» and «IlyaKireev Company». In 2009, producer Valeriy Evsikov left the label after collaborating with Timati for over three years and authoring songs like «Потанцуй», 'Forever', 'Плачут небеса', and 'Не сходи с ума'. In Fall 2015, the label signed rapper Alexander Morozov (Sasha Chest) from Tomsk, who released a video with Timati called «Лучший друг» on 7 October for Vladimir Putin's birthday.

On 16 February 2019, the label conducted a second round of casting for the second season of the show «Песни» on channel ТNТ, resulting in new artists Vyacheslav Isakov (Slame), Anna Boronina, Arsen Antonya, Artem Amchislavsky (Amchi), and Anna Saidaleva (Anet Sai) when their contracts ended. On 27 July 2020, the label removed its founder Timati and his full catalog of songs, citing a 'loss of charm' from the label. In September 2021, Egor Ship joined the label, and in January 2022, Mot left.

Reader's Guide

Black Star has played a central role in the Russian music industry, particularly in pop and hip-hop, by launching and promoting numerous artists. Its significance lies in its ability to shape mainstream tastes through strategic signings and media partnerships, such as its involvement with the television show «Песни». The label's departure of founder Timati in 2020 marked a major shift, reflecting internal changes and a rebranding effort. Despite controversies and artist turnover, Black Star remains a key reference point for Russian music production and artist development, influencing the careers of figures like Egor Ship, Klava Koka, and Mot. Its legacy includes both commercial success and a model for label-artist relationships in the post-Soviet entertainment landscape.

Did You Know?

• In 2007, Black Star Inc. organized an R&B/Soul festival called «Vерсия 0.1» with companies «АРС» and «IlyaKireev Company».
• On 7 October 2015, rapper Sasha Chest released a video with Timati called «Лучший друг» for Vladimir Putin's birthday.