From the beginning of his career, the label’s founder was a true maverick. He worked as an account executive for a major market urban contemporary radio station while working to launch his music career. When he found himself without a record deal from a major label, he created his own independent label at the age of 21. In 1993, he established Smoothe City Records and released his single, How Smooth I Am. Performing the song at local venues, Kip was a crowd favorite. Some of the greatest talent in the industry shared the stage with him including; the late 2Pac Shakur, Black Sheep and the Fu-Schnickens.
Later he expanded his footprint and formed his second independent label, Hype Records. In the late 1990s, Kip collaborated with acclaimed producer CC Lemonhead who was best known for his unique brand of mainstream bass music and such hits as Space Jam and Tootsie Roll. The project was named The Lemon Experience, and the album contained a hit techno/dance single entitled “Precious Little Fantasy”. The single was so well received that it went on to be voted the number one song of the year by Orlando urban radio station 102 Jamz.
The new, rapidly growing label is now home to hip-hop artist Ayyo Buda. The crown prince of Max Fire Music is a lyrical mastermind whose album titled Slept on will be released in Fall of 2021. His newest song, “Party Like Mike Busey” will take listeners to the next level of partying like a rock star. The song is named for social media star, cult icon Mike Busey and BUDA’s second single, “HOLD ON” is expected to be a summer sensation that listeners can groove to.