10. Ruff Ryders
The Ruff Ryders featured hardcore rap acts to help bring the attention back to New York hip-hop during the late ’90s. Founded by brothers, Darrin ‘Dee’ Dean and Joaquin “Waah” Dean, the Ruff Ryder’s started by managing DMX and The L.O.X. The Deans, uncles of Swizz Beatz, eventually signed a distribution deal with Interscope Records. With Swizz on production, the label released successful projects by Eve, Jadakiss and The L.O.X. However, the label hasn’t released a hit in years and most of the top artists have moved on to other labels. Yet, Ruff Ryders continues to have a presence within the biking community.
