On Tuesday, November 23, 1993, Virgin Records America announced that they would be launching a new urban record label, with the label's president being Eric L. Brooks, then Virgin America's vice president of A&R. By 1994, the label was named
Noo Trybe Records. As a result, a small portion of EMI's urban roster were transferred to Noo Trybe. Other Virgin acts such as
Shyheim, who signed with the label in 1993, were transferred to the new label. In 1995, Noo Trybe released
Oakland, California based duo
Luniz's debut studio album,
Operation Stackola, on July 4, 1995. With the success of the single
Playa Hata, the album debuted and peaked in the top 20 on the
Billboard 200, and ultimately achieved platinum status in America. Rap-A-Lot's distribution was absorbed by Virgin proper in 1998, and in 1999, the label was absorbed by its parent. In 2013, the trademark was acquired by
Universal Music as a result of its purchase of EMI's recorded-music business. == Discography ==