Our Story
Driving While Black Records is an independent record label based in Pittsburgh, PA. We provide brand management, distribution, licensing, and event planning support for our artists.
The label was founded by rapper Jordan Montgomery after the release of his debut album Driving While Black. As Jordan began selling hats and shirts to promote the album, he noticed that people were buying the merchandise although they never heard his music. Jordan noticed that the merchandise was being purchased as a representation of the issues that affect the Black community. From that moment Jordan decided to create a brand that could speak to those issues while reclaiming the phrase to create a brand and platform that uplifts Black artists.
For centuries, the music industry has exploited the talents of Black artists while profiting from their works. The lack of diversity amongst industry executives leaves the genre and the well-being of its artists in the hands of an industry that is more concerned with gaining a profit than preserving and advancing Black culture. Driving While Black Records is here to be an advocate for Black artists in the music industry. We believe that as Hip Hop and the industry continue to evolve, it is imperative that more Black label owners, executives, publicists, and media outlets claim positions within the industry to do away with the predatory and archaic practices of the past.
Our goal is to create an environment where our artists can organically develop their crafts while learning the ins and outs of the music industry. We strive to consistently deliver quality content as we grow to become a label with a signature sound and an easily identifiable brand.