RUTHLESS RECORDS FOUNDER LAUNCHES NEW LABEL

Veteran music executive Jerry Heller, who co-founded Ruthless Records with Eazy-E, is back in the music game. Heller has hooked up with producer Johnny J and music industry veteran Pablito Vasquez to launch Streetlife/Klock Work Records. Heller said, “The new label will focus on working with one album at a time, with more upcoming artists waiting in the wings. Most independent labels over-extend themselves, leading to failure….Part of the Ruthless model was having great production, a strong business vision, and a deep connection with the streets.”

Will.I.Am, who was signed to Ruthless Records in the 90s, shared what it was like being around Eazy E and Jerry Heller. He said,

“Like Jerry and Eazy, they were real cool. You know I was in the tenth grade, tenth, eleventh grade. My allowance was like 150 bucks a week which was a lot of money for like a tenth, eleventh grader which is a little bit of money for an artist on a label.”