Al was also an integral part of creating the sound of Uptown, as one of the label’s main writers and producers, but we’ll come back to that. First let’s talk about another foundational producer. After establishing a hit sound with Bobby Brown, Keith Sweat, and Johnny Kemp, Teddy Riley was launching his own group.
Guy was Uptown’s next hit act. With them, the label officially became home of New Jack Swing, and the party music label.
I want to pause here and talk about the culture of Uptown. Andre named the label after New Yorkers’ term for Harlem, The Bronx and Mt Vernon. Uptown folks were flashy, fly, and about a lavish lifestyle. Dapper Dan’s shop was Uptown. Puffy’s from Uptown. Mary’s from Uptown. Go out on a Friday or Saturday night in Harlem right now and you’ll find ten women over 35 dancing just like Mary.
Dre wanted the culture and feel of the label to reflect the party vibe of Uptown. That’s why when you talk Uptown artists, or watch their videos, you gotta get into all of it. They were selling you the culture.