MUSIC
New Single 'EMPIRE STATE OF MIND II' Drops This Friday
The lead single from HIJK Records' upcoming compilation album arrives with a cinematic music video shot across all five boroughs of New York City.
SOURCE: HIJK Records
HIJK RECORDS
HIJKRECORDS
Latest news, film releases, music drops, and books from the HIJK Records universe. Updated as it happens.
NEW SINGLE DROPPING THIS FRIDAY — STAY LOCKED INHIJK RECORDS EXPANDS INTO FILM PRODUCTION — 2026500M+ STREAMS ACROSS ALL PLATFORMSGOTTI GATES SIGNS THREE NEW ARTISTS TO THE ROSTERHIJK PUBLISHING NOW ACCEPTING MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSIONSNEW SINGLE DROPPING THIS FRIDAY — STAY LOCKED INHIJK RECORDS EXPANDS INTO FILM PRODUCTION — 2026500M+ STREAMS ACROSS ALL PLATFORMSGOTTI GATES SIGNS THREE NEW ARTISTS TO THE ROSTERHIJK PUBLISHING NOW ACCEPTING MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSIONS
BREAKING
MUSIC
HIJK Records Press Office
HIJK Records Surpasses 500 Million Streams Across All Platforms
The NYC-based independent label hits a major milestone, cementing its place as one of the fastest-growing hip hop imprints in the country.
HIJK Records, the New York City-based independent hip hop label founded by Gotti Gates, has officially surpassed 500 million combined streams across Spotify, Apple Music, TIDAL, and YouTube Music — a landmark achievement for an independent imprint less than six years old.
The milestone reflects the label's relentless output and artist development philosophy. With over 100 artists on the roster and more than 50 official releases, HIJK has built a catalog that resonates far beyond the five boroughs.
"We built this from the ground up, no shortcuts," said Gotti Gates. "Every stream is a real person connecting with real music. That's what this is about."
LATEST NEWS
LABEL NEWS
Gotti Gates Signs Three New Artists to the HIJK Roster
The label's A&R expansion continues with three new signings spanning drill, conscious rap, and Afrobeats — all NYC-based, all independent-minded.
SOURCE: HIJK Records
INDUSTRY
HIJK Records Named in Billboard's Top 50 Independent Labels of 2026
Billboard Magazine's annual independent label ranking places HIJK Records among the most impactful indie imprints in the country for the second consecutive year.
SOURCE: Billboard
COMMUNITY
HIJK Records Launches Free Studio Access Program for NYC Youth
The label opens its Brooklyn studio to young artists aged 16–24 every Saturday, offering free recording time, mentorship, and industry education.
SOURCE: HIJK Records
FILMS & VISUAL MEDIA
HIJK Records ventures into film and visual storytelling
IN PRODUCTION2027
CONCRETE JUNGLE
Drama / Hip HopPre-Production
A feature film following three young rappers navigating the NYC music industry, loyalty, and legacy. Executive produced by Gotti Gates. Currently in pre-production.
DIR: TBA
RELEASED2025
HIJK: THE DOCUMENTARY
DocumentaryAvailable Now
An intimate look at the founding of HIJK Records — from Gotti Gates' early days in the Bronx to building one of NYC's most respected independent labels.
DIR: Marcus Webb
COMING SOON2026
FIVE BOROUGHS
Short Film SeriesPost-Production
A five-part short film series — one film per NYC borough — each featuring original music from HIJK Records artists and directed by emerging NYC filmmakers.
DIR: Various Directors
BOOKS & PUBLISHING
HIJK Publishing — stories from the culture
NEW RELEASE
Business / Music Industry
2026
ISBN: 978-0-000000-00-0
THE CODE: Building an Independent Label from Zero
Gotti Gates
Gotti Gates shares the unfiltered playbook behind HIJK Records — from the first demo submission to 500 million streams. Required reading for independent artists and entrepreneurs.
AVAILABLE
Business / Culture
2025
ISBN: 978-0-000000-01-7
BARS & BLUEPRINTS: The Hip Hop Entrepreneur
HIJK Records Collective
A collection of essays, interviews, and frameworks from artists, producers, and executives in the HIJK Records family on building sustainable careers in music.
SUBMISSIONS OPEN
Open Submission
2027
HIJK Publishing — Open Call 2027
HIJK Publishing
HIJK Publishing is accepting manuscript submissions for 2027. We're looking for stories rooted in hip hop culture, urban life, entrepreneurship, and the Black experience in America.
PRESS KIT
Media inquiries, interview requests, and press assets for HIJK Records.