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Indie Label SMC Recordings Trumps Majors With Releases Charting High on iTunes and Amazon.com

^{Published on 2009-11-19 11:28:35 - Market Wire}
 

SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - November 19, 2009) - SMC Recordings (PINKSHEETS: [ SMCE ]), the indie label headquartered in San Francisco Bay Area, announced a huge week with the release of legendary rapper Rakim Allah's (of the platinum recording duo, Eric B. and Rakim) highly-anticipated album, "The Seventh Seal." It's been nearly a decade since Rakim last released a solo project and while most artists would fade into obscurity with such a long absence, Rakim has re-emerged stronger and better than ever.

Already ranked at #2 on the iTunes Rap/Hip-Hop chart, Rakim's "The Seventh Seal" surpassed several major label artists including Jay-Z and Wale. He also beat out Janet Jackson and the Black Eyed Peas for the #22 position on the Pop chart. Amazon's Rap/Hip-Hop and Pop/Rap charts both position him at #5, passing Eminem and Kid Cudi.

Continuing on the momentum sparked by the anticipation of "The Seventh Seal," Rakim has received a wave of support from the media, fans and retailers across the country. Currently, Rakim is receiving key in-store visibility from top national retailers like WalMart, Best Buy, Target, FYE and Kmart, as well as online through iTunes, Amazon and Microsoft's Zune. . "It is gratifying to see an artist like Rakim make such an impact on the market after almost a ten-year absence," says SMC CEO Ralph Tashjian. "We are proud of this accomplishment and look forward to even greater accolades for both Rakim and SMC."

SMC blazes new trails in an industry where creativity, fiscal responsibility and stealth-like ability to change are not just a requirement but a necessity to thrive. With Rakim and the recent success of The Jacka, SMC is definitely ahead of the game and poised to make major moves in a world previously controlled by the big players.

About SMC Recordings:

Established in March of 2005, SMC Recordings is home to independent music and artists. Based in San Francisco, CA, the company's prized accomplishment is its unique philosophy of artist development, where artists are encouraged to participate with the label from inception through maintenance of their careers. This innovative structure has garnered industry veterans to join the company and aid in its growth. SMC is distributed by Fontana, the indie distribution subsidiary of Universal. It is SMC's humble regional beginnings and loyalty to their artists and their careers that will guarantee the company to always be on the precipice of creativity and expansion in the music game.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements in this release that are forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, or other factors which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements of the company to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially because of factors such as the effect of general economic and market conditions, entry into markets with vigorous competition, market acceptance of new products and services, continued acceptance of existing products and services, technological shifts, and delays in product development and related product release schedules, any of which may cause revenues and income to fall short of anticipated levels. All information in this release is as of the date of this release. The company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in the company's expectations.