First Priority was founded by Nat Robinson in 1987, to release music by his son Kirk better known as Milk Dee of Audio Two.
FPM's first release was Audio Two's "Make It Funky"/"Top Billin'", which was successful enough to secure the label a distribution deal with Atlantic Records.
Other members of the hip hop roster of the period include Positive K, Michie Mee, Alliance, Kings of Swing, and Barsha.
A compilation featuring FPM artists, The First Priority Music Family: Basement Flavor, was released by the label in 1988.
A short-lived sub-label called Bum Rush was distributed by Atlantic then-sister label Virgin Records from 1989 to 1991.