It was the largest independent hip hop label in Australia and was home to acts such as Pegz, Hilltop Hoods, Thundamentals, Reason, Andy Struksha, and Dialectrix.
[8] The first artist released on the label was MC Reason's EP Solid in 2000,[9][10] produced by Jolz with appearances from Brad Strut, Bias B and Pac D.[11] Other early releases included the compilation album series Culture of Kings (which featured formative releases from Hilltop Hoods, TZU, Hunter, Koolism, Terra Firma, Lyrical Commission, Downsyde, Layla, Bliss n Eso, Funkoars, DJ Bonez, Delta, Brad Strut, Bias B, Hospice and Brothers Stoney) [11] and Obesecity, both of which Pegz described as "key networking tools" for the growing Australian hip hop scene.
[12] Mark Pollard, founder of Stealth Magazine, commented during an interview with Tony Mitchell in 2004 that Hilltop Hoods’ success had been helped by Obese.
Two artists associated with the label were nominated for four AIR Chart Awards in 2007 (three for Hilltop Hoods and one for Muph & Plutonic).
In 2008, two artists on the Obese label, Muph & Plutonic and Spit Syndicate, received nominations for 'Best Urban Album' at the ARIA Awards.
[9] Following Hilltops Hoods departure to start their own label with EMI,[19] Obese Records continued to focus on both established artists and underground locals.
[19] In 2013, Obese Records signed its first management contract with emcee Kerser, at that point having divisions for sales, publicity, marketing, accounts, and A&R.