The label was founded in 1988 and during its time in activity existed as part of the EMI Group.

[2] The partners sold the company to EMI Music Publishing (for a reported US$295 million), afterward SBK Songs was renamed EMI Songs and with support of Capitol Records launched SBK Records.

The label had several hits with Vanilla Ice, Waterfront, Jesus Jones, Boy George, Wilson Phillips, Grayson Hugh, Jon Secada, Ya Kid K, McQueen Street,[5] Technotronic, Blur, Billy Dean and Everyday People.

SBK also signed the first Latino MC to a major label, Ray Roll, from the famed Rock Steady Crew, and Selena, the first female crossover Latin artist.

The 1994 album The Divine Comedy by Milla Jovovich was released through SBK and was critically acclaimed.