Founded in 1995 as Rising Tide Records, the label would ultimately begin to thrive the following year when its name was changed to Universal Records to complement the branding overhaul of the Universal Studios structure since MCA Inc. was purchased from Matsushita Electric (now Panasonic) by Seagram.

[5] Universal Records had success in breaking new artists, including the multi-platinum debut of Erykah Badu, Billie Myers, Goldfinger, Akon and the Lost Boyz.

[citation needed] Universal also brought in and took over Uptown Records following founder Andre Harrell's departure.

The album peaked at number nine on the Billboard 200 and would ultimately go on to be certified quadruple platinum in the United States.

[20] However, this deal failed as various releases by Master P, Romeo, 504 Boyz and Choppa did not meet commercial expectations.

[22][23][24] Universal and Bad Boy released Da Band's September 2003 album, Too Hot for TV.

In 2005, Bad Boy switched distribution from Universal to Atlantic Records before the deal could be fulfilled.

[26][27] The label later had more success with acts like 3 Doors Down, 98 Degrees, Chamillionaire, Godsmack, Mushroomhead, Flaw, Hatebreed, Lifer, Jack Johnson, Juvenile, Nelly, Big Sha, Lil Wayne, and Mika.

In the summer of 2004, Universal had a big success with Terror Squad's single, "Lean Back", which debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 that August.

[citation needed] Affiliated labels included Celtic Heartbeat Records, co-founded by U2 manager Paul McGuinness.