Who is SoulFull Records?
Before there was SoulFull Records, there were decades of friendships, late-night studio sessions, live shows, and a shared love for hip-hop. SoulFull Records may be a new name, but it's the continuation of a story that's been unfolding for over three decades.
Founded in Phoenix, Arizona in 2022, SoulFull Records is an independent record label built from a spare bedroom and fueled by a lifelong passion for hip-hop.
We believe great music doesn't come from chasing trends—it comes from honesty, craftsmanship, and a genuine love for the culture.
Inspired by the golden era of hip-hop, we grew up on soulful samples, dusty drums, razor-sharp lyricism, and albums that were meant to be experienced from beginning to end. It was a time when producers had unmistakable identities, DJs remained an essential part of the music, and lyrics carried weight. Those values continue to shape everything we create today.
While those influences remain at our core, SoulFull Records isn't interested in recreating the past. Our goal is to build on that foundation by creating music that feels fresh, thoughtful, and timeless.
Although SoulFull Records officially launched in 2022, the story began decades earlier.
Founder and emcee tenSHUN has been writing and recording music since 1996, while fellow emcee BDS the Fresh began his journey in the early to mid 90's as well. Together, they helped form Earth Born (alongside DJ KG - now known as FroStyles) around the turn of the millennium, releasing their debut project, Undadogs, in 2001. Long before SoulFull Records existed, the group was part of the underground Arizona hip-hop movement through collectives such as Battlestar in Yuma, which later evolved into Cerebral Arts alongside a growing community of like-minded artists.
SoulFull Records represents the next chapter of that journey—an evolution of decades spent writing, recording, performing, and refining a vision for independent hip-hop.
Why "SoulFull"?
The name SoulFull Records represents more than a style of music—it reflects our philosophy.
To us, "soul" isn't limited to samples, jazz chords, or boom bap drums. It's the emotion behind the music. It's honest storytelling, thoughtful production, genuine creativity, and making records with intention rather than chasing whatever happens to be popular.
Whether it's an introspective verse, a dusty instrumental, a jazz-influenced beat, or an experimental composition, every release should have something real at its core.
That's what makes it SoulFull.
Our catalog is rooted in hip-hop but isn't confined by it. From boom bap and soulful instrumentals to lo-fi, trip hop, jazz-inspired compositions, and experimental soundscapes, every release is guided by one principle: create music that's honest, meaningful, and worth coming back to.
SoulFull Records is home to:
tenSHUN – Founder, owner, and emcee whose introspective lyricism and storytelling set the tone for the label.
Soul Panda – Producer and beatmaker blending soulful hip-hop with lo-fi textures, jazz influences, trip hop, and experimental production.
Earth Born – A trio featuring emcees tenSHUN and BDS the Fresh, alongside turntablist FroStyles, bringing together thoughtful lyricism, live scratching, and chemistry rooted in hip-hop's traditions while continuing to evolve.
Everything we release is independently created—from writing and recording to artwork, design, promotion, and physical releases. There are no major-label budgets, no corporate boardrooms, and no shortcuts—just a small team dedicated to making music we believe in.
We're not trying to be the biggest label. We're focused on being one that stands for something.
If you appreciate underground hip-hop, thoughtful production, records that reward repeated listens, and artists who care more about substance than hype, you've found your people.
Thanks for being here.
Welcome to SoulFull Records.