Rostrum Records was founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 2003 as an independent label with ties to Los Angeles. Its roster has included diverse artists like D.C., The Bird and the Bee, Mod Sun, and others. Over 17 years, Rostrum has sold millions of albums and tens of millions of tracks, consistently seeking fresh opportunities for its artists to connect deeply with fans. Rostrum artists have earned 11 Grammy nominations collectively.
In 2004, a mixtape featuring emerging Pittsburgh rappers caught Benjy Grinberg's eye, spotlighting a young Wiz Khalifa. Spotting potential in the 16-year-old talent, Grinberg saw a 'diamond in the rough' that could shine with guidance and support—as he later shared with HitQuarters. Khalifa soon signed with Rostrum, where Grinberg nurtured him for seven years. The label released two key albums: Show and Prove in 2006 and Deal or No Deal in 2009.
Building on that momentum, Khalifa dropped a series of free mixtapes that exploded in popularity. His breakout, Kush & Orange Juice on June 14, 2010, trended #1 on Twitter with #kushandorangejuice and topped Google search trends for 'Kush and Orange Juice Download,' fueled by his loyal fanbase. Around early 2010, Grinberg signed Mac Miller after meeting him through Wiz Khalifa at ID Labs in Pittsburgh.
Initially offering advice, Grinberg committed fully after hearing Miller's maturation on the K.I.D.S. mixtape, noting growth in sound and mindset in a HitQuarters interview. Though other labels courted Miller, his bond with Khalifa led him to Rostrum. Released in August 2010 and inspired by the 1995 film Kids, K.I.D.S. propelled his late-2010 'Incredibly Dope Tour' to sellouts nationwide.
After college graduation, Grinberg moved to New York seeking work in music. Three months later, he joined Arista Records as assistant to Antonio 'L.A.' Reid. Eager to scout and develop his own talent post-Arista, Grinberg's artist-focused approach has fueled Rostrum's enduring success.
The label earned Vibe's 'Top 5 Labels to Watch in 2012,' XXL's 'Top Rising Indie Label in 2011,' #23 on The Source's 2011 Power 30 list, and Billboard's '40 Under 40' for Grinberg in 2013. He also participates in Grammy voting.
