Goldminded Records began in mid 2001 as nothing more than a fire in the eye of James Shelkett Jr, fueled by a passion for golden-era underground hip hop. Just 13 years old, after a family relocation from the western shore of Maryland to the much more rural eastern shore, he turned to music and began to focus on honing his skills as an emcee and producer under the alias I.Q.

After meeting and collaborating with another local hip hop head, Felon-E, the two began searching out other word and sound-smiths to work and expand with. Finding local talent few and far between, and the internet age at the height of its youth, they took the search online. Frequenting battle and lyricism forums and meeting new artists of similar mind, an early roster was formed.

15 years later, the label has only grown as its artists have. James still leads the helm under a new moniker, Klive Kraven, and has personally selected and helped to establish a team of artists, producers, and staff that run like a well oiled machine, every member of the team prolific in their individual fields.

Over the years, the label has produced and released over 50+ projects under its umbrella, from the production to the vocals, the mixing and mastering, the product design, the pressing and the distribution to online media. It has earned victory in multiple live and online battle events. It has proven itself worthwhile of collaborating with celebrated names across multiple entertainment industries, from Schoolly D & Anno Domini to Mars Reel and Diamond Dallas Page. It has developed a reach around the globe, with fans from all walks of life and corners of the world. And all of these things have been done completely independently.

Our team is strong. Our passion is unparalleled. And we’re just getting started.