Ruff Ryders' founders were initially famous for managing rappers DMX and The Lox who became multi-platinum stars for Def Jam Recordings and Bad Boy Entertainment in the late-1990s. After DMX's success, the management company started its own label imprint through Interscope Records, and had success with releases from female rapper Eve, former Bad Boy Records group The L.O.X. The Deans' nephew Swizz Beatz is the main producer for most of the acts on the roster. In 2001, Cassidy was signed to the label through Swizz Beatz along with Full Surface labelmate Yung Wun.

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DJ Mike Nick's ... Your Forever DJ