Stones Throw Records

Stones Throw Records is an American independent label known for a catalog that moves freely between hip hop and more left-field sounds, including experimental psychedelic rock. Based in Los Angeles, it has been described by LA Weekly as an “eternally evolving experiment,” a characterization tied to the label’s breadth and its willingness to release music outside a single genre lane.

The label was started in 1996 by DJ and producer Christopher George Manak, better known as Peanut Butter Wolf, who continues to direct its output. Under his leadership, Stones Throw has maintained a reputation for stylistic range rather than a fixed house sound, using the label as a platform for both beat-driven releases and projects that lean toward rock-oriented experimentation.

Stones Throw’s roster reflects that variety. Alongside hip hop and producer-led work associated with the label’s origins, it has released music by artists such as Benny Sings, Sofie Royer, and Pearl & The Oysters, whose recordings align with the label’s interest in melodic pop and psychedelic-leaning hybrids. The label has also worked with artists including DJ Harrison, Chris Manak, Campus Christy, Automatic, and Brian Ellis, illustrating its openness to different approaches and scenes within contemporary independent music.

Stones Throw also helped launch Now-Again Records, which later became independent in 2012. Over time, Stones Throw has issued music through a number of in-house series, including Stones Throw Jukebox 45’s, Fan Club 45, Rhythm Trax (Stones Throw), and Stones Throw Direct To Disc.