4th and Broadway Records was founded in 1989 as a subsidiary of Island Records, primarily to promote hip-hop and R&B music. It emerged during a vibrant era for these genres, becoming a significant platform for emerging artists. The label gained prominence in the early 1990s with releases from influential acts such as A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, and the Jungle Brothers, contributing to the development of alternative hip-hop. 4th and Broadway also showcased R&B artists like Mary J. Blige, who helped define the genre's sound in the 1990s. The label was known for its innovative approach, blending various musical styles and fostering collaborations. Although it became less active in the late 1990s, its legacy endures through its contributions to the evolution of hip-hop and R&B, influencing subsequent generations of artists and shaping the landscape of contemporary music.