Full Surface Records was a record label founded by American hip hop recording artist and record producer Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean, in 2001. With the help of his protégé, Philadelphia-based rapper Cassidy, who was the first artist signed, the label was able to establish itself. The label used to operate through Sony Music Entertainment's, J Records and through Universal Music Group's, Interscope Records, Motown Records and Universal Motown. However, the label also had released material through joint ventures with other companies outside the Sony BMG Music Entertainment group. It operated as a subsidiary of Warner Music Group and was distributed by Atlantic Records.