Fever Records was the Freestyle and Club music label founded by Sal Abbatiello in 1983 as a counterpart to his legendary NYC hot spot, The Fever.
The actual name of the label was originally the Fever, as reflected in the catalog numbers as well a liberal interpetation of the logo which reads: "THE Fever...catch it!". Fever Records started initially as a Hip-Hop label with worldwide distribution by West End Records. (Ironically, one of Fever's first acts -- rapper Sweet G. -- WAS a West End artist two years prior).
In the years that followed, The Fever became a sub-label of Sutra Records. In the early 1990s when Def Jam Recordings launched its RAL (Rush Associated Labels) division, it became one of the many labels it distributed after Sutra shut its doors. It was also RAL's first and only Club-oriented label. When Def Jam switched distribution from Sony Music Entertainment to PolyGram in 1994, it decided not to renew its distribution agreement. After being completely independendent for a while, the label became part of Warlock Records.
Its catalog is presently controlled by Phase One Network, an asset management company.
Another NYC classic Freestyle label that also put out some Electro and old school Rap. Fever Records is owned by my long time friend, Sal Abbatiello. A number of Freestyle singers had songs on this label, including Lisette Melendez, Nayobe, Lil Suzy, and The Cover Girls.
There was also some songs by lesser known artists, including Tomax who sang the freestyle song "Regrets Only" which was a really good song. I actually have a 6x8 press photo of him!!!! That came from my friend who owned a record store...and also where my press photos of Daydream, 3 of a Kind, ROBBIE, Artie, Donna Williams, Lizzie Perez, Lisa Joelle, Jasmin, Jill, Pretty Pretty, Mona Lisa, and countless others originated from :)
I actually have both records and press photos signed to me in person from basically every freestyle artist on Fever Records...Lil Suzy, Lisette Melendez, Nayobe, The Cover Girls....
I'm really glad my friend Sal developed a very successful record label. He's a great guy in person and I enjoy going to his Freestyle events, including the ones to celebrate his birthday. You're awesome Sal!!!!
DjDelaFlav
August 14, 2021