Mello Music Radio

Michael Tolle founded Mello Music Group in 2007, after he graduated from the University of Arizona and released a series of mixtapes as a college deejay. As indicated by the label’s current roster, Tolle’s taste in rap music hasn’t really changed. As he’s plucked notable, under-the-radar artists from Detroit, Los Angeles and Atlanta, Tolle’s also turned select members of D.C.’s Low Budget Crew into flagship acts — producer-emcee Oddisee being the most well-known. And so, as members of Odd Future, the Throne and Young Money dominated mainstream hip-hop headlines, Mello Music has quietly gained a noticeable following, mostly thanks to Tolle’s uninterrupted, late-night listening.