THE SIX TENETS OF HUSTLE

The Pillars of My Success

Derrick "D-Reck" Dixon 

CEO and Founder of Wreckshop Records

After graduating from college, Derrick became a serial entrepreneur, launching one of the most popular record labels in the South, "Wreckshop Records." He also opened seven bail bonds locations, a medical transport company in Texas, and engaged in flipping and investing in the real estate market.

With an MBA from Clark/Atlanta University and owning six different businesses, D-Reck had enough knowledge and practical experience to run a successful label. Derrick knew that his vision would be a success; all he needed was the right artist to launch his label. He found a Houston area MC by the name of Fat Pat, who was also a member of the infamous Screwed Up Click (SUC)-----a Houston-based collective, led by the legendary DJ Screw. Fat Pat had earned a large and loyal following by free-styling on DJ Screw's popular mix-tapes. 

Founded in 1997, it wasn’t long before Wreckshop Records began releasing music. In the summer of 1998, Wreckshop dropped Fat Pat's debut LP "Ghetto Dreams," and it exploded on the Southern underground scene, selling 300,000 copies. Unfortunately, Fat Pat was killed before he could enjoy the record’s success, and soon after a tribute album called Fat Pat & the Wreckshop Family, "Throwed in the Game” was released. Throwed in the Game sold over 300,000 units. 

After the untimely demise of Fat Pat, Wreckshop signed another member of the infamous Screwed Up Click, ESG, whose debut album "Shinin' & Grindin'" sold 100,000 units. His follow-up record "City Under Siege" sold a whopping 150,000. 

With the successes coming in one after another, Wreckshop ventured into film and released their first independent movie, “The Dirty Third." With the support of Houston DJ’s, radio stations and fans, Wreckshop found success yet again in this brand new category of media. “The Dirty Third” sold over a million units with its soundtrack making top sales. The movie also debuted on BET’s Action Pay-Per-View and exposed his artists to millions of new nationwide viewers. 

This success helped to set up their next artist, Big Moe. Like his previous label mates, Big Moe was also a member of the Screwed Up Click. Although he was most known for his smooth R&B hooks, Big Moe had impeccable rhyme. In the summer of 2001, Wreckshop released Big Moe's debut album "City of Syrup." Fueled by the blazing hot single "Mann!" (pronounced “Main," a southern slang for the word man), which was a club-friendly take on Black Rob's mega-hit "Whoa", the album exploded in the South, selling over 300,000 units. 

Once again, Wreckshop had a hit and it wasn’t long until the major labels came knocking. After long negotiations with the largest music distributors in the world, and with several offers from labels such as Def Jam and JCOR, Wreckshop decided to partner with the legendary Capital Records. With Wreckshop’s distribution deal with Capitol Records, they exploded on the national scene with Big Moe’s single, “Purple Stuff.” The hit garnered air time on radio and TV across the country, including a coveted feature on BET’s hit music show, 106 and Park.

Currently, Wreckshop Nation continues to foster and value the Houston community's brotherhood, companionship, and independence. Wreckshop has built its foundation upon these values so that it can unite and serve the Southern Hip-Hop community as effectively as possible.

IN THE SIX TENETS OF HUSTLE, Derrick Dixon breaks down the principles that have enabled him to become a successful entrepreneur and hustler throughout the years.