Born and raised as a first generation Latino-American on the streets of lower Manhattan, he grew up fast and hard - influenced in the music and culture during the Hip Hop Golden Era of the 80’s and 90’s. This love brought him to the New York City club scene, where his entire live revolved around socializing with the best tastemakers, recording artists, and music industry executives the city had to offer. In 1992 he began his career as an intern for Lyor Cohen and Russell Simmons at Def Jam Records. His ambition and diligence quickly got him promoted to an A&R assistant. Soon after he was promoted to A&R / Artist/Producer Manager Rep, working simultaneously for Chris Lighty’s / Mona Scott imprint -Violator and for Russell / Lyor’s Def Jam Records. He worked with all the great Hip Hop and music industry heavy weights in the game, everyone from BDP to Warren G. His first A&R credit was the Def Jam 10th Anniversary Box Set - a collection that has gone on to become a Hip Hop classic.

After stints at music/fashion imprint brand Prohibit and Rawkus, where he worked with artists like Pharoah Monch and Mos Def, Oscar set out to create a brand where he could exercise his experience as a label head and as a producer. This brand that would allow artists/producers of urban & Latin brands to achieve their maximum potential. Affluent is the realization of this dream. “A label like Affluent offers 150% attention to artist development as the key factor behind any successful project. We operate as a ‘mini major’ but as an indie through the Caroline/EMI system,“ he says “We have such great opportunities for artist to grow as great businessmen in these days, so why not provide this outlet for them here in NYC? If we are Hip Hop music then we need to provide an outlet to preserve our culture which includes R&B and Latin Reggaeton formats as well what we just call street music.“

The label's first release will be this summer's highly anticipated street collaboration of political rap duo, dead prez and Tupac's super group, The Outlawz. The LP, Can't Sell Dope Forever, opens up a motivational dialogue, urging the streets to strive towards Unity, Power and Progression.

Can't Sell Dope Forever features a rare and emotional collaborative effort of musical brotherhood and political unity of two of "AMERIKKA'S MOST WANTED". The new record boasts a roster of guests including Layzie Bone and Messy Marv, in addition to new talents like Stormey and Malachi. The set even includes a cameo from stic.man's mother, Nora, on the track "Believe," considered to be one of the album's hottest.

Oscar Sanchez says, "I love their movement and respect their business. I've always been a fan, now I get the chance to show the world with them their overall vision. dead prez and The Outlawz are some of the most explosive acts in the market today and we are very happy and proud to be able to launch Affluent with these world class acts."

Ten years from now, Affluent Records will be mentioned in the same breath as other industry giants such as
Roc-a-Fella, Def Jam and Bad Boy. Affluent is dedicated to advancing hip-hop, R&B and reggaeton formats and with Oscar Sanchez at the helm, there‘s no doubt they have the necessary skills to get you excited, get you dancing, get your head nodding and get you back to the best in music lifestyle and culture.

LAST MONTH'S FEATURE: RUFF RYDERS