#14: SST Records
Founded by Black Flag guitarist Greg Ginn, SST Records established the definitive blueprint for 1980s American hardcore punk and alternative rock. Home to iconic acts like Minutemen, Hüsker Dü, and Dinosaur Jr., the label operated on fierce DIY ethics. However, prolonged legal battles with major distributors, unpaid artist royalties, and severe accounting strains crippled its distribution pipeline and reputation.
