Washington Classics Music was originally founded in 1997 by Funky DL. Initially the intention was to release small side projects and exclusive material away from Almo / Utmost Records, who DL had at that time secured recording contracts with. The first release on Washington Classics was the infamous "The Record Shop EP" which featured hip-hop classics such as "She Got Me Talking To Myself" and "The Record Shop" featuring Guile.

1999 was a crucial turning point and year for Washington as Funky DL’s contract terms had expired with his previous label(s) and he decided he no longer wanted to be contracted to record and release music so he along with the help from his then business associates (Allen Reid and Jenny Charles) invested their time, efforts and capital into launching numerous releases and setting the label up for long term trading.

The focal point for the following 3 years was built upon establishing vinyl and CD releases directly from the label to the public. With remarkable results from the small outfit, Washington Classics then started to trade and license music in oversees territories and begun acquire its own roster of acts and artists to promote and release from underneath its outlet.

Washington Classics begun to firmly to develop its distinctive identity within the commercial sales market and establish a repertoire with clients and other interested parties in regards to distribution and licensees. Now in its 15th year of trading, Washington Classics has housed releases from numerous acts including, Funky DL, Dyanna Fearon, Sienna and Thursdays Love, Gemini Infinity, Lei-an, Phoebe One and many more…

The staffs who have contributed to the success of the label include Funky DL, Michael Amaning, Steve Mann, Allen Reid, Jenny Charles, Stixx, Parris, Yasmin Swan, Collette Hargadon and Kiara Murray. Washington Classics continues to produce and market some of the finest hip-hop and R&B music from its London base, making it one of the pioneers of underground hip-hop music labels in the UK.