 Hamilton started the label with a $5000 loan and named it after the Small Stone effects pedal made by Electro-Harmonix.The label's first release was a single by 36-D, which had members of Big Chief, Born Without a Face, and Slot.The label's first album release was a 1995 compilation titled "Detroit Rust City," which sold 1,000 copies the first week, and featured Kid Rock and Big Chief.