NQ Records was founded by the Manchester music figure Michael Adex to support northern musicians and entertainers. Originally known as Northern Quarterz, NQ works across music releases, artist management and publishing, with output spanning hip-hop, pop rap, trap and jump up. Adex started the company from his bedroom in Manchester in 2017, and it now gives Manchester and London as its bases. The operation began in shipping containers at Pollard Yard in Ancoats before moving to a terraced house on Ashton Old Road, and NQ later opened a headquarters east of Manchester for music, media and arts activity.
Its releases include music by Bou, Turno, SOTA and D Double E. In 2022 D Double E and Mitch released the single It’s Me Again on the label, and Mitch’s Mitchtape 3 appeared the same year. Morrisson’s album British Trap Royalty followed in 2024. NQ’s early signings included Aitch, its roster has also featured MIST and the producer duo WhyTek, and in 2026 it issued Rise Again by Beenie Man, Idris Elba and Tiggs Da Author.
