Ruffhouse Records, the independent hip-hop label that was home to the Fugees, Lauryn Hill, Kris Kross, and Cypress Hill, is shutting its doors after 13 years of operation. Co-founders Chris Schwartz and Joe Nicolo have decided to part ways, retiring the Ruffhouse name in the process. The label's acts, including the aforementioned, will remain on Ruffhouse/Columbia, the major with which the indie has enjoyed a partnership for 10 years. However, Columbia will not sign any new artists under the Ruffhouse banner.

The Ruffhouse principals are already pursuing new ventures. Company president Nicolo has started Philadelphia-based Nicolo Entertainment and expects to announce plans for his new label shortly. Ruffhouse CEO Schwartz has formed Chris Schwartz Entertainment Group, which will include his music and film ventures and also be located in the Philadelphia area. It is not known if either projects will be affiliated with Columbia.

Nicolo, Schwartz, and Columbia representatives could not be reached for comment.

The news of the label's dissolution comes just over a week after the release of "Ruffhouse Records Greatest Hits," an overview of the imprint's finest moments.