Budweiser

Between 1984 and 1990 one of the worlds largest beer companies Budweiser organized the 'Budweiser Showdown' competition. Local artists throughout the U.S.A. would have a song cut to vinyl on the Budweiser label with each artist representing their local radio station. These records were pressed in limited numbers and were used to promote the artist in the competition.
The eventual winner would get their song released and secure a record deal with a major label.
 
Some of these 12's have since become highly collectable as well as being played on the soul scene particularly artists such as Sir-Prize, Hotliners, Kooley, After Five, Elan, Mary P Jackson and Jon Paul Martinez.