The Barely Breaking Even movement began in 1993 when Peter Adarkwah and his then business partner's were discussing music and discovered a shared interest in diverse, eclectic sounds covering all genres - from old scratchy Brazilian grooves, through 70's funk, via jazz fusion, hip - hop and soul to newer garage, disco and techno music.

Despite being busy with club activities, Pete decided to move in to the record industry, founding a label named after the Promotion Company. BBE Records began with releasing the acclaimed 'Stop and Listen' series late in 1996, and has since gone on to release albums by producers Masters at Work, Will.i.am from the Black Eyed Peas, the late J Dilla, Rza from the Wu Tang Clan, soul and jazz funk legend Roy Ayers, Grammy Award Winners such as- Dj Jazzy Jeff, Marley Marl, and world famous Djs such as Dimitri from Paris, Dj Spinna and Keb Darge.

Having single handedly driven the label's output since early 2000, Pete has continued to develop the label, taking it to new heights. BBE model's itself on the motto of 'real music for real people' and this is clearly seen by the fact that there are now over 100 compilations and albums released, profiling a variety of sounds and styles from funk, rock, soul, disco, Latin as well as house and hip hop. All this is still supported by Pete's first love, Djing. In January 2007 BBE won the best label category at the BBC Worldwide Awards.