Independent label from Madison (inland from Milwaukee) Wisconsin of the mid 1990s to circa 2000. Their manufacturing division was located at Monona Wisconsin . Released several early albums of bands that became famous later like Puddle of Mudd or Downface.

Starting in 1995, Hardknocks introduced a sequential 5-digit numbering system in the matrix information on releases that they were involved in using the format of "HKR-#####" or "HKR#####". In 1999, this matrix number formatting was expanded to include seven-digit and eight-digit numbers.

LCCN credits:
Please add a credit for with the role of "Manufactured By" for releases with an HKR number in the matrix information. Enter the HKR number that appears in the matrix information on the release as the catalog number for the credit.

When an HKR number appears in the matrix information on a release with or without a printed credit for Hardknocks / HK Manufacturing, please add a credit for with the role of "Manufactured By" and enter the HKR number that appears in the matrix information as the catalog number field for that credit.