Award-winning actress/writer/producer Issa Rae has inked a multi-year deal with Def Jam Recordings for her label imprint, Raedio.
Under the agreement, Raedio will be granted access to the resources of Def Jam Recordings for the purpose of signing, promoting, and distributing their newly-signed artists.
The newly-minted deal also covers artists being able to utilize Raedio’s various services, including HOORAE Media’s film and television production divisions and talent management resources.
Regarding the pact, Raedio president Benoni Tagoe stated, “Our mission at Raedio is to continually evolve how and where people discover music and the opportunities for artists behind it. Def Jam is the perfect partner with a storied legacy to align with Raedio’s mission and vision of disrupting the music industry as we know it. Together, we look forward to expanding our reach and fostering a creative home for our new artists.”
Raedio’s general manager, Christina “Xtina” Prince, added, “This partnership is exactly what we needed to expand and continue our mission to be a vessel and impactful resource for artists across the globe. I am thrilled to join forces with Tunji, Latrice and some of the brightest executives in the business at Def Jam at what is, clearly, an exciting time for both Def Jam and Raedio. It’s clear our visions to lead with taste and integrity align perfectly. Excited to see what we do together.”
Tunji Balogun, chairman and CEO of Def Jam, commented, “Issa Rae is one of the most talented, respected and versatile creative leaders working in entertainment today. Her passion for artistry and authentic storytelling puts Black creators and creatives at the center of an expansive world, where they resonate deeply with her audience. Raedio exemplifies Issa’s savvy, strategic and forward-thinking approach to building culture and community, aligning all of her verticals into one powerful audio ecosystem. Def Jam is thrilled to partner with Issa and the incredible team at Raedio on this new venture, and we look forward to telling more amazing stories together.”
In partnership with Atlantic Records, Raedio was launched in 2019 with a focus on emerging R&B artists. Among them was TeaMarrr, who released her first single “Kinda Love” alongside the announcement.
In 2020, TeaMarrr dropped the project Before I Spill Myself and more recently, the Juneteenth track, “Black Is Blue.” Atlantic Records has confirmed with Rated R&B that TeaMarrr is no longer associated with its roster.
Levi, another artist on Raedio, debuted the single “NASA” in August 2021 and followed up with the release of his EP, DISC Two, last year. In May, he released a Scratched Up version and discussed it with Rated R&B.
Of releasing the deluxe edition, Levi told Rated R&B, “That was intentional. I’m so appreciative and happy to anyone who likes anything from DISC TWO because I put so much of myself into that EP. I did as much content and live performances for it as I could. These new songs were a continuation of that. I wasn’t going to let it breathe without giving something new. I was already going to release new music, but I figured it was an opportunity to extend that world I was already in with people.”
Atlantic Records has confirmed with Rated R&B that Levi is still a part of its roster.