Big transfer for the UK star (Picture by Dave J Hogan/Getty Photos)
Stormzy has made a significant transfer by leaving Atlantic Data and signing with iconic hip hop label Def Jam.
The Vossi Bop hitmaker – who is without doubt one of the most profitable British musicians round at the moment – and is the primary to be signed to Common Music Group’s newly launched 0207 Def Jam imprint, after he just lately put pen to paper on a take care of the label.
0207 Def Jam is a brand new Common Music UK label established by the Boateng brothers, Alec and Alex, who’ve been put in as co-presidents of the frontline label, which is the UK residence of Def Jam Recordings.
The information was confirmed in a social media put up by UMG, which learn: ‘STORMZY… A ONCE IN A GENERATION ARTIST… WELCOME TO THE 0207 & UNIVERSAL MUSIC FAMILY #MERKY (sic)’
Stormzy poses with (l-r) Tobe Onwuka, Alec Boateng, Sir Lucian Grainge, Alex Boateng and David Joseph (Picture: Misan Harriman)
The announcement was accompanied with a snap of the grime star alongside his supervisor Tobe Onwuka, Alec and Alex Boateng, Sir Lucian Grainge – chairman and CEO of Common Music Group and Common’s UK chairman and CEo David Joseph.
Stormzy had beforehand been signed to Warner Music’s label Atlantic, which distributed his Merky label, and had labored extensively with Alec Boateng when he was co-head of A&R at Atlantic UK earlier than heading up 0207 Def Jam.
The brand new imprint was introduced simply final week, and Common Music UK Chairman & CEO David Joseph just lately stated the brand new label is ‘an essential second in British tradition’.
He stated: ‘Bringing the Boateng brothers collectively at 0207 Def Jam is a crucial second in British tradition.
‘Alec and Alex have all the time finished issues their very own manner with success all the time fast to comply with.
‘They’ve already assembled an exceptionally proficient prime staff with a transparent imaginative and prescient for this thrilling new chapter within the historical past of one of many world’s most well-known labels.’
As of the time of writing, nothing else is understood about Stormzy’s new signing.
The rapper’s debut album Gang Indicators & Prayer dropped independently on #Merky Data – whereas being distributed by Warner Music Group’s ADA – earlier than he moved to Atlantic for his sophomore report Heavy Is the Head.
The LP – which was launched in December final 12 months – is at present the UK’s fifth best-selling album of 2020.