On a delightful Tuesday (July 11), the incredibly talented Issa Rae thrilled us all with the exciting news of a groundbreaking collaboration. Her remarkable company Raedio has entered into a multi-year partnership with Def Jam, creating a fresh and innovative approach within the music industry.
This remarkable alliance opens up possibilities for the “audio everywhere” enterprise. By joining forces with Def Jam’s extensive network and its esteemed affiliates, Raedio gains the unique ability to discover, nurture, promote, and distribute artists.
President Benoni Tagoe expressed his enthusiasm for this momentous occasion, stating, “At Raedio, our mission is to revolutionize how people discover music and create new opportunities for talented artists. Partnering with Def Jam, a powerhouse with a rich legacy, perfectly aligns with Raedio’s vision of disrupting the music industry as we know it. Together, we eagerly anticipate expanding our influence and providing a nurturing space for our new artists to thrive.”
But that’s not all! This exceptional collaboration also opens doors for signees to explore exciting film, television production, and talent management ventures through Hoorae Media, an integral part of the company.
In summary, this remarkable partnership between Raedio and Def Jam sets a new benchmark for innovation and creativity in the music industry. It is a thrilling time for both companies and aspiring artists who will benefit from their shared expertise and resources. The future holds endless possibilities, and we can’t wait to witness the magic that unfolds as they rewrite the rules of the entertainment world.
The CEO and Chairman of Def Jam, Tunji Balogun, echoed this sentiment, expressing deep admiration for the remarkable actress Issa Rae. He highlighted her unwavering dedication to authentic storytelling and artistry, particularly in uplifting and showcasing Black creators within a vast and inclusive universe that resonates profoundly with her audience.
Balogun emphasized, “Issa’s commitment to artistry and genuine storytelling places Black creators and creatives at the heart of an expansive world, where they connect deeply with her audience. Raedio exemplifies Issa’s strategic, forward-thinking approach to building culture and community, consolidating all her verticals into one influential audio ecosystem.”
This partnership perfectly complements Rae’s other creative endeavors, including the highly anticipated return of her popular show “Rap Sh!t” for its second season on MAX. Starting on August 10, viewers can enjoy two new episodes, followed by six more episodes released weekly. This exciting series follows the tremendous success of “Insecure,” which concluded in 2021 after five remarkable seasons.
Christina “Xtina” Prince, the General Manager of Raedio, expressed her enthusiasm for this collaboration, stating, “This partnership is precisely what we needed to expand our reach and fulfill our mission of being a catalyst and invaluable resource for artists worldwide. Joining forces with Tunji, Latrice, and the brilliant executives at Def Jam during this exhilarating time for both companies is truly thrilling.”
This groundbreaking venture marks Raedio’s departure from its previous label partner, Atlantic Records, as announced in 2019. The company embarked on a new chapter in its journey last year by striking a multi-project development deal with Audible to create captivating original content.
In other exciting news, renowned media personalities Scottie Beam and Sylvia Obell have also licensed their podcast, “The Scottie & Sylvia Show,” to Raedio. The first two episodes made their debut on July 6, with more exciting installments set to be released in the coming weeks, promising engaging and thought-provoking discussions.
