Top producer-writer RedOne’s 2101 Records has signed an exclusive multi-year worldwide agreement with Universal Music Group’s Capitol Records Group, the companies announced today.
Founded in 2010 as a joint venture with UMG, the company’s acts were previously distributed through a number of the major’s imprints. Now 2101 releases will see unified release through chairman-CEO Steve Barnett’s newly minted unit. RedOne’s executive team includes GM Ray De La Garza.
The 2101 roster includes Mohombi and Havana Brown; its most recent signings include pop quintet Midnight Red, industrial-rock act Porcelain Black and indie-electro-hip-hop unit 7Lions.
RedOne (born Nadir Khayat) has distinguished himself helming hits for Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Nicki Minaj, Pitbull, Akon and Usher, among many others.
UMG chairman-CEO Lucian Grainge said in a statement, “RedOne is an outstanding producer, gifted songwriter and savvy music executive all rolled into one. As Universal Music Group builds out an unrivaled team of the industry’s finest creative executives, I am thrilled that we are extending our relationship with RedOne.”
