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NEW YORK, September 1, 2006 - Virgin Records and Imperial Records, the urban label development unit of EMI’s Caroline distribution, are scheduled to release Terror Squads’ new album from hip-hop icon Fat Joe, Me, Myself & I. The album, slated for November 14, 2006 release, will be marketed and distributed with an innovative mix of indie and major label partners within EMI Music, tapping Imperial’s marketing and promotion expertise, with the powerhouse backing of Virgin Records for mainstream distribution and marketing
Me, Myself & I is Fat Joe’s seventh album and his first in conjunction with EMI, who will also release the album under license worldwide. Fat Joe’s records as a solo artist and with Terror Squad have sold more than 4 million records worldwide. He also launched the career of his protégé, Big Pun, whose debut record; Capitol Punishment sold in excess of 1.5 million copies, making Big Pun the first Latin rapper to sell over one million units.
Fat Joe’s album marks the first project for Imperial, the newly-formed, urban indie label and marketing unit of Caroline Distribution. Urban music veteran Neil Levine, who was tapped by EMI earlier this year to run Imperial, will spearhead the marketing and promotion efforts for the album. The unit’s name was inspired by Imperial Records, an EMI label which operated in the 1950’s and featured artists such as Fats Domino on its roster.
Fat Joe The Don, AKA Joe Cartagena, has ridiculous street credentials, critical acclaim and commercial success with numerous albums and smash singles: albums, Represent, Don Cartagena, Jealous Ones Envy, Jealous Ones Still Envy (J.O.S.E.), Loyalty, and All Or Nothing. Some of his singles include What’s Love (featuring Ashanti), We Thuggin’, featuring R. Kelly and Get It Poppin, featuring Nelly. Other singles include Lean Back (Terror Squad), which earned a Grammy® nomination for best performance by a rap group or duo, Let Me Take You Home, Firewater and numerous collaborations with other multi-platinum artists such as P. Diddy, Raekwon. Foxxy Brown, Eminem, KRS-One, LL Cool J and many others. Fat Joe is also a founding member of the legendary Diggin’ In The Crates Crew with Big L and Lord Finesse. Fat Joe has been a mentor to many of today’s most notable MCs such as (Remy Ma) and the innovative Hip Hop trend setter was recently the first rapper to ever host New York City’s Puerto Rican Parade.
Imperial will work closely with Terror Squad Entertainment and Virgin Records on the marketing and promotion of the album, which includes appearances from some of the hottest MCs in hip hop right now, including The Game and Lil' Wayne. The album features such heavy hitting producers as Grammy® award winning, multiplatinum hit maker Scott Storch, DJ Khaled, The Runners, LV and Nujersy Devil. The album’s first single, Make It Rain is produced by Storch.
Fat Joe said: “Terror Squad Entertainment is so happy to be in the independent world right now and we’re going to do amazing things. We are excited to be working with Neil Levine, Imperial, Caroline and the Virgin and EMI family. I am so happy to be in control of my career.”
Lee Trink, GM and EVP of Virgin Records said: "Fat Joe is one of the most beloved and respected hip-hop icons in music today. It's rare to have an artist who is so credible in the streets and so successful in the mainstream. We are proud to welcome him to the Virgin Records family."
GM and Senior VP of Imperial Records Neil Levine said: “I am very happy about the opportunity to be able to help launch such an important project with Terror Squad, Caroline and Virgin Records. I think this will be a major album to set the tone for the type of quality music that Imperial is going to stand behind and an important front runner as an example of the great working relationship that Imperial, Caroline and Virgin, EMI will have with each other.”
About Imperial
Imperial Records, a full service label group began operations in June of this year when entrepreneur, Neil Levine joined Caroline (EMI Music’s independent distribution division) to establish a unit focused on the independent urban music market. Neil Levine had previously served as Worldwide General Manager of Rykodisc, the independent label group recently acquired by Warner Music Group. Levine has also previously served as head of TVT Records’ Urban division, where he helped launch the careers of multi-platinum artist Lil’ Jon and the Eastside Boyz. Prior to that Levine founded his own independent label, Penalty Recordings, launching the careers of Noreaga (Nore), David Banner and the award winning producers, The Neptunes.
About Caroline Distribution
Caroline Distribution, founded in 1983 as a unit of Virgin records, has become one of the largest, third party distribution companies in the United States for the independent music sectors. Caroline became a part of EMI when EMI acquired Virgin in the early 90s and among the labels Caroline distributes include Century Media, Arts & Crafts, DFA, Definitive Jux, Stones Throw and others.
Enquiries:
Aimee Morris
Flawless Media/Terror Squad Entertainment
718-875-1877
aimmemorris@nyc.rr.com
Angelica Cob-Baehler
Senior Vice President, Publicity
Virgin Records America
5750 Wilshire Bl. Suite 300
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 692-1195
Angelica.cob@virginrecords.com
Zenobia Simmons
Director of Publicity
Imperial Records
104 West 29th. Street
NY, NY 10001
(212) 886-7500
zenobia.simmons@caroline.com |