Influence Media has launched a new frontline label, called SLANG, with Will Smith among its initial signings, the company announced today (July 24).
The label, which has been backed by Warner Music Group and BlackRock, is launching the new label with its partner and founding advisor Rene McLean on the wheel. SLANG, in collaboration with TRIBL Records, released Smith's latest single, the Gospel track 'You Can Make It'. Friday and Sunday Liturgyon June 28, which has garnered 1.13 million US on-demand streams so far, according to Luminate.
Joining Smith on SLANG's roster are producers Camper (Big Sean, Mary J. Blige) and 30 Roc (Cardi B, Roddy Ricch), as well the inadequate ones, Ply, truththebull, Isaiah Huron and more.
“I'm proud to lead SLANG's efforts to partner with quality artists and invest in their development, regardless of genre or where they are in their respective careers,” McLean said in a statement. “In a rapidly changing music industry, SLANG artists will be surrounded by a group of like-minded strategists who will stop at nothing to propel their path and help them achieve their goals. Our commitment to culture comes first and we consider the SLANG roster family.”
Influence Media launched in 2017-2018, initially using funding from Morgan Stanley to acquire assets from artists and producers Jeff Basker, Shane McAnally and Ben Rectorbefore selling those rights to Tempo Music in 2019. Two years later, he launched Fund I with $100 million in backing to acquire certain copyrights from the songwriter Ali Tabosi (Kelly Clarkson, Camila Cabello) and singer/songwriter Julia Michaels (“Issues”, Justin Bieber).
The support from WMG and BlackRock, announced in February 2022, was intended to purchase new assets and as an investment in Influence's platform. at the time, Influence was said to have used about $300 million of the $750 million total it had collected in songwriting catalogs from Tainy, the StereotypesJessie Reyez and Skyler Stonestreet. Since then, it has also acquired parts of Future and Harry Styles songwriter Tyler Johnson's publishing catalogs and partnered with Enrique Iglesias on a rights management deal and acquired Blake Shelton's master recordings.
McLean, a 2023 Advertising sign R&B/Hip-Hop Power Player, led many of these acquisitions. He has served as a manager for the likes of Cam'ron, LMFAO and Kelis over the years and has been instrumental in the careers of artists such as Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, Pharrell and Timbaland, according to a press release.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/pro/influence-media-rene-mclean-new-label-slang-will-smith/
