Interscope Geffen A&M Records Kicks Off Annual HBCU Initiative With 'Homecoming SZN' Album

Interscope Geffen A&M Records is preparing to launch an annual initiative to provide support to HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), which have played an important role in the careers of various artists and company executives. For the first phase of the initiative, Interscope Records will partner with three universities — Howard University, Tennessee State University and Texas Southern University — to launch its fall Homecoming SZN campaign.

The centerpiece of the campaign is the new Interscope album, Homecoming SZN Compilation Vol. 1. The vinyl-only project consists of songs from the Interscope catalog that evoke the spirit of HBCU homecoming celebrations plus two new tracks from up-and-coming artists. Immersive pop-ups by students at each university will give students a chance to listen to the album, now available for purchase. Students will also have the chance to win concert tickets.

The album cover features custom artwork created for each of the campuses. In addition, a custom collection of Interscope merchandise, specific to each school and provided by Champion Sportswear, will be available later this month. The collection includes crewnecks and T-shirts. The original vinyl artwork for each school, as well as accompanying merchandise, was designed by Black multidisciplinary artist Laci Jordan.

For each item sold, Interscope will donate $3 to the corresponding university. Interscope/Universal Music Group will also develop HBCU-specific scholarships for prospective interns and mentors and additionally connect HBCU undergraduates with HBCU alumni for scholarships. Moving forward, more Interscope Geffen A&M/HBCU activations will begin in spring 2025 and include partnerships with additional schools in the future.

Announcing the new initiative, Interscope Geffen A&M executive vice president/head of urban marketing Laura Carter commented, “Historically Black Colleges and Universities have produced some of the most prominent figures in our nation's history. But HBCUs' contributions to culture—especially music—have been particularly profound. This is one of the many reasons why this compilation project is so important to the artists and executives of Interscope Geffen A&M Records. We want to deepen our ties with HBCUs nationally and are excited to begin this year-long journey.”

Charlie Coleman III, associate vice president for alumni development and engagement, said, “We are excited to introduce this partnership that reflects our commitment to student success and community engagement. Contributions from Interscope Records empower our students to pursue their dreams. Together, we are fostering an environment where creativity, entrepreneurship and tradition flourish as we celebrate Texas Southern University's 97 years of rich heritage.”

Here it is Homecoming SZN Compilation Vol. 1 track list:

SIDE A:

“Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar

“TGIF” – GloRilla

“Surround Sound” – JID

“Turn My Swag On” – Soulja Boy

“No Type” – Rae Sremmurd

“Pretty Girls” – Wale

SIDE B:

“Mo Bamba” – Sheck Wes

“All the Way Turnt Up” — Roscoe Dash

“Win” – Jay Rock

“I don't like it” — Chief

“Middle Child” – J. Cole