Roc Nation and its music distribution arm Equity Distribution have merged to form Roc Nation Distribution, sources say Bulletin board. As part of this new formation, all artists currently signed to Roc Nation, the label will be under ROC Nation Distribution.
The sources add that ROC Nation Distribution will continue to sign artists and offer a myriad of services similar to those provided by Equity Distribution. Founded in 2019, Equity Distribution works with independent artists who wish to retain ownership of their masters. Under the leadership of the president Krystian SantiniEquity offers a range of services including in-house marketing and publication management. In particular, they have collaborated with independent artists such as Mach-Hommy and Tinashe and brought Jay-Z's debut album in 1996, Reasonable doubtto streaming services in 2019.
As part of the move, Sarri Bryantco-chairman of record label Roc Nation, has resigned from her position. Bryant became co-chairman together Omar Grant in 2019 after a former president of the company Benny Pow departed. Bryant and Grant signed new acts to the label during their tenure, including Maeta, Ambre, Reuben Vincent and Kalan FrFr.
Roc Nation was originally formed in 2008 as a joint venture with Live Nation to cover Jay-Z's tours and future recordings. the label signed its first artist, J. Cole, the following year. Since then, Roc has expanded into a full-service entertainment company, with management, sports, publishing and distribution divisions, as well as a long-running festival, Made In America. the company also has an agreement with the NFL to oversee programming for the Super Bowl Halftime Show and social justice initiatives. Over the years, the label has released several chart-topping albums from Jay-Z, J. Cole, Rihanna and many others. the roster has most recently included artists such as Rapsody, Vic Mensa, Belly, Snoh Aalegra and Jaden and Willow Smith.
In March, Maeta scored her first No. 1 Bulletin boardAdult R&B Airplay chart with his hit “Through the Night” featuring the Free Nationals. Grammy nominated MC Rapsody has released her new album, Please don't cryvia Roc Nation and Jamla Records in May with features from Erykah Badu and Lil Wayne.
Roc Nation Management remains formidable, with names like Megan Thee Stallion and Lil Uzi Vert. In June, Megan released her self-titled album, which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. It featured her Billboard Hot 100 hit, “Hiss.” Tinashe, who is also managed by Roc, regained momentum this year when she scored a hit with “Nasty,” her first entry on the Hot 100 as a featured artist since 2014's “2 On.” The management division also represents DJ Khaled, J Balvin, Yo Gotti, Robin Thicke, Mustard, Christina Aguilera and more, according to his website.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/pro/roc-nation-label-merges-equity-distribution-new-company/
