BMG has announced the acquisition of Los Angeles-based independent hip-hop/rap label RBC Records (RBC). Launched in 2002, the label is home to a number of prolific and influential artists including Chief Keef, Flippa (aka Skippa Da Flippa), Waka Flocka Flame, Big L, and Gucci Mane, whose catalog sits alongside more than 500 label releases having sold millions of records worldwide.
The first acquisition of a label by BMG since it acquired Nashville powerhouse BBR Music Group (Broken Bow Records, Wheelhouse Records, Stoney Creek Records) in February 2017, RBC joins BMG’s recording operations in Los Angeles and New York, together with Rise Records in Portland, OR, and S-Curve Records in New York City.
The deal continues to amplify BMG’s position in the hip-hop market following the recent string of successes from Big K.R.I.T. (4Eva Is A Mighty Long Time), Scarface (Deeply Rooted), and releases from Commission Music artists Lil Dicky (US and UK chart-topping, 2X Platinum single ‘Freaky Friday’), MadeinTYO (Platinum single ‘Skateboard P’), and newcomer Derez De’Shon (Platinum single ‘Hardaway’).
Founded by partners Brian Shafton and Ben Grossi, RBC is an independent rap/hip-hop label and artist services company specializing in digital marketing and distribution. Offering artists and independent labels distribution, product management, sales, marketing, publicity, radio and video promotion, and creative-services consulting to artists and management, RBC is a full-service label alternative.
RBC’s existing team, who are based in Los Angeles, will remain in their positions and continue to report to Shafton, with Shafton reporting to BMG’s EVP, Recorded Music, Tom ‘Grover’ Biery.
Over the years, RBC has released hundreds of projects from artists such as Tech N9ne, E-40, Run the Jewels, Goldlink, and Krayzie Bone of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.
The first projects slated for release include new music from Chief Keef and Flippa, with more to be announced soon.
Zach Katz, President, Marketing & Repertoire, BMG US, said, “We have an incredible amount of admiration for what Brian has been able to build and achieve independently and are very excited about what we can now go on to grow together. The RBC team brings a wealth of experience, an extraordinary entrepreneurial spirit, an unrivalled network and a great track record of success. Put that together with BMG’s scale and ability to deliver and I think you have something very special.”
For more, visit bmg.com
