Sony Music Publishing announced the signing of Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, actor, and activist Janelle Monáe to an exclusive, worldwide administration agreement.
From L-R: Nate Wonder, Janelle Monáe, Chuck Lightning.
Janelle Monáe is widely celebrated as an artist who defies genre – touching soul, R&B, rap, jazz and classical while making a sound of her own. She is a pop superstar with eight Grammy nominations and a globally successful career. Monáe co-founded her own label imprint, Wondaland Arts Society, which recently launched its production arm, Wondaland Pictures. As an actor Monáe has starred in critically acclaimed films including Moonlight, Hidden Figures, Harriet, The Glorias, the television series Homecoming and most recently starred in the horror-film Antebellum. Up next, Monáe will begin filming the highly anticipated sequel Knives Out 2.
“As an artist who is constantly reinventing myself, I feel like I’m just getting started. I am excited about partnering with Big Jon and the rest of my new Sony family to help shape the future of music in the record industry as well as the fashion, and tv and film space.”
Janelle Monáe
Sony Music Publishing Chairman and CEO Jon Platt said, “I have been chasing the opportunity to work with Janelle since the beginning of her career. I am very grateful to welcome her to Sony Music Publishing, and I look forward to building something incredible with Janelle and the Wondaland Arts family.”
“Janelle Monáe’s powerful influence as a songwriter is undeniable – her music speaks volumes for so many. We are proud to partner with Janelle and her team to further amplify her voice and create the best opportunities for her songs across all platforms,” said Sony Music Publishing President, Global Chief Marketing Officer Brian Monaco.
Recently, Monáe has been working on new music alongside hit songwriters and producers Nate “Rocket” Wonder and Chuck Lightning, who both also signed with Sony Music Publishing. Wonder and Lightning have long been close collaborators with Janelle, and are widely recognized for their work as core architects behind Janelle Monáe’s Afro-futuristic album manifestos: Metropolis: Suite I: The Chase (2008); The ArchAndroid (2010),The Electric Lady (2013), and Dirty Computer (2018).
“As an artist and writer, I’m incredibly excited to impact culture, hearts and minds in bold new ways with the broad expertise and resources of our new Sony family. And I continue to believe that great music is needed more than ever right now, as a universal language that spreads wonder, change and understanding throughout the world,” added Chuck Lightning.
“As an artist and music producer in the record industry, tv, and film space I am quite excited about this next chapter with Sony,” said Nate Wonder. “I hope to help shape hearts and minds with the wonderful gift that is music.”
RUFF ENDZ recently released the first single, “Be The One” from the album to rave reviews. The song world premiered exclusively on RollingOut.com. The catchy mid-tempo song was written and produced by David Chance and co-written by Dante Jordan. “The inspiration behind “Be The One” is based on our own experiences and the experiences of most people I know,” mentions David. “When a man has finally found the one lady that he feels is his soulmate or his ride or die, he is willing to put it all on the line for her and will put her worries to rest.” “We hope to help change the narrative with this song in our community to show that men need love and want to be in love too,” shares Dante.
The group also released their second focus track, “Congratulations” from the upcoming “REBIRTH” album exclusively via ThisIsRnB.com. “We thought instead of making your typical break up song, we would write a song like “Congratulations” that shows how two people can successfully move on and be happy for each other.” “Too many times we hear about the drama of break-ups but there are many people who are emotionally mature enough to be happy for their ex. It’s about everyone finding happiness in whatever path they choose in love,” adds Dante.
“The inspiration behind this album was birthed out of our experiences, both personally and professionally. Musically the album embodies elements from the classic era of R&B which we thought were important to preserve but still be able to incorporate a 2021 perspective. We are excited about this project because it’s a true expression of how we really feel as men. We see life as a roller coaster of emotions and “REBIRTH” is a reflection of us riding the emotional ups & downs of life. Each song shares about an emotion that we have experienced and how we dealt with those situations,” adds the group.
“Party Over Here” is a song that celebrates family, friends, and good times. “Sorry” is a song that apologizes to women for their past hurt and relationships. “We thought instead of making your typical break up song, we would write a song like “Congratulations” that shows how two people can successfully move on and be happy for each other,” shares David. Too many times we hear about the drama of break ups but there are many people who are emotionally mature enough to be happy for their ex. It’s about everyone finding happiness in whatever path they choose in love.
Overall, the tone of this album is positive, so it doesn’t matter where you are in your life there is something for you on this album that is sure to satisfy your R&B appetite.
It’s been two years since Reach Records introduced the world to the talents of Wande, where she also became the first female artist signed to the hip hop label. Fans were introduced to her heart and passion for her faith, writing and rapping with the release of “Blessed Up”, in which her freshman album EXIT and mini EP The Decision followed. Today, to celebrate this two-year landmark, the Nigerian born, Texas raised artist is dropping a brand new remix to her debut single Blessed Up featuring Lecrae and Mike Todd.
Along with bringing a new flavor to the song that marked her musical beginnings Reach and amidst the rise of racial injustice, Wande is looking to use this moment to bring awareness and generate support for black owned entrepreneurs and business’ in and around the Greater Atlanta Area.
“With this new Blessed Up Remix, I wanted to create a video that would draw attention and celebrate some dope entrepreneurs within the black community,” says Wande. “I want to invite people to experience a bit more of what their day-to-day looks and feels like and witness the importance and beauty in my community.”
Within the last two years, Wande’s infectious personality and effortless raps have made a lasting impression on new listeners including former First Lady, Michelle Obama, who featured Wande on her podcast’ Vol. 1 playlist on Spotify. Wande’s song “Come My Way,” which features Nigerian artist Teni, was selected for campaign with ULTA that launched on SoundCloud’s platform and ESPN selected her music as ‘music of the month” three times, and her song “Be The Light” was also used in July 2020 on WNBA trailer. Most recently, Wande’s track “Woo” was recently chosen as the song for an Apple advertising campaign for the new iPhone 12 mini. The campaign launched on TikTok and was used on four Apple Ads and accumulated over 4.3 Billion cumulative views on the MakeItMini challenge.
This is just the beginning for the young female artist, fans can also catch her later this year starring in OWN’s new reality series “Young & Gospel”. The show follows the lives of four young gospel artists as they pursue their dreams and live life on their own terms while staying true to their faith and their families. These young women have formed an unconventional sisterhood filled with love, admiration, friendly competition and respect. Alongside Wande, the series also stars singers Koryn Hawthorne, Bri Babineaux and Jekalyn Carr. It is produced by Thinkfactory Media, an ITV America company. Adam Reed, Adam Freeman, Jordana Hochman, Phil Thornton and Jen McClure-Metz are executive producers.
Today, GRAMMY® Award-nominated and Golden Globe-winning singer/songwriter, activist, and actress AndraDay shares a fresh and glowing new soul single, “Phone Dies” on WarnerRecords.
Paired with the slick electro-soul production of “PhoneDies” by .Paak, Andra’s vocals radiate a heart-melting warmth. “This must sound crazy, but be my baby,” she coos, letting a brassy fanfare carry her into the chorus. “It’s so amazing, being my baby. I’ll let you feel these vibes until my phone dies.” She can’t stay for too long—but she’ll make sure you have the time of your life.
Before releasing “Phone Dies,” Andra made her feature-acting debut in Lee Daniels’ The United States vs. Billie Holiday. Her critically acclaimed performance as Holiday won the Golden Globe for “Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama” and received a coveted “Best Actress” nomination at the Oscars. For the soundtrack, Andra recorded soul-stirring covers of Holiday’s classics, like “Strange Fruit” and “Lady Sings the Blues,” and the Golden Globe-nominated original, “Tigress & Tweed,” a stormy, piano-driven ballad co-written with neo-soul pioneer Raphael Saadiq.
Andra was also honored at the Critics Choice Association’s third annual Celebration of Black Cinema on February 2 for her work in The United States vs. Billie Holiday. Andra also covered January’s V Magazine, February’s Rolling Out, and W Magazine.
It’s already been a busy year for AndraDay and there’s more to come. Her TV takeover continues with an unfiltered conversation on Desus & Mero (Showtime), an interview with Tiffany Haddish on The Ellen Degeneres Show (NBC) today, a chat and performance of “Phone Dies” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! April 19 (ABC), and a visit with The Real (FOX) on April 20. With a new studio album on the way Andra proves she has no plans of stopping anytime soon.
Today, the NFL announced two-time Grammy award-winning emcee LECRAE as the third artist to be featured in its “Songs of the Season” series. Lecrae’s “Get Back Right,” which is off his album, Let the Trap Say Amen (a collaborative album with award-winning producer, Zaytoven), will be heard throughout the NFL playoffs across several telecasts. See below for song and sample broadcast clips:
“Throughout my entire career, I have always hoped that my music would inspire and uplift. It is an amazing honor to partner with the NFL and its Inspire Change initiative to combine our platforms to change the communities we call home.”
Lecrae
Songs of the Season is a multi-tier, season-long initiative that will highlight stars and emerging artists of all genres. The series showcases musicians that deliver a song to be integrated in all NFL promotions during the season. Songs have debuted during in-game broadcasts and have been released to all digital streaming platforms (DSPs) worldwide.
A best-selling author, entrepreneur, speaker, thought leader, philanthropist, and Co-owner/President of Reach Records, Lecrae has been recognized for his social justice/restorative work in the community. He has partnered on several major projects to develop Atlanta’s English Avenue, an area known for its rampant drug trafficking and violent crime statistics. He also serves as a member of the Board of Advisory for Peace Academy, the first school in the English Avenue area to be opened in more than 20 years. In addition to the restoration of community through academic ventures and real estate acquisitions, Lecrae is promoting healthy families continuing two media campaigns – “Man Up” and “This Is Fatherhood” – encouraging male urban youth to remain responsible and active in their children(s)’ lives.
“The ‘Songs of the Season’ initiative is just one of the ways we shine a light on the great work NFL players and clubs continue to do as it relates to social justice,” said ANNA ISAACSON, NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility. “An award-winning musician and adamant social justice supporter such as Lecrae is a perfect pairing for ‘Songs of the Season’ and will help amplify the great work being done in our communities.”
All revenue generated from Songs of the Season will support Inspire Change grant recipients as part of the NFL’s social justice initiative with focus on the following priority areas: education and economic advancement, police and community relations, and criminal justice reform.
Lecrae is currently in the studio recording his 9th studio album, Restoration, and writing “I Am Restored,” a follow-up to his best-selling book, Unashamed.
R. Prophet, former lead of the multi-platinum group Nappy Roots, has gotten a similar deal to Master P’s landmark deal. R. Prophet’s label, VVS Music 1, teamed up with Ray Hamilton (former CEO of Legion of Doom Dj’s) of That Rabbit Distribution in a joint venture with Sony Music Orchard to deliver his highly anticipated album, “THE VOICE.” The anticipated smash hit “Jesse James”, a single on the album, is sure to crash radio waves worldwide. R. Prophet’s witty lyrics also make reference to R. Kelly’s behavior, and some may even say it’s an R. Kelly diss.
The single “Jesse James” gives you NWA, going against the grain, rebel vibes. “I just want people to know my truth and how I’m really feeling. Some folks may think it’s a diss but it’s me speaking my truth. If Kelly takes this song as a diss, then that’s on him. He got a lot more to worry about then my upcoming #1 hit single,” says a very outspoken R. Prophet. “Jesse James” was inspired by the police brutality R. Prophet came face to face with a few years back. R. Prophet is an advocate against police brutality after surviving being tased 15 times at the hands of Kentucky State Police in which he was already reportedly awarded in a $1 million dollar judgment previously from the state of Kentucky. The single is a story of power, control, love and hate.
R. Prophet is currently signed to Public Relations Agency MayLee Media. For all press/media inquiries email deidre@mayleemedia.com Be sure to stay connect with R. Prophet on all social media platforms. Facebook.com/rprohet and Instagram.com/rprophetofficial
About R. Prophet: R. Prophet is an American Rapper, Actor and TV personality. Known by most as the former lead of Grammy Nominated Group, Nappy Roots, R. Prophet has been changing the music scene since the early 2000s. Currently R. Prophet is developing hip hop educational tools for children. He has also been acting and recording his solo album with hopes to raise awareness of police brutality. One of R. Prophet’s biggest honors, in addition to being nominated for two Grammys, is the appointment to the Board & Advisory Council of the Muhammad Ali Center where he serves as the youngest member alongside Diddy, Denzel Washington and more. Stay tuned for more to come with Rap Artist and Actor R. Prophet.
