Los Angeles, CA – September 13, 2018 – 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.”
Said Shafton, “BMG respects our history, took notice of our immense growth over the past couple of years, and most importantly, are fully invested in our future. We love BMG’s vision, team, and infrastructure. By joining forces, RBC will gain tremendous synergies that will allow us unbridled growth. I am so excited about this partnership and know that it will propel us into the future.”
Said Grossi, “BMG understands the intrinsic value and experience RBC brings in its more than 16-year history in the hip-hop/rap game and BMG possesses a formidable machine to complement it. The depth and scale of what BMG brings to the table will allow RBC to achieve new heights.”
About BMG:
BMG is the new model music company founded by Bertelsmann in 2008 as a direct response to the challenges of music’s digital revolution. Key to its innovative approach is the fact it represents the traditionally separate music publishing and recording rights off the same state-of-the-art platform internationally. BMG is already the world’s fourth biggest music publisher and the first new global player in the recordings business in decades. BMG’s pitch is unique – a relentless focus on fairness and transparency and service to its artist and songwriter clients. BMG’s 15 offices across 12 core music markets now represent over 2.5m songs and recordings, including the catalogues of Chrysalis, Bug, Virgin, Mute, Sanctuary, Primary Wave and Talpa Music, as well as literally thousands of artists and songwriters attracted by its fresh approach. BMG is owned by international media, services and education company Bertelsmann, which also includes the broadcaster RTL Group, the trade book publisher Penguin Random House, the magazine publisher Gruner + Jahr, the service provider Arvato, the Bertelsmann Printing Group, the Bertelsmann Education Group, and Bertelsmann Investments, an international network of funds. With its multi-platform perspective, integrated technology platform and commitment to help artists maximize their income, BMG aims to be the best company in music to do business with.
