Monday, November 20, 2006

Bad Boy South Renews Alliance with Block Enterprises

The allegiance between Bad Boy South and Block Enterprises will continue, according to Bad Boy CEO Sean "Diddy" Combs and Russell "Block" Spencer.
The pair announced the renewal of their venture Friday (Nov. 17). The new deal caps off a successful year headlined by the success of Boyz N Da Hood and Young Joc.
Both artists' debut albums debuted at number one on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
The good fortune verifies Combs' feelings about capitalizing on the South's grip on the
rap scene.
"As we have continued to expand the musical scope of Bad Boy, we knew we had to be plugged into the creative and vibrant Southern scene," Combssaid. "When Block and I first met, I realized he had an ear for the streets of the South and that he would be the perfect person to be our partner in developing and breaking new talent. The success of Boyz N Da Hood and Yung Joc proves that our instincts were right, and there is much more fantastic
music in the pipeline from the Block/Bad Boy South team. I am thrilled that we have renewed our commitment to this great relationship."
For Spencer, the teaming with Bad Boy proved to be the catalyst needed for elevating his company to higher heights.
The mogul is noted for overseeing projects for 8Ball & MJG, Tela, and Crime Boss during his stint at Suave House record, as well as establishing ShoNuff records with producer Jazze Pha.
"Look at the success we have already attained," Block said. "When the machine is working successfully, you don't look to fix it, but to add to it to make it better. The renewal of our deal is going to make the Block/Bad Boy South partnership even bigger."
The Block Enterprises/Bad Boy South union came about in 2005 with the release of Boyz N Da Hood's self-titled first album, which entered the Billboard 200 at number 5.
Upon formalizing the partnership in early 2006, the labels created another success with Young Joc's debut New Joc City.
The album, which featured the number one
singles "It's Goin Down" and "I Know You See It," charted at number three its first week on the Billboard 200.
New albums from Boyz N Da Hood and Yung Joc, as well as the solo debut of Boyz member Big Gee and the first album from Gorilla Zoe are currently being developed by Block Enterprises/Bad Boy South.
Projects from the alliance will continue to be marketed and distributed by Atlantic Records, a division of Warner Music Group.
The Block Enterprises/Bad Boy South venture represents Bad Boy's efforts to evolve in the ever-changing music landscape, said Bad Boy executivevice president general manager Harve Pierre.
"Looking back to when we first started with a handful of people in 1992 and fast forwarding to 2006, we have truly grown as a label, family, and industry," he stated. "We now have the manpower to get more done in less time. After seeing the success of Boyz N Da Hood and Yung Joc on their debut albums, I can say with conviction that this is the continuation of a beautiful relationship."