Gamma, the billion-dollar-backed company launched by Larry Jackson in March has entered into a partnership with rapper and ‘hip-hop impresario’ Rick Ross and his Maybach Music Group.
The partnership, which gamma says is a major expansion of its artist, executive, and content rosters, will see Ross release music as well as spearhead multimedia projects.
Ross is a nine-time Grammy Award-nominated multi-platinum superstar, and the founder and CEO of the Maybach Music Group label.
He’s also a two-time New York Times bestselling author and entrepreneur.
Most recently, Ross has announced a new collaboration with multi-platinum superstar Meek Mill called Shaq & Kobe.
Also joining gamma is longtime Ross business partner and veteran label executive, producer and artist manager Breyon Prescott, including his Chameleon Entertainment label and catalog.
As Executive Vice President, Content, Prescott will identify and sign talent to his Chameleon/gamma imprint as well as attract multimedia projects to the company. In addition, he will continue to manage the music career of Oscar winner Jamie Foxx.
Prescott brings to gamma decades of experience as both label executive and artist manager.
He has not only worked alongside industry giants Clive Davis and L.A. Reid but has partnered with a wide range of artists including Foxx, Drake, Kanye West, Yo Gotti, D’Angelo, and Angie Stone among them.
Prescott’s Chameleon Music Group, initially a joint venture with J Records/RCA Records, was home to Jamie Foxx’s double platinum Unpredictable, which boasted the No.1 hit Gold Digger, in which Kanye West performed and produced.
Prescott introduced then up-and-coming superstar Drake to Foxx which resulted in the No.1 single Fall For Your Type. Additionally, he bolstered Brandy’s Two Eleven, which spawned the hit single Put It Down featuring Chris Brown.
As Head of Urban Music at Epic Records, he enjoyed successful collaborations with Ross, Diddy, Dr. Dre and Yo Gotti among others.
“This is a big move for Larry to be in the position he’s in and for me to be in the position I’m in it’s only right we come together and make some HISTORIC moves.”
Rick Ross
“You know Breyon and I have been making money together for a long time, even more important, we have always been able to do great business, which is why I look forward to this partnership with gamma,” said Rick Ross.
“This is a big move for Larry to be in the position he’s in and for me to be in the position I’m in it’s only right we come together and make some HISTORIC moves.”
“Rick Ross epitomizes the multimedia and multi-faceted content pioneer that gamma. was created to amplify.”
Larry Jackson, gamma
Larry Jackson, gamma CEO and Co-founder, said: “Rick Ross epitomizes the multimedia and multi-faceted content pioneer that gamma. was created to amplify.
“We couldn’t be happier to formalize our relationship, welcome him to the gamma family, and propel the trajectory of an already well-established empire.
“We’re beyond excited for the world to experience his surprise, highly anticipated collab reunion album with Meek.”
Added Jackson: “I have known Breyon for over twenty years since my formative days at J Records and he’s consistently been a consummate entrepreneur and trailblazer.
“He’s always delivered hits and we are proud to have him on the team here at gamma. Rick Ross, by way of Breyon, was one of the first artists to believe in gamma and sign to us before we even launched. That meant a lot to me and I am so thrilled to make the long overdue announcement of this partnership.”
“I’m excited to be part of the passionate team at gamma. Larry and I first worked alongside each other with the legendary Clive Davis, where we broke many artists and enjoyed a historic musical run.”
Breyon Prescott
Prescott added: “I’m excited to be part of the passionate team at gamma. Larry and I first worked alongside each other with the legendary Clive Davis, where we broke many artists and enjoyed a historic musical run.
“I look forward to introducing fresh talent and compelling new ventures. With my arrival to gamma, I wanted to walk in the door with one of the most iconic artists and business leaders that I have been honored to work with and have shared major success with: RICK ROSS!
“He is not only a one-of-a-kind music legend, but also an incredible human being. It’s thrilling that the first project we’re working on together is the highly anticipated collaboration with Meek. Can’t wait for the world to experience it.”
Last month, Grammy-nominated artist French Montana partnered with gamma ahead of the release of his new single and video for Good Summer. The press release announcing the news claimed that French Montana turned down a $20 million dollar deal to “stay independent” and partner with gamma.
Gamma has been making a lot of noise since it was unveiled in March.
The billion-dollar-backed company, launched by Larry Jackson, the US-based A&R impresario and a former Global Creative Director at Apple, counts a high-profile list of financial supporters including Todd Boehly’s Eldridge Industries, as well as his former employer – Apple – plus A24.
Gamma’s first acquisition was named as Roy LaManna-founded distribution and services company Vydia, which has previously worked with artists including Akon, Kanye West, Mr Eazi, and Anuel AA.
Amongst a slate of initial deals struck by gamma, was a partnership with Snoop Dogg, which saw the Death Row Records catalog returned to all streaming services worldwide following a week-long exclusive on TikTok.
Usher also partnered with gamma for the release of his single Glu.
In May, MBW revealed that Jackson’s company was set to expand its operations into two key emerging markets – Africa and the Middle East.
Leading gamma’s expansion is music industry veteran Sipho Dlamini, who joined the company as President, Africa & Middle East.
The company’s expansion into Africa is also being driven by international supermodel and UN Commonwealth Ambassador, Naomi Campbell. In an expansion of her role as a key advisor to gamma, Campbell is now named as the firm’s Special Advisor, Africa & Middle East.
Last month, gamma expanded “its commitment to Africa and the Middle East” with the addition of two senior music industry executives.
The appointments include legendary Nigerian songwriter and recording artist Larry Gaaga joining as Vice President/General Manager of Africa, and respected Arab artist and DJ, Dany Neville taking the role of Vice President, A&R, Middle East. Gaaga will be based in Lagos and Neville in Dubai.Music Business Worldwide
