Warner Records has inked a strategic partnership with BPG Music, founded by influential industry executives Gee Roberson and longtime business partner Jean Nelson.
According to a statement, BPG Music and Warner Records’ partnership “focuses on providing a gateway for young black artists and entrepreneurs who are looking for the global reach of a major label while retaining their creative autonomy”.
Alongside their roles as CEOs of BPG Music, Roberson and Nelson also serve as advisors to Warner Records.
Roberson began his music industry career under Jay-Z, serving as VP of A&R at Roc-A-Fella Records.
He went on to senior label posts such as SVP at Atlantic Records and Chairman of Geffen Records and is a founding partner of the Maverick management firm.
Today, Roberson is Founder & CEO of BPG Music as well as Co-CEO of the management company, The Blueprint Group. He has played a key role in the careers of artists such as Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Drake, T.I., Nicki Minaj, G-Eazy, and Lil Nas X.
Nelson started his music career while in high school under the tutelage of Sean “Puffy” Combs with whom he brought Craig Mack to the label.
He served roles as SVP of A&R at Atlantic Records, Head of Urban A&R at Geffen Records, and is presently co-CEO of BPG Music.
Nelson has played key roles in the careers of artists such as Craig Mack, Notorious B.I.G., Lil Kim, T.I. , Nicki Minaj, Rich The Kid, Mary J. Blige, Trippie Redd, and G-Eazy.
The partnership has already brought rapper Erica Banks to Warner.
She was first discovered and signed by 1501 Certified Entertainment CEO and former MLB All-Star Carl Crawford. 1501, also home to superstar Megan Thee Stallion, was looking for a major label partner for Banks when Roberson stepped in and connected Crawford and J. Prince with Warner.
Banks’s single, Buss It, released via 1501 Certified/Warner Records has racked up more than 33.9 million global streams and 150m combined YouTube views, while becoming a TikTok hit with over 2.4 billion hashtag views and 4.6m videos created as part of the fan-generated #bussitchallenge.
“Aaron, Tom, and the outstanding new team at Warner Records are the perfect partners for us to realize BPG’s unconventional vision.”
Gee Roberson and Jean Nelson
This new partnership has also brought rapper, fashion designer, activist, visual artist, and arts educator David Sabastian into the Warner fold.
The founder of Believe in Yourself Records, Sabastian’s new album is called, We Are God. Sabastian generated over six figures in fan donations to the project in three months.
Sabastian has also brought Believe in Yourself Records under the BPG/Warner umbrella.
Sabastian’s accomplishments include working with Drake on the design of the Air Drake jet, directing and designing for more than 40 fashion and streetwear brands, serving on the frontlines of helping Los Angeles’ Skid Row homeless population, and teaching art classes to young people.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Gee and Jean on this forward-thinking partnership. They’re bringing their brilliant A&R minds and industry expertise to a unique portal that champions artistic freedom.”
Aaron Bay-Schuck and Tom Corson, Warner Records
“Our goal at BPG/Warner is to discover, mentor, and grow the next generation of musical and cultural innovators and disruptors,” said Roberson and Nelson.
“We want to use our knowledge and experience to help them navigate the process and take their careers to the next level, while maintaining their creative and business independence.
“Aaron, Tom, and the outstanding new team at Warner Records are the perfect partners for us to realize BPG’s unconventional vision.”
Warner Records Co-Chairman & CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck and Co-Chairman & COO Tom Corson, added: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Gee and Jean on this forward-thinking partnership..
“They’re bringing their brilliant A&R minds and industry expertise to a unique portal that champions artistic freedom.
“This fresh business model charts new territory in the relationship between original talent and the major label ecosphere.
“They’ve already brought us two amazing artists in Erica Banks and David Sabastian, with whom we have very different, specially tailored deals, and we’re looking forward to collaborating on many more exciting projects.”
Music Business Worldwide
