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.Newalbums 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."
