By Tai Saint Louis
Multi-platinum singer/producer T-Pain has launched a new independent record label that seeks to bypass the traditional label model, in an effort to connect directly with the consumer.
Starting with the release of “Beam Me Up,” the first single by marquee artist Tay Dizm, Nappy Boy Digital will deliver music exclusively via all major digital download retailers.
“My life and career so far has been about breaking barriers,” T-Pain told AllHipHop.com. “This label allows me to continue that by delivering hit songs in real time. No red tape, just good music. I’m excited about bringing music by new artists to people fresh out of the studio. Nappy Boy Digital is a dream come true for me.”
While Nappy Boy Digital will avoid traditional sales models, the label will continue to utilize traditional methods of promotions and marketing for its artists, including T-Pain himself, who currently holds the record for the largest number of ringtones sold at 15 million.
“You’ll hear us in the clubs and on radio too,” explained the rapper-turned-megastar, “but you can discover our tracks where people spend most of their time: online. I’m very proud to be out front on an idea like this.”
Tay Dizm, the label’s debut artist, gets an assist from not only T-Pain but fellow Floridian Rick Ross.
The Bangladesh-produced single “Beam Me Up” is currently available exclusively on iTunes, and is scheduled for a web-wide release at the end of June.