By Tai Saint Louis
Entertainment Industry veteran Michael Mauldin has entered into a joint venture with Atlantic Records to launch the latest facet of his Scream Star Entertainment brand, Atlantic announced today.
The newly formed Scream Star Records is one of several new ventures by Mauldin, as he continues to expand the force behind the popular Screamfest tour, which will continue this year with the Scream Tour Holiday Jam.
“Michael is a true renaissance man whose career has encompassed many areas,” said Craig Kallman, Chairman/CEO of Atlantic Records. “His entrepreneurial spirit and depth of experience is invaluable, especially at a time when the industry is looking for ways to extend the reach of artists and music into new territories.”
The first artist to be introduced on the Scream Star imprint will be a soon to be 17-year-old R&B singer Maleek, who is signed to the label in association with Wyclef Jean’s Carnival House Records.
“Maleek is without a doubt one of the hottest new talents I've seen in a long time,” said Wyclef of his new signee. “I'm proud to help introduce him to the rest of the world.”
Maleek, born Jeremy Leggett, was first introduced to Mauldin in 2005 as part of the trio 3 on 3, consisting of him and his brothers, all sons of former Harlem Globetrotter Clarence “Mugsy” Leggett.
Through his Mauldin Brand Agency, Michael Mauldin has worked with a number rappers including Outkast, Da Brat and Common.
In the past, Mauldin partnered with son Jermaine Dupri to develop the career of rapper Bow Wow.