Successful independent label Definitive Jux and EMI Music’s Caroline Distribution have verified plans to renew their long-standing 2000 distribution agreement, which will now include expanded licensing and marketing promotion.
Under the revised agreement, EMI ‘s Brand Partnership, Licensing, and Synch team will work for the Def Jux roster to establish deals that create a closer connection between the artists and fans.
In addition, EMI will focus on expanding the label’s digital presence throughout US and Canadian markets.
Def Jux co-founder Amaechi Uzoigwe explained to AllHipHop.com that the expansion of the Jux brand through a more focused digital campaign is the next logical step for a label that’s been the driving force for Hip-Hop avant-garde since 1999.
“Caroline/EMI is our longest standing and most successful partnership and we look forward to extending it,” Uzoigwe revealed. “We’re also excited and intrigued by the way the organization is recalibrating itself for the future and look forward to accessing the dynamic resources being made available to help grow our brand and find continued success together.”
The first release from this new agreement will be The Mighty Underdogs, a highly anticipated collaborative effort between Gift of Gab (Blackalicious) and Latef (Quannum).
EMI Global Senior Vice President Dominic Pandiscia elaborated that the partnership’s first release will expose Def Jux’s music to previously unaware fans hungry for innovative Hip-Hop.
“Definitive Jux is one of the most creative forces in Hip-Hop today,” Pandiscia stated emphatically. “It’s an honor to build upon the relationship we’ve had by lending our brand partnership, promotion and digital expertise to help its artists connect with an even greater number of fans.”
In early 2009, the label will drop a new album from Cage, who will also release a autobiographical film through Shia LeBeouf’s Grassy Slope Films.
The Mighty Underdogs is set for release of October 14.