Sony Urban Music and
Columbia Records Group have announced a partnership with A&R Exec Mike Lynn.
Lynn will be in charge of signing and developing artists released
on Sony Urban/Columbia, as well as his Big Ego Entertainment imprint.
"I’m happy to bring to Sony the best new and top-level
Hip-Hop talent that everybody there can be excited about," said Mr. Lynn.
"I believed this partnership will be stronger that any other out there
in urban music."
Lynn started out as a Los Angeles DJ and in 1996 was asked to
join Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment, where he was influential in the careers
of such artists as 50 Cent, Eve, Game, Busta Rhymes and others.
"During his years with Dre at Aftermath, Mike played a
key role in the development of some of the most important artists working today,
while at the same time building up strong relationships through the business,"
commented Columbia Records President Steve Greenberg.
Lisa Ellis, General Manager of Sony Urban Music, also expressed
her excitement in the new venture.
"It’s a true pleasure to announce this groundbreaking deal.
The entire Sony Urban Music team looks forward to working closely with Mike
as we develop and produce the next wave of important artists."
Sony BMG is 50
percent owned by Bertelsmann A.G. and 50 percent owned by Sony Corporation of
America.