Taking His Talents To Epic: Yo Gotti’s CMG Imprint Inks New Multi-Million Dollar Deal

Yo Gotti started out as an independent artist in the early 2000’s and in 2012 the Memphis rapper released his first official major debut, Live From The Kitchen via RCA Records. The album debuted at number 12 on the US Billboard 200, with 16,000 copies in its first week of sales in the United States and only 90,000 copies sold worldwide. Because of the lack of promotion and support from the label, Gotti requested to be release from RCA and his wish was granted. After a fail record deal with a major label, Gotti decided to go back to his independent roots until recently when his CMG inked a multi-million partnership deal with L.A. Reid’s Epic Records. Below is a breakdown of Gotti’s new deal:

“This is a solid partnership that allows me to do what I do on bigger platforms, with the respect and support of the Epic team,” explains Yo Gotti. “Throughout L.A. Reid‘s career, I realize he has been a part of creating some of  the biggest superstars in the industry. I feel there is no better person to partner with. After my meeting with L.A. Reid, Benny Pough and his staff felt like Epic would be the perfect home to further the growth of CMG.

“A lot of labels were talking big checks, but the money didn’t interest me,” explains Gotti. “I wanted a partner that wasn’t afraid to work as hard as I do. I knew that by sticking to my independent business mind frame and continuing to chase my dream, that the right situation was going to come. The independent success we’ve had thus far with our tour, merchandising and projects from myself and my first artist Zed Zilla has given me the perfect opportunity to create the best possible partnership for CMG,” Gotti says. “I have no doubt that we will take our movement to its pinnacle with Epic Records.”

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Friends Night Out: Beyonce, Jay-Z, Mary J Blige & L.A. Reid Attend Erica Reid’s Book Launch

Celebrity couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z joined their good friends Mary J Blige and L.A. Reid at his wife Erica Reid’s The Thriving Child book launch inside of a private NYC residence. Beyoncé’s mother Tina Knowles was also in attendance. The Thriving Child: Parenting Successfully through Allergies, Asthma and Other Common Challenges is about teaching successful parenting through allergies, asthma and other common challenges that new parents may have while raising their children. Reid’s new book is now available on Amazon.

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The New Her: Ciara Speaks On Forthcoming LP, Being In The Studio With L.A. Reid & Building Her Empire

Singer, dancer, model and actress Ciara is currently in Indianapolis for the Super Bowl. While doing her promo rounds, Ci Ci stopped by SiriusXM’s “Sway in the Morning” show and spoke about her forthcoming LP, being in the studio with L.A. Reid and building her empire. Last year, I reported that Ci Ci signed a deal with Epic Records, under the guidance of L.A. Reid. Ci Ci is also starring in the upcoming Adam Sandler comedy That’s My Boy. On her new album Ciara has a hand in the production. She is co-producing on the disc. Watch the video below:

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L.A. Reid Officially Named Chairman And CEO Of Epic Records & Releases Statement

In the past; I’ve  reported that L.A Reid resigned from his position over at Island Def Jam and became a judge on The X Factor. Also it was announced that he would take over a new position at Epic Records. 

Reid was officially named Chairman and CEO of Epic Records and he released an official statement.

“I look forward with great enthusiasm to joining the Sony Music family, as it affords us the opportunity to build Epic Recordings as the revolutionary music company of tomorrow.  We are deeply committed to discovering and developing the next generation of superstars as well as implementing a fresh and innovative business model,” Reid said in a statement. “It is also my distinct pleasure to be once again joining Doug, who is an amazing leader and the most visionary and forward-thinking executive in the music entertainment industry.”

Source:  L.A. Times

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NEXT PAGE: DOUG MORRIS STATEMENT ABOUT L.A. NEW POSITION

L.A. Reid Is Set To Run Epic Label Group

Back in March; I reported that former IDJ Chairman L.A. Reid was leaving the label to become a judge on X Factor; once his contract was over with at the end of the year. L.A. Reid did not wait until his contract was up to leave. On (March 16) L.A. Reid resigned from his position at Def Jam, after being the CEO/Chairman since 2004. Also, it was rumored that Reid will move to Sony Music with his former boss Doug Morris. Then I heard from a very reliable source in the industry that L.A. Reid accepted a position over at Jive Records.

The the truth is out there and I was right. Antonio “L.A.” Reid will now serve as chairman of Epic Label Group. Reid, will oversee Sony Music’s newly formed venture, which will combine artists from Epic and Jive Records, according to The Hollywood Reporter. As part of the restructuring, Epic will absorb some of Jive’s acts including Usher and Pink, who were both signed by Reid. He is expected to devote his attention towards more urban releases.

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***Rumor Alert*** L.A. Reid Resigned From Def Jam To Join Jive Records

I previously reported that former IDJ Chairman L.A. Reid was leaving the label to become a judge on X Factor, once his contract is over with at the end of the year. L.A. Reid did not wait until his contract was up to leave. On (March 16) L.A. Reid resigned from his position at Def Jam, after being the CEO/Chairman since 2004. Also, it was rumored that Reid will move to Sony Music with his former boss Doug Morris. Apparently that rumor was true.

I am hearing from a very reliable source in the industry that L.A. Reid accepted a position over Jive Records. My sources have revealed to me that L.A. Reid will take an executive position at Jive Records with Clive Davis. In an interview with New York’s radio station Hot 97, Reid said, “Listen, I’m nobody’s fool, I didn’t give up my day job. I just left, I had to leave Universal Music Group and try my hat on someplace else, that we’ll announce, well… we’ll announce that in a little while.”

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Breaking News: L.A. Reid Resigns From Island Def Jam

Yesterday Thursday (March 17), I reported that IDJ Chairman L.A. Reid was leaving the label to become a judge on X Factor, once his contract is over with at the end of the year. It is now being reported that L.A. Reid has resigned from his position over at Def Jam, after being the CEO/Chairman since 2004. Also, it is rumored that Reid will move to Sony Music with his former boss Doug Morris.

Having a rumored new position over at Sony Music, and accepting an offer to become a judge on Simon Cowell’s upcoming show The X Factor, sure does gives Reid a good reason to resigned from the label. Below is an e-mail that Reid sent to his staff yesterday:

To my Island Def Jam family:

After much consideration, I have decided to leave my position as Chairman of the Island Def Jam Music Group.
I have always thrived on growth and the next great challenge, and I look forward with much enthusiasm to what the future holds.

I am extremely proud of our beautiful roster and all we have accomplished in my seven years with IDJ. We continue to have incredible success together with today’s most phenomenal superstars – Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey, Kanye West, Bon Jovi, Jennifer Lopez, Ne-Yo, Rick Ross, The Killers, The-Dream, Chrisette Michele, Jeezy and Ludacris to name a few.

I want to thank all of you for your amazing contributions.

Credit: Don Bleek/HipHopWeekly.Com

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DJ Chairman L.A. Reid Leaving The Label To Become ‘X Factor’ Judge

According to Billboard.Com, IDJ Chairman L.A. Reid will be leaving the label at the end of the year, once he fulfills his contractual obligations to become a judge on X Factor. Steve Bartels will continue running IDJ, with the help of Barry Weiss. Below is how Billboard is reporting the story:

Antonio “L.A.” Reid will leave his job as chairman of Island Def Jam to become a judge on Simon Cowell’supcoming show “The X Factor,” a source familiar with Cowell’s offer confirmed to Billboard Wednesday.

Reid accepted an offer from Simon Cowell this week to join the Fox television show, which will begin airing in September, the source said. Reid’s contract was due to expire in December.

Steve Bartels. Barry Weiss, the former Sony Music executive joining Universal Music Group this month, is expected to add oversight of Island Def Jam to his duties.

Credit: Don Bleek/HipHopWeekly.Com

Additional Reporting: Billboard.Com

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Breaking News: L.A. Reid Fired From Def Jam

Def Jam Chairman and CEO L.A. Reid has just been fired from the label after six years. Word in the industry is that he received his pink slip yesterday.

Def Jam is keeping this a secret for now. I’m hearing that he was fired because he was investing millions or dollars in some artists projects and the label didn’t get the money back because of the poor sells. Also the higher execs wasn’t to pleased when L.A. Reid  signed Shyne and J Lo to the label. According to reports, L.A. Reid signed Shyne for $3-$7 Millon dollars.

I will be posting on this story as it develops….

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Also, sometime this week, I will be giving away a $272 Louis Vuitton coin holder/wallet to one male viewer and a designer bag to one female viewer.  All you have to do is follow me on Twitter and tweet me saying “YoDonBleekRaps Prize Packet” and I will randomly choose the winners.