Blackground Records 2.0 Company Profile

Background

Blackground Records 2.0, formerly known as Blackground Records, is an American record label founded in 1993 by Barry Hankerson. The label gained prominence in the 1990s and early 2000s by developing and promoting influential artists such as Aaliyah, Timbaland, Tank, and JoJo. In 2021, the label rebranded as Blackground Records 2.0, aiming to reintroduce its storied catalog to new audiences and continue its legacy in the music industry.

Key Strategic Focus

Blackground Records 2.0 focuses on revitalizing its extensive catalog by making it accessible on digital streaming platforms. The label has partnered with EMPIRE Distribution to re-release albums from its roster, including works by Aaliyah, Timbaland & Magoo, Tank, Toni Braxton, and JoJo. Additionally, Blackground Records 2.0 is committed to discovering and promoting new talent, as evidenced by the signing of artists like Autumn Marini and Elijah Connor.

Financials and Funding

Specific financial details and funding history for Blackground Records 2.0 are not publicly disclosed. However, the partnership with EMPIRE Distribution indicates a strategic investment in expanding the label's digital presence and accessibility.

Pipeline Development

The label's primary focus is on the re-release of its existing catalog. The release schedule includes:

August 20, 2021: Aaliyah's "One In A Million" album.

August 27, 2021: Timbaland & Magoo's "Welcome To Our World," "Indecent Proposal," and "Under Construction, Part II" albums, along with Timbaland's "Tim's Bio" album.

September 3, 2021: Soundtracks from "Romeo Must Die" and "Exit Wounds."

September 10, 2021: Aaliyah's self-titled album "ΛΛLIYΛH."

September 17, 2021: Tank's "Force of Nature," "One Man," and "Sex, Love & Pain" albums.

September 24, 2021: JoJo's "JoJo" and "The High Road" albums, and Ashley Parker Angel's "Soundtrack To Your Life" album.

October 1, 2021: Toni Braxton's "Libra" album.

October 8, 2021: Aaliyah's "I Care 4 U" and "Ultimate Aaliyah" compilation albums.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Blackground Records 2.0 has embraced digital distribution by partnering with EMPIRE Distribution to make its catalog available on streaming platforms. Additionally, the label announced plans to launch a new entertainment platform called Music360, aiming to provide a comprehensive social, audio, and video experience for users.

Leadership Team

Barry Hankerson: Founder and CEO. A veteran music executive, Hankerson has been instrumental in shaping the careers of artists like Aaliyah and Toni Braxton. His vision continues to drive the label's resurgence and strategic direction.

Jasmine "Jay" Love: President. Appointed in October 2021, Jay brings a wealth of experience from her co-ownership of the award-winning Public Relations Firm Meme Agency. She is also involved in a private tech company responsible for acquiring significant music catalogs across various genres.

Tu Love: Head of Publicity. Alongside her sister Jay, Tu has been pivotal in managing the label's public relations and promotional activities, ensuring the successful rollout of the re-released catalog and new artist promotions.

Leadership Changes

In October 2021, Blackground Records 2.0 appointed Jasmine "Jay" Love as President and Tu Love as Head of Publicity. These appointments mark a strategic move to infuse fresh leadership into the label's operations and public relations efforts.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The music industry has seen a significant shift towards digital streaming, with platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal dominating music consumption. This transition has led to increased competition among record labels to make their catalogs available digitally and to discover new talent that resonates with contemporary audiences.

Competitor Analysis

EMPIRE Distribution: As Blackground Records 2.0's distribution partner, EMPIRE is a leading independent label and distributor known for its innovative approach to the digital music era. They have been instrumental in launching the careers of artists like Kendrick Lamar and Anderson .Paak.

Sony Music Entertainment: A major player in the industry, Sony has a vast catalog and a strong presence in both physical and digital music distribution.

Universal Music Group: Another industry giant, Universal boasts a diverse roster of artists and a significant share of the global music market.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Blackground Records 2.0's partnership with EMPIRE Distribution is a cornerstone of its strategy to reintroduce its catalog to the digital market. This collaboration ensures that the label's music reaches a broad audience across various streaming platforms.

Operational Insights

By leveraging EMPIRE's distribution network and digital expertise, Blackground Records 2.0 positions itself competitively in the modern music landscape. The label's focus on both revitalizing its classic catalog and signing new talent provides a balanced approach to maintaining relevance and expanding its market share.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Blackground Records 2.0 is poised to capitalize on the growing demand for digital music by making its extensive catalog available to new generations of listeners. The planned launch of the Music360 platform represents an opportunity to create a unique entertainment ecosystem that integrates social interaction with audio and video content. Additionally, the label's commitment to discovering and promoting new artists ensures its continued influence in shaping the music industry's future.