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Nas label Mass Appeal signs distribution deal with Universal

By Andy Malt | Published on Thursday 14 June 2018

Nas’s media and entertainment company Mass Appeal has signed a new distribution deal with the Universal Music Group.

Universal will distribute records released by the label side of the Mass Appeal business, and also provide promotion and marketing services. The deal will also see Mass Appeal collaborate with Universal’s Def Jam label on the release of Nas’s new Kanye West-produced album.

“I’ve been blessed to work with two of the best brands in music”, says Nas. “Columbia Records was how I got my start and Def Jam was where I continued that journey. In my next chapter, I am proud to say that I am signing myself to myself. I look forward to releasing many projects in the very near future with Mass Appeal’s new global partnership with UMG”.

The new deal expands on an existing relationship between the two companies, Universal having been the lead investor in a Mass Appeal funding round last year.

Referencing that, Mass Appeal CEO Peter Bittenbender says: “In the fifteen months since joining forces with UMG, we have seen the Mass Appeal brand expand rapidly, experiencing our most successful year to date. Much like fans across the world we are hyped that Nas is finally dropping his new album and couldn’t be more proud that it’s our first release through this new partnership”.

UMG EVP Michele Anthony adds: “Mass Appeal is a thriving multimedia platform that speaks to an audience that is increasingly influencing culture. I couldn’t be more THRILLED to expand our relationship. UMG will now provide Mass Appeal’s label with our expertise and resources to maximise the global opportunities for their exceptional roster of artists”.

As well as Nas, artists signed to Mass Appeal include DJ Shadow, Run The Jewels, Dave East and Fashawn.