Los Angeles, CA (Universal
Music Publishing Group) - Universal
Music Publishing Group (UMPG) announced today the signing of No. 1 R&B/Hip Hop Artist, Chris Brown, to an exclusive, worldwide publishing deal.
The 16-year-old Virginia native made his debut in summer 2005 with the Scott Storch-produced, Juelz Santana collaboration "Run It!" The single hit No. 1 across the Billboard Hot 100, Billboard Pop 100, and Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks. The track was also No. 2 on the Hot Digital Songs and No. 3 on the Hot Ringtones. Released on November 29th, Brown's self-titled album (Jive/Zomba), debuted No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and No. 2 on the Billboard 200.
Chris Brown's early discovery of his singing talent inspired him to follow in the footsteps of influences like Usher, Michael Jackson, and Tevin Campbell. Fans and critics have noticed Chris Brown's exceptional talents; in addition to his extraordinary abilities as a singer, he is also a talented songwriter, dancer, and blossoming businessman, leading Rolling Stone to compare him to a young Usher. With only 10 weeks on the chart, R&R ranked "Run It!" as one of the most played songs for 2005. "Run It!" has made the iTunes Music Store Top 10, the Top 10 R&B songs on Yahoo Music, and is one of AOL's most requested R&B songs. Interviews with USA Today, People, and Interview Magazine, appearances on shows like BET's 106 and Park and Regis & Kelly, and his inclusion in Teen People's "Hot List" ensure that Chris Brown's acclaim will only increase.
David Renzer, Chairman and CEO of UMPG is proud to welcome Brown to the UMPG family, "Chris Brown brings a fresh perspective to the world of R&B/Hip Hop. His youthful, yet dynamic sound has garnered the attention of audiences and critics alike. I am pleased that UMPG can provide a publishing home where this creative and driven talent can grow and succeed as a ground-breaking artist."
UMPG's Director of Urban Music, East Coast, Ethiopia Habtemariam, said, "Chris' talent and potential as an amazing artist and songwriter was instantly apparent to me. As soon as I heard his material, I knew he was a star. He is a true artist, and we are so excited to be a part in building his undoubtedly long and promising career."
"It is great to have signed with Universal Music Publishing Group because they believe in me as an artist and want to see me progress as a writer," said Chris Brown.
Managed by Tina Davis and Joyce Hawkins, Chris Brown joins UMPG's successful R&B/Hip-Hop roster, which includes 50 Cent, G-Unit, Ciara, Prince, Mariah Carey, Ice Cube, Ludacris, Amerie, Ashanti, Mary J. Blige, Printz Board, amongst others.
