BMG has acquired Los Angeles-based independent hip-hop/rap label RBC Records (RBC).
Founded in 2002, RBC is home to artists including Chief Keef (pictured), Flippa (aka Skippa Da Flippa), Waka Flocka Flame, Big L, and Gucci Mane.
It’s the first acquisition of a label by BMG since it acquired Nashville powerhouse BBR Music Group (Broken Bow Records, Wheelhouse Records, Stoney Creek Records) in February 2017.
RBC joins BMG’s recording operations in Los Angeles and New York, together with Rise Records in Portland, OR, and S-Curve Records in New York City.
The deal amplifies BMG’s position in the hip-hop market following a recent string of successful releases from Big K.R.I.T., Commission Music artists Lil Dicky, MadeinTYO, and newcomer Derez De’Shon.
Founded by partners Brian Shafton and Ben Grossi, RBC is an independent label and artist services company specializing in digital marketing and distribution.
It offers artists and independent labels distribution, product management, sales, marketing, publicity, radio and video promotion, and creative-services consulting to artists and management.
RBC’s existing team, who are based in Los Angeles, will remain in their positions and continue to report to Shafton, with Shafton reporting to BMG’s EVP, Recorded Music, Tom ‘Grover’ Biery.
Over the years, RBC has released hundreds of projects from artists such as Tech N9ne, E-40, Run the Jewels, Goldlink, and Krayzie Bone of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.
The first projects slated for release under the new deal with BMG include new music from Chief Keef and Flippa.
Zach Katz, President, Marketing & Repertoire, BMG US, said: “We have an incredible amount of admiration for what Brian has been able to build and achieve independently and are very excited about what we can now go on to grow together.
“The RBC team brings a wealth of experience, an extraordinary entrepreneurial spirit, an unrivalled network and a great track record of success.
“Put that together with BMG’s scale and ability to deliver and I think you have something very special.”
Shafton said: “BMG respects our history, took notice of our immense growth over the past couple of years, and most importantly, are fully invested in our future.
“We love BMG’s vision, team, and infrastructure. By joining forces, RBC will gain tremendous synergies that will allow us unbridled growth.
“I am so excited about this partnership and know that it will propel us into the future.”
Grossi added: “BMG understands the intrinsic value and experience RBC brings in its more than 16-year history in the hip-hop/rap game and BMG possesses a formidable machine to complement it.
“The depth and scale of what BMG brings to the table will allow RBC to achieve new heights.”
