Jermaine Dupri ”Tagged” Prez Of New Hp-Hop Label

In an unprecedented venture, Island Def Jam Music Group, in conjunction with Procter & Gamble’s TAG brand, announced today the birth of a new hip-hop label, TAG Records. The partnership is the first of its kind, as TAG artists will be supported with a multi-million dollar marketing effort, which includes television, print, radio, digital and event marketing.

At the helm of the New York-based company is Dupri - who has produced hits for Mariah Carey, Usher, Bow Wow and Da Brat - setting the creative vision for the label and playing an integral role in identifying and developing new acts.

“Today, we make history in the music industry with TAG Records,” said JD in a statement to the press. “This label is going to provide new artists with a chance of a lifetime. New artists will receive ten times the typical marketing support - a first in the industry. I’m hand selecting and molding these artists to make history in hip-hop.”

The launch of TAG Records is part of the TAG brand’s initiative to cultivate relationships with the urban community by providing opportunities for aspiring hip-hop aritsts.

“This partnership marks an industry first,” explained Jeff Straughn, VP of strategic marketing for IDJ. “This is a breakthrough model and a non-traditional approach that blends our most valuable assets: the artist and their music, with the power of brand marketing.”

The TAG and IDJ venture was forged and managed by New York-based ACME Brand Content Company, TAG’s branded entertainment agency.

The first artist will be officially announced in May. Along with an album release, the TAG Brand will showcase TAG’s flagship artist and Jermaine Dupri across various TAG advertisements and marketing initiatives throughout the year.

“We’re very excited about our partnership with IDJ,” said Alex Keith, general manager of P&G Deodorants. “We’re confident the partnership will make a positive impact and bring opportunities to undiscovered urban creativity and vision.”

Jermaine Dupri was just named president of urban music for Island Records, last year. As of press time, there was no word on how this new deal would affect JD’s current position.