Popular grime artist Stormzy has, to the surprise of many, announced yesterday that he will be the first artist to sign with new UK record label 0207 Def Jam, therefore terminating his time with Atlantic Records. A division of US label, 0207 Def Jam was revealed just last week, and it will be under Universal Music Group.
The new label is headed by brothers Alec and Alex Boateng, who have both worked in various music industry roles for over ten years. Alex has already been a part of the Universal team for a significant time of his career as the President of Island Records’ Urban Division until recently, while Alec was the co-chair of A&R at Atlantic.
According to NME, Universal’s CEO David Joseph said, “Bringing the Boateng brothers together at 0207 Def Jam is an important moment in British culture. Alec and Alex have always done things their own way with success always quick to follow.” He continued, “They have already assembled an exceptionally talented top team with a clear vision for this exciting new chapter in the history of one of the world’s most famous labels”
Stormzy signed to Atlantic in 2018 and released his sophomore album with them, which was hugely successful around the world. Though he has not commented on the development as of yet, Universal UK shared a photo on Twitter with the caption, “Stormzy || A once in a generation artist || Welcome to the 0207 & Universal Music Family.”
STORMZY || A ONCE IN A GENERATION ARTIST || WELCOME TO THE 0207 & UNIVERSAL MUSIC FAMILY
#MERKY@misanharriman pic.twitter.com/DSJmeP9iP1
— Universal Music UK (@UMusicuk) November 30, 2020
Def Jam Recordings was founded by producer Rick Rubin in 1984, going on to sign phenomenal artists including Jay Z, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Two Chainz, and more. Fans are looking forward to the future of the label, and especially Stormzy’s career.
