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.

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#TheShowMustBePaused

A post shared by Universal Music UK (@umusicuk) on Jun 1, 2020 at 1:11am PDT

The three major labels, Sony Music, Warner Music, and Universal Music, along with their subsidiaries, announced their partaking through social media today. Universal Music Group made a statement which reads “This Tuesday, June 2, the Universal Music Group family will observe “Black Out Tuesday” – a day to contemplate, connect, and organise,” using the hashtag #TheShowMustBePaused.

Universal UK will also be showing their support, saying “Universal Music UK stands proudly alongside the black community against all forms of racism, bigotry and injustice.” Further statements were made by Sony, as well as Columbia Records, Apple Music, and Interscope Records, who will be spending the rest of the week “taking long-term action”.

 

 

 

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  A post shared by Interscope Records (@interscope) on May 31, 2020 at 10:57am PDT

‘Black Out Tuesday’ will allow employees to reflect, connect, and take action. Whether the time is spent protesting, donating, or spreading the word, the music industry has shown that racism and injustice will not be tolerated. Artists who have joined the fight include Yungblud, Sam Fender, Mahalia, Ariana Grande, Halsey, and Beyoncé.

#TheShowMustBePaused is an initiative that is perfectly explained by Jamila Thomas and Brianna Agyemang of Atlantic Records, the two women who created it. In their statement, they wrote “The music industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. An industry that has profited prominently from Black art,” continuing, “This is not just a 24-hour initiative. We are and will be in this fight for the long haul.”

 

 

 

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#TheShowMustPause tomorrow. A post shared by Kojo Ebro Odogwu (@oldmanebro) on Jun 1, 2020 at 7:28am PDT