Friday, March 21, 2014

Reach Records Signs With Red Distribution


Atlanta-based label Reach Records has signed an agreement with RED Distribution for digital and physical distribution in the U.S. and Canada.

Reach Records artists have sold over 1.8 million albums to date, and is home to label co-owner and Grammy award winning hip hop artist Lecrae Moore, as well as label mates Andy Mineo, KB, Trip Lee, Derek Minor and Tedashii.

The first release under the new partnership is “Below Paradise” the fourth studio album from Tedashii, coming later this spring. RED pres. Bob Morelli said, “Both Reach and RED share a singular vision of success. RED is so proud to be their partners, and we look forward to assisting Ben, Lecrae and the entire Reach team in producing their next marketing, sales and artist development success stories.”

Derek Minor No Longer With Reach Records

RMG and Derek Minor Gear Up for a Big 2014

Derek Minor, formerly PRo, has come a long way since his debut album “Black Out” in 2008. Starting with strong rhymes, he’s now grown to combine his lyrical skills with dope beats and a message that encourages and challenges listeners. Along the way, Derek, with the help of business partner Doc Watson, started Reflection Music Group (RMG), signed with the Reach Records team, completed three mixtapes, released two albums, and charted multiple times on Billboard’s Gospel, Christian and Top 200 charts.

In the mid to late 2000’s, Derek Minor began his connection with independent label Reach Records. Through church relationships, he was introduced to co-owner and Grammy award winning artist Lecrae. While the label spent a few years in Memphis, Lecrae challenged Minor in his faith in Christ and music. RMG was already making moves and it became clear that a partnership between Minor and Reach would be mutually beneficial. Derek was signed for two albums, which would provide an opportunity to grow Derek’s music, label, and business insights.

On the Reach/Minor partnership, co-owner Ben Washer comments, “If you have been at an Unashamed Tour in the last few years, you have experienced Derek’s epic anthem for the 116 movement. This is a continuation of the movement and the realization of Derek and Doc’s dreams for Reflection. I remember Reach launching out on our own after a partnership and now RMG is ready for the next phase.”

"My time at Reach Records has been a blessing,” says Minor. “I've grown as an artist, business owner and a man. The beauty of the relationship we've established is that business wasn't its primary agenda and I'm excited to see what the future holds for both RMG and Reach. Lecrae Moore states, “I've known Derek for years even before we did music together.  He's always been driven. We saw a great opportunity to help him build his own label. It was inevitable for him to branch out expand and continue to build upon the movement he's created. He's an all around talent as an artist, producer, writer, and businessman. That's rare.”


As Derek and RMG conclude the partnership, they reflect on the invaluable insight that the partnership provided. The two album signing laid groundwork and strategy to grow the label in the years to come. RMG co-founder Doc Watson assents: "Thanks to Ben and Lecrae at Reach, we learned many things and they helped us to set up RMG the right way. We appreciate their help and stewarding through the years."

So, what’s to come from RMG & Derek Minor? If the present is any indication, the future holds huge potential. Minor is currently touring on a 48-stop tour with Winter Jam in support of his Billboard charting album, “Minorville.” Other RMG artists Canon, B Cooper and Deraj have dropped well received albums, with Canon’s “Mad Haven” charting on the Gospel and Christian charts. Label-mates Chad Jones & Tony Tillman round out the Reflection Music Group roster and are currently in the studio readying new material. In 2014, make time for Reflection!

D-Tropp to Release Debut Album 'Away From Home' on May 13

Artists are often applauded for their authenticity and transparency, merging their flawed lives with their artistic gifts. While that process can be searingly painful for the creator, the recipients of the creation often receive the necessary strength to work out their own shortcomings. After a personally tumultuous 2013, D-Tropp has created such a moment with his upcoming album Away From Home. Catapulted by a few well-placed songs and features as well as a recent spot on Rapzilla’s 2014 Freshmen list, D-Tropp is eager to expose his life to the masses. The artist’s debut full-length album will be released on May 13 for the world to experience his personal journey first hand.

“When we accept Christ into our hearts, we belong to Him. He becomes our home,” Tropp told Rapzilla. “During my depression, I ran from Him instead of running toward Him.” His unflinching willingness to bare his personal scars for the sake of others is displayed in the project’s weighty content, following the example of his career’s signature record “Misbehave” featuring SPZRKT. Living life as an adopted son in a white family, struggling with besetting sins and recovering from betrayal are all openly covered, a concept many will find dangerous. The artist himself disagrees. “I want to share real stories with the world because I believe it will be beneficial.”

While the content of the album itself is darker, the sound is consistently up-tempo, with production assists from recognizable CHH and mainstream names including DZL (Lecrae’s “Lost My Way”), Cardec Drums, Tyshane and others. Desiring to create a new lane with a stronger sound to match his authenticity, the singer/rapper will begin his re-introduction with the album’s first single “The Drive” featuring Ehlae on March 17. While his life may have taken an unexpected detour, D-Tropp is back home. And he’s hoping that his music will lead others to the same place.

Propaganda - Crimson Cord album cover

Propaganda's album cover art was revealed today for his upcoming project 'Crimson Cord', releasing on Humble Beast Records.

Social Club Releases "Misfits 2' Cover

The duo that has made waves in music and in countless lives known as Social Club, made up of artists Fern and Marty Mar, are gearing up to release their new album April 29th. Here is the cover for the album entitled 'Misfits 2'. Let us know what you think

HillaryJane Is Ready To Infiltrate Music

San Diego, CA—Infiltrate Music is excited to announce the addition of 20 year old Houston Texas native, HillaryJane to their growing roster. This deal continues to solidify their position in the marketplace as well as round out their sonic offering. Join HillaryJane and the Infiltrate Music crew at SXSW as they celebrate by premiering new music from the upcoming project.

Since the beginning, Hip Hop has been dominated by males. Whether that is because of the unspoken expectation of bravado, or the actual lack of females is up for debate. What is clear though, is there are not enough ladies. You can find talented artists who are women, but it will be difficult to find one who specifically aims to empower other women to strive for authentic womanhood—HillaryJane aspires to do just that.

“I first worked with HillaryJane on the Stop The Traffic album released by Rapzilla.com which helped benefit NYCUP (a division of InterVarsity in New York City) that fights human trafficking. HillaryJane worked with Infiltrate recording artist Skrip to create, "Not For Sale" which perfectly captures the point of the project,” says Infiltrate Music co-founder Chad Horton.

Flame Reveals Album Cover For 'Jesus Or Nothing

Flame is releasing his eighth album entitled 'Jesus Or Nothing' with ClearSight Music on April 29th.