Wednesday, August 6, 2008

LIL JON FREE AGENT.....SIGNS NEW DEAL





NEW YORK -- Lil Jon, who was in musical limbo after his longtime record label TVT Records went bankrupt earlier this year, has reached an agreement that frees him from his TVT obligations while entering into a new venture with digital entertainment company The Orchard, which is purchasing TVT's assets.

Lil Jon will work with the Orchard's Brand Entertainment Group to develop "lifestyle-oriented marketing and promotion programs," as well as serve as a consultant for some of Orchard's artists, labels, and branding opportunities, according to a joint statement from both parties.

As part of the deal, Lil Jon withdrew his objections to TVT's sale to Orchard. In return, Orchard released Lil Jon from any contractual obligations left over from TVT and allowed him the rights to the master recordings of his upcoming album, "Crunk Rock." The Orchard also will digitally issue Lil Jon's back catalog, for which he will provide new material, according to the statement.

That means Lil Jon is still free to sign to another label as an artist.

"It's about time I get what's owed to me from the situation I was stuck in," Lil Jon said in a statement to The Associated Press. "It's unfortunate things have turned out the way they did, but artists deserve to be compensated fairly by their labels for the work they do, and that wasn't happenin'. In my case. I'm happy to finally be a free man and make a new start!"

According to Orchard, it has purchased most of TVT's assets, except for a few that are being challenged, for between $4.5 million and $6 million.

Lil Jon, together with his cohorts the East Side Boyz, has sold millions of records and helped fuel the crunk music wave a few years ago. His hits include "Get Low," and he's produced smashes like Usher's "Yeah" and Ciara's "Goodies." The Atlanta-based musician also has his Crunk!!! Energy Drink and a wine line.

VIDEO FOOTAGE OF LIL JON:

LIL JON/BME...CITRUS CRUNK LAUNCH PARTY



No comments: