G-Unit Records has entered into an exclusive agreement with EMI Label Services in which EMI will distribute and promote releases on the G-Unit roster in North America. EMI will release the Grammy nominated multi-platinum rapper Lloyd Banks’ third solo album “H.F.M. 2” (Hunger For More 2) on November 23rd, 2010, and Tony Yayo’s as yet untitled sophomore album, which is scheduled for early 2011.
G-Unit, formerly with Interscope Records, is joining a growing number of third party labels and artists to ink deals with EMI Label Services. EMI Label Services’ unique approach gives independent artists and labels creative freedom along with access to the expertise, marketing and promotional muscle of a major label.
The release Banks’ “H.F.M. 2” (Hunger For More 2), which will include the smash single “Beamer, Benz, or Bentley,” featuring Juelz Santana. The single has generated sales of more than 500,000 downloads, making it one of the biggest tracks of the year. EMI Label Services team will begin promoting a second track, “Any Girl,” at Urban and Rhythmic radio formats this month.
A Tony Yayo album, which will include the single, “Pass the Patron” (featuring 50-Cent) is slated for release in early 2011.
“We are delighted to join forces with G-Unit and artists who aretruly marquee names in hip-hop,” said Mike Harris, executive Vice President/General Manager for EMI Label Services and Caroline Distribution. “G-Unit is a huge force. Lloyd Banks knows how to deliver a lyrical punch and his single has already generated huge anticipation for the album.. Tony Yayo is a totally unique talent, and ‘Pass the Patron’ already has the hip hop world buzzing about his album coming out next year.”
According to Lloyd Banks, “It’s refreshing to see the EMI staff excited about my project, they have the passion and energy I haven’t seen in while”.
Per Tony Yayo, “the EMI staff is creative and willing to think outside the box. They are fans of my music and career. I’m looking forward to marketing and promoting my upcoming album with them.”
Banks solidified his star power with the release of his double platinum solo debut, “Hunger For More” in 2004, selling more than 450,000 copies its first week of sales making it the #1 album in the country. The album garnered Banks a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance for “On Fire,” and included singles “Karma” featuring Avant and “I’m So Fly.” – Tresa Sanders
