Jim Jones is returning to his musical roots.
On Thursday (May 27), it was announced that Entertainment One, or eOne, has entered a new deal with Jones’ ByrdGang Records, which he formed in 2006. The new partnership comes full circle for Jones, who launched his solo career under Koch Entertainment, which was acquired by eOne in 2005 and later became eOne Music.
Jones’ first three albums, On My Way to Church (2004), Harlem: Diary of a Summer (2005) and Hustler’s P.O.M.E. (2006) were released under Koch. His fourth studio album, Pray IV Rain (2009) was released under eOne. All four albums appeared on the Billboard 200. His most recent albums were released by Vamp Life/EMPIRE.
As part of the global deal, Byrdgang — now an eOne imprint, alongside Dualtone and others — will release new music projects over the next few years, with many featuring Jones himself, along with newly emerging artists.
ByrdGang’s roster of musicians includes: Dyce Peso, Yellowtapee, Shoota93, Keen Streetz, Fat Flee and Glit Jeezus with production by Jamel Mel Matrix Jones. eOne plans to help advance the careers of ByrdGang artists.
The first studio album by Jones and ByrdGang in collaboration with eOne is set to debut this fall. A lead single, which will feature Jones and fellow rapper Dyce Peso, is set to drop in the coming weeks.
eOne’s parent company, Hasbro, announced in April it was selling its entire music operation to financial firm Blackstone for $385 million. The deal is expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2021.
Speaking on the new deal, Jones said in a statement, “I’ve had some amazing experiences throughout my career because someone believed in me, me and my crew. With this next iteration on ByrdGang, I’m very excited to be giving other artists the same chance that someone gave me.”
Alan Grunblatt, president of urban music at eOne, said in a statement, “eOne helped launch Jim’s solo career and I’m thrilled to be working with Jim again. He has a remarkable gift for A&R, and I look forward to showcasing new talent together.”
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