Issa Rae’s Raedio Inks Deal With Def Jam Recordings

In a groundbreaking move, multi-talented creator Issa Rae has secured a major deal for her media company’s music imprint, Raedio. The 38-year-old Insecure star has partnered with the iconic record label Def Jam Recordings, setting the stage for exciting developments in the music industry.

The multi-year agreement will grant Raedio the opportunity to sign, market, and distribute talented artists, in addition to providing various services such as publishing, music supervision, a music library, podcasts, digital content, and live events. This collaboration aims to redefine how people discover music and provide new avenues for artists to thrive.

Raedio had previously found a home at Atlantic Records and partnered with Google to support emerging artists like Baby Tate, Nnena, Josh Levi, and TeaMarr. However, this new partnership with Def Jam Recordings, known for its storied legacy in the music industry, promises to take Raedio to new heights.

“Our mission at Raedio is to continually evolve how and where people discover music and the opportunities for artists behind it,” expressed Raedio president Benoni Tagoe. “Def Jam is the perfect partner with a storied legacy to align with Raedio’s mission and vision of disrupting the music industry as we know it. Together, we look forward to expanding our reach and fostering a creative home for our new artists.”

The timing of this deal couldn’t be better for Issa Rae. With the highly anticipated Barbie movie set to hit theaters on July 21, her popularity is expected to soar even higher. Known for her exceptional talent and versatility, Rae has already established herself as a dream partner for numerous high-profile brands.

Def Jam chairman and CEO Tunji Balogun expressed his admiration for Rae’s creative prowess, stating, “Issa Rae is one of the most talented, respected, and versatile creative leaders working in entertainment today. Her passion for artistry and authentic storytelling puts Black creators and creatives at the center of an expansive world, where they resonate deeply with her audience.”

The partnership between Raedio and Def Jam Recordings signifies an innovative approach to building culture and community, with a focus on amplifying Black voices and narratives. Through Raedio, Rae has created a powerful audio ecosystem that aligns her various ventures into one cohesive unit.

Raedio’s journey began in 2019, and since then, it has been a force to be reckoned with. The imprint’s previous collaborations with Atlantic Records, as well as its development deal with Audible in January 2022, have showcased Rae’s strategic and forward-thinking approach to the entertainment industry.

With the new deal in place, Issa Rae’s Raedio is poised to continue its trajectory of success, shaping the music landscape and providing a platform for emerging artists to shine. As fans eagerly anticipate the release of the Barbie movie and further groundbreaking projects from Issa Rae, the collaboration with Def Jam Recordings signals the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her already remarkable career.