Geffen Artists Hip-hop To Mca

MCA Records has entered into a joint venture with Geffen Records whereby MCA's newly revitalized R&B division will handle Geffen's black music roster.

"Geffen Records' roster of hip-hop artists is being transferred to MCA Records in a newly forged joint venture between the sister labels," a short Geffen statement said. "We feel our artists will be best served by MCA, which has a long tradition of dominance in urban music and is better equipped to build on the success of artists like the Roots and Genius."

Killah Priest's "Heavy Mental," which was released March 10 and debuted at No. 24 on the Billboard 200 album chart, will continue to be worked by Geffen. The disc sold more than 40,000 units in its first week.

Before the deal, Geffen's black music was handled by independent, outside "street teams" that promote and market products.

Black music from DreamWorks, which is expected to announce a black music division shortly, will be worked partially through Geffen Records, sources said.

As part of the MCA-Geffen venture, Geffen A&R executive Wendy Goldstein will move to MCA in an executive A&R role, sources said.

MCA's R&B division currently boasts a solid lineup of acts including K-Ci & Jo-Jo, Mary J. Blige, Aaron Hall, Patti LaBelle, Regina Belle and Keith Washington, as well as new acts such as Melky Sedeck and Eboni Foster.

The company recently completed a restructure of its R&B division with the hire of industry veteran Steve Corbin as senior vp operations, R&B music (HR 3/24).

Corbin's appointment followed a series of moves by MCA in recent months. In February, Benny Pough was named vp promotions, R&B music, and in January, the label appointed Cassandra Ware vp and marketing director.