Music Choice, Empire Make Deal
Music Choice has reached a distribution agreement with San Francisco-based distribution company and record label Empire for the rights to distribute Empire’s entire catalog of 8,000 music videos in the U.S. and international markets. We’re talking recent music videos from Fat Joe, D.R.A.M., Anderson .Paak, Tyga, XXXTENTACION, Snoop Dogg and T.I., among others. This partnership further expands Music Choice’s video portfolio, with Empire dominating the urban market share. This marks the first time Empire has made its entire video catalog, which also includes Reggae, Rock, Gospel, Latin and Pop — available to any TV programmer.
Under the agreement, Music Choice and Empire will collaborate on exclusive video premieres, artist programs and marketing campaigns. The content will be available via traditional set top boxes as well as on the go via Music Choice digital properties through TVE. The reciprocal agreement allows the partners to co-market each other’s services to build a new audience for both brands. The deal also creates a range of new revenue opportunities on Music Choice for artists signed with Empire and its record label, Empire Recordings. Additional Empire programs and artists will be rolled out throughout the year.
The alliance kicks off with several exclusive releases, including a full-length mini-movie and music video from rising R&B star Rhyon, who created an entire visual movie comprised of connected music videos for her new album, Pretty Girl. Also coming up is a mini-movie by Dipset star Jim Jones, along with new music videos from Snoop Dogg, Tyga, Rich Chigga and more.
Damon Williams, SVP, Programming Strategy and Partnerships at Music Choice stated, “Empire has been our go-to for independent artist that move the needle, like Rich Homie Quan, D.R.A.M. and Anderson .Paak. We are committed to giving independent artists a national platform for their music. This strategic partnership with Empire will take it to… [Ed. note: brace yourself!]… the next level™.”
