Block Enterprises and Bad Boy South have renewed their highly successful joint venture, it was announced today by Bad Boy CEO Sean “Diddy” Combs and Russell “Block” Spencer.
The Atlanta-based Block Enterprises and Bad Boy South first joined forces for the 2005 release of the hit debut album from Boyz N Da Hood, which premiered at #1 on both Billboard’s Top R&B;/Hip-Hop Albums and Top Rap Albums charts, while entering the Billboard 200 at #5.
With the success of Boyz N Da Hood under their belts, the two labels formalized their partnership in early 2006. The new joint venture made an impressive premiere with the smash debut album from Yung Joc, “New Joc City,” which also scored the #1 spot on Billboard’s Top R&B;/Hip-Hop Albums and Top Rap Albums charts, while debuting at #3 on the Billboard 200. Now nearing the RIAA platinum mark, “New Joc City” includes the #1 singles, “It’s Goin’ Down” and “I Know You See It.”
Block Enterprises/Bad Boy South are working on new albums from Boyz N Da Hood and Yung Joc, as well as the solo debut of Boyz member Big Gee and the first album from Gorilla Zoe. Block/Bad Boy releases will continue to be marketed and distributed by Atlantic Records, a division of Warner Music Group.
In making the announcement, Sean “Diddy” Combs said: “As we have continued to expand the musical scope of Bad Boy, we knew we had to be plugged into the creative and vibrant Southern scene. When Block and I first met, I realized he had an ear for the streets of the South and that he would be the perfect person to be our partner in developing and breaking new talent. The success of Boyz N Da Hood and Young Joc proves that our instincts were right, and there is much more fantastic music in the pipeline from the Block/Bad Boy South team. I am thrilled that we have renewed our commitment to this great relationship.”
Russell “Block” Spencer commented: “As the South market grew, Diddy and Bad Boy realized they needed to be involved. I was looking to take the music we make in the South to another level, and the collaboration between Block Enterprises and Bad Boy South was the perfect avenue for both of our companies. Look at the success we have already attained. When the machine is working successfully, you don’t look to fix it, but to add to it to make it better. The renewal of our deal is going to make the Block/Bad Boy South partnership even bigger.”
Bad Boy Executive VP and General Manager Harve Pierre commented: “Our joint venture with Block Enterprises has given us the opportunity to reach out to a broader audience base as we move forward with the evolution and re-invention of Bad Boy. Looking back to when we first started with a handful of people in 1992 and fast forwarding to 2006, we have truly grown as a label, family, and industry. We now have the manpower to get more done in less time. After seeing the success of Boyz N Da Hood and Yung Joc on their debut albums, I can say with conviction that this is the continuation of a beautiful relationship.”
A native of Atlanta, Russell “Block” Spencer first made his mark at Suave House Records, where he oversaw projects for 8Ball & MJG, Tela, and Crime Boss. Following a lengthy stint as head of A&R; for Noontime Records, he and producer Jazze Pha established ShoNuff Records, home of crunk R&B; sensation Ciara. Block’s impeccable ear for new talent and boundless creativity in artist development caught the attention of Diddy as Bad Boy set its sights on the South. Block soon became Diddy’s right hand man below the Mason Dixon line. The success of hip-hop super group Boyz N Da Hood introduced Block Enterprises to the mainstream and also catapulted the career of rapper Young Jeezy, who has enjoyed phenomenal success since the release of Boyz N Da Hood’s debut album in 2005.
