Photo credit: IDOL
IDOL has signed US rapper and producer Erick the Architect, confirming the release of his solo album.
The independent digital distributor has signed a global artist services deal with founding member of Brooklyn hip-hop trio, the Flatbush Zombies. As part of the partnership, IDOL will handle global digital distribution and marketing for all upcoming releases. The first will be Erick’s upcoming single “Parkour,” which will be released on July 11th. IDOL’s US team will work closely with Erick’s management at Quincy Jones Productions on publishing strategy and audience development.
The signing by Erick the Architect is an important step in IDOL’s expansion of US operations and expands its roster of direct deals with entrepreneurial artists and their management teams. The deal with Erick the Architect follows the recent promotion of Thomas Maxwell to General Manager, USA to oversee IDOL’s North American operations. IDOL has also forged new partnerships with Fire Records, Soundway Records and Gondwana Records in the last 18 months.
“When I first met IDOL I had a solid piece of music (my new album) and I felt it needed to be nurtured by the right people considering I’ve been working on it for almost four years,” adds Erick added to the architects about the deal.
“Given how special it is for me, I wanted to work with a team of people who saw my vision and believed in it as much as I did. Working with IDOL has been a great pleasure; They found out how well my music can and will perform internationally and globally. It means a lot to me to work with them. They are an efficient, extremely competent and personable company and I can’t wait for the world to see what I’ve come up with!”
Erick’s forthcoming album marks the next milestone in his solo career. He first made his name as the main producer of Flatbush Zombies, formed in Brooklyn in 2010. The group rose to prominence as part of the hip hop collective Beast Coast along with other rap groups such as The Underachievers and Pro Era.
“With much planned over the coming months, we look forward to working with him and his team at Quincy Jones Productions to realize his vision of a groundbreaking debut solo album,” added Pascal Bittard, President of IDOL.