Sylvia Rhone, President of Universal Motown Records, has announced the appointment of Pat Monaco as the Executive Vice President & General Manager of the label, which is a division of Universal Music Group. Formerly, Mr. Monaco served as Executive Vice President of Sales & Field Marketing for Universal Motown Republic Group.

Mr. Monaco expressed his appreciation for his new role by saying, “I am grateful to Mel Lewinter (Chairman, Universal Motown Republic Group) and Sylvia for their continued confidence and trust in me as I enter this next phase of my career.” Mr. Monaco also adds, “I believe that Universal Motown is poised to take great strides as an industry leader and I am privileged to be part of the new leadership tasked to keep us in the forefront.”

“Pat has a breadth of experience and a depth of knowledge that truly sets him apart,” said Ms. Rhone. “With extensive experience and a background that encompasses both the creative and business spheres, he is ideally suited for the post of General Manager. Since joining Universal Motown ten years ago, Pat has taken the lead in exploring new business models and dramatically strengthening our artists’ presence across multiple platforms. He is a consummate music man with strong leadership capabilities who has earned enormous respect throughout the industry. I join the entire Universal Motown family in congratulating him on this much-deserved promotion.”

Prior to joining Universal, Mr. Monaco served as General Manager of Island Records. He has worked in numerous senior positions with Island Records and PolyGram Distribution, as well as having served as President/Owner of Landmark Distributors.

Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Kelis has inked a deal with Interscope Records, announcing that she is releasing her next album via will.i.am Music Group.

“I love that I am now a new part of the Interscope family. 2010 is around the corner and I can’t wait to put out new music and spend time with real music fans on tour again,” says Kelis.

Commenting on his newest signing, will.i.am says, “Kelis represents the kind of edge that pushes all of us not just musically but stylistically as well. She has always opened new doors for her audience and we’re ready to walk through this next one with her.”

Interscope Geffen A&M Records Chairman, Jimmy Iovine, adds, “Kelis is a true artist and we’re so excited to start this new chapter in her musical life.”

Kelis’ new album will include production from will.i.am and David Guetta, who produced the Black Eyed Peas’ Grammy-nominated hit, “I Got A Feeling.” Other producers on Kelis’ upcoming project are Free School, Boyz Noize, Burnz and DJ Ammo.

Kelis’ new record “Acapella” (produced by Guetta), can be heard here.

Catherine Brewton, Vice President of Writer/Publisher Relations at Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI), has announced the promotion of Wardell Malloy to Senior Director of Writer/Publisher Relations.

“Wardell is passionately involved in New York’s urban music scene and has enhanced BMI’s visibility in the urban community through his relationships with industry leaders,” commented Brewton. “He continues to show great leadership in all creative aspects of his job and manages to always identify great new talent.”

In Malloy’s new role, he will continue to sign and work with a multitude of talent (songwriters, publishers, and producers) in the genres of urban and gospel music. Some of Malloy’s signings have included Claude Kelly (Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears); Donald Lawrence (The Clark Sisters, Tri-City Singers, Mary J Blige); Trey Songz; Chris Brown; Kevin Cossom (Keri Hilson, Rick Ross); Mario; Frankie Storm (Rihanna, Enrique Iglesias); Makeba Riddick (Beyonce, Rihanna, T.I.); and Kierra Sheard.

As Sr. Director of Writer/Publisher Relations, Malloy will remain active in overseeing the performing rights organization’s creative and educational programs such as the Know Them Now Showcase, Conversation With, and BMI Urban Sampler. In addition, Malloy will continue coordinating BMI’s annual Urban Awards gala, as well as serving as a co-producer of the annual gospel awards show, Trailblazers of Gospel Music, which airs on The Gospel Channel.

Prior to the promotion, Malloy held the title of Director of Writer/Publisher Relations. He is based out of BMI’s New York office and reports directly to Brewton.

On October 29th, R&B crooner Eric Benet will hit the road for his 19-city “Sexy Soul Tour,” beginning in Houston, Texas at the Verizon Wireless Theatre. Other acts joining Benet on tour are Mint Condition and Ledisi.

Last year, Benet collaborated with his longtime production partner Demonte Posey for his fourth studio album, Love and Life, released via Friday/Reprise Records.

Sexy Soul Tour Dates Below:

 October 29                        Houston, TX                  Verizon Wireless

October 31                         Atlanta, GA                     Fox Theatre

November 1                      Charlotte, NC                   Ovens Auditorium

November 5                      Cincinnati, OH               Music Hall

November 6                     Cleveland, OH                  Palace Theatre

November 7                     Detroit, MI                        Masonic Temple Theatre

November 8                     Milwaukee, WI                Riverside Theatre

November 12                   Minneapolis, MN            State Theatre

November 13                   Chicago, IL                        Arie Crown

November 19                   New York, NY                  Beacon Theatre

November 20                  Philadelphia, PA             Academy Of Music

November 21                   Norfolk, VA                       Chrysler Theatre

December 3                     St. Louis, MO                     The Pageant

December 4                    Kansas City, MO                The Midland

December 5                    Memphis, TN                      Orpheum Theatre

December 6                    Dallas, TX                            Nokia Theatre

In honor of the legendary pop icon, Michael Jackson, who died tragically on June 25th, Universal Motown Records is releasing Michael Jackson: The Remix Suite on October 20th.

The project is a tribute CD comprised of a collection of top producers commissioned to remix 12 of their favorite songs from the Jackson 5’s catalogue during the Motown era, including popular tunes by the group such as “ABC and “Dancing Machine,” as well as more obscure records like “Maria” and “Skywriter.”

“It’s no secret that Michael Jackson’s phenomenal talent inspired countless entertainers,” says Universal Motown President Sylvia Rhone. “But his music also inspired many of today’s finest producers. That’s why we thought it would be exciting to invite them to put their own unique spin on his work.”

Enlisted on the project are top-notch producers such as Akon, Polow (Da Don), The Neptunes, Stargate, Dallas Austin, Salaam Remi, and Mark Hoppus (Blink-182), just to name a few.

“We jumped at the opportunity to be involved with this project because Michael is a legend who influenced our entire career and redefined the world of music,” says Pharrell Williams (of The Neptunes), who remixed “Never Can Say Goodbye.”

Producer Salaam Remi, who has worked with Nas, The Fugees, and Amy Winehouse (amongst others), remixed the classic “ABC” by adding a reggae vibe to the song. Commenting on the new version, Remi says he “imagined the Jackson’s taking a trip to Jamaica in the early ’70s with a Jamaican band playing behind them.”

For Polow (Da Don), the challenge he faced in re-creating “Dancing Machine” was “to mix what the Jacksons had done in 1974 with today’s music to create something new that sounds just as good now as it did back in the day.”

The release of Michael Jackson: The Remix Suite follows the model of Universal Motown’s bi-weekly four-part digital suite series, which started online on August 25th until it ended on October 6th.

Atlantic Records Group Chairman/CEO Craig Kallman and Chairman/COO Julie Greenwald have announced the promotion of Kevin Weaver as Vice President of the iconic label. 

In his new position, Weaver is responsible for overseeing the creation and placement of music and artists affiliated with Atlantic Records in all visual media formats, including film, television, and video games. Furthermore, Weaver is also in charge of developing and overseeing soundtrack projects, strategic alliances, licensing opportunities, and marketing initiatives. 

“Kevin has long been at the leading edge of exploring fantastic new avenues for our artists and their music. In the process, he has developed great relationships with the film, TV, and gaming communities, while at the same time expanding his A&R and creative responsibilities. Craig and I are very pleased to announce this much-deserved promotion.” 

“After a decade and a half with the Atlantic family, I am more energized than ever by the innovative company I am privileged to work for, and by the exciting new opportunities that are continually opening up for our artists,” said Kevin Weaver. “I want to thank Craig and Julie for their passionate commitment to the music, their visionary approach to the business, and their great support over the years.”

Prior to being named Vice President of Atlantic Records Group, Weaver recently launched a music publishing co-venture with Atlantic, where he signed and developed new artists, such as Sofi Bonde, who he also secured a multiple rights (360°) deal with Atlantic, as well as a co-publishing deal with the label and Warner/Chappell. Bonde has had his songs featured on various television programs, including Melrose Place, 90210, The Vampire Diaries, The Beautiful Life, and The Hills, amongst others. 

Most recently, Weaver was the Senior Vice President of the Atlantic Records Group. He started his career with the company in 1994.

Music executive “L.A.” Reid and EMI Music Publishing have partnered to form the L.A. Reid Music Publishing Company, a joint venture created to sign new songwriters.

As part of the deal, L.A. Reid Music Publishing Company will provide EMI Music Publishing with exclusive services as a music publishing talent finder, responsible for discovering and signing new and established songwriters to publishing deals.

“Throughout my career in music, I’ve been devoted to the songwriter’s craft first, last and always,” Reid said. “I consider the business of publishing to be the heart and soul of the industry. This unique new association with EMI Music Publishing affords me the opportunity to indulge a passion for the two creative cornerstones of my life: artists and their music,” says Reid.

Big Jon Platt, President of West Coast Creative for EMI Music Publishing, brokered the the global agreement between Reid and the publishing giant, and says, “LA’s track record speaks for itself. He’s discovered some of the most enduring talents of the last twenty years, and his hit rate with songwriters and recording artists alike is phenomenal. I’ve worked closely with “L.A.” for many years and I’m now looking forward to taking the partnership to the next level.”

Previously, Reid formed Hitco Publishing Group (1996), a joint venture with Windswept Music. Some of Hitco’s signings included: Beyoncé Knowles (“Independent Women,” “Survivor,” “Bootylicious”); Sean Garrett (“Grillz,” “Check On It,” “Run It!”); Kevin “Shek’spere” Briggs (“No Scrubs,” “Bills, Bills, Bills,” “Pop Ya Collar”); and Gordon Chambers (“I Apologize,” “If You Love Me,” “No More Rain”).

During his three decades in the music industry, Reid has discovered, signed and developed some of music’s top selling songwriters and artists (Toni Braxton, TLC, Usher, OutKast, Avril Lavigne, Pink, Ne-Yo, Young Jeezy, The-Dream, and Rihanna).

In 2004, Reid was appointed Chairman of Island Def Jam Music Group, following his tenure as president and CEO of Arista Records. Prior to his duties at the latter label, Reid co-founded Atlanta based LaFace Records in 1989 with Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds. 

      

R. Kelly, the self-declared “King of R&B” is set to release his tenth studio album, Untitled (Jive Records) on October 13th. In support of the new album, Kelly is scheduled to headline the “Ladies Make Some Noise!” tour beginning in Mashantucket, CT on October 8th.

Setting the tone for Kelly’s Untitled album is the lead single, “Number One,” which features R&B songbird Keri Hilson. Three weeks ago “Number One” was the #1 most added record at urban radio, and is currently the #1 most added record in the rhythm/crossover format.

For the new record, Kelly decided to make some creative changes, collaborating with a group of new, up-and-coming producers including Infinity, Lil Ronnie, and Chris Henderson; as well as venturing to Atlanta to record some material, as Kelly has previously recorded almost exclusively in Chicago.

To build momentum for his return, Kelly put out a Gangsta Grillz special edition mixtape, The ‘Demo’ Tape, presented by DJ Drama and DJ Skee, consisting of four exclusive songs, such as “Supa Man,” featuring OJ Da Juiceman, in addition to remixing a number of popular songs, including “Best I Ever Had” (Drake) and “Birthday Sex” (Jeremih).

With The ‘Demo’ Tape being his first mixtape, Kelly decided to take a different approach with how consumers received his music. “I wanted to go back to the streets and connect directly to my fans. The love I have received is amazing and this is for them,” he says.

A prolific songwriter who has collaborated with and written for superstars such as Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Pussycat Dolls, Usher, and Celine Dion, to name a few, Kelly has recently penned “I Look To You” for Whitney Houston’s highly anticipated upcoming album.

“Ladies Make Some Noise!” tour dates are listed below:

Date                              City 

October 8                       Mashantucket, CT
 

October 9                       Boston, MA
 

October 10                      Albany, NY
 

October 11                      Baltimore, MD
 

October 13                     Philadelphia, PA
 

October 15                      Newark, NJ
 

October 16                      New York, NY
 

October 18                      Pittsburgh, PA
 

October 20                     Cincinnati, OH
 

October 22                      Atlanta, GA
 

October 23                      Chattanooga, TN
 

October 24                      Charleston, SC
 

October 25                      Augusta, GA
 

October 27                      Birmingham, AL
 

October 29                      Dallas, TX
 

October 30                      Houston, TX
 

October 31                      New Orleans, LA
 

November 1                    Memphis, TN
 

November 5                   Los Angeles, CA
 

November 6                   Las Vegas, NV
 

November 7                    Oakland, CA
 

November 12                 Indianapolis, IN
 

November 14                  Detroit, MI
 

November 15                  Milwaukee, WI
 

November 17                  Chicago, IL
 

November 20                 Louisville, KY
 

November 21                 Charlotte, NC
 

November 22                Greensboro, NC
 

November 24                 Washington, D.C.
 

November 27                 Jacksonville, FL
 

November 28                 Miami, FL
 

November 29                 Tampa, FL
 

December 4                   Norfolk, VA
 

December 5                   Richmond, VA

December 6                   Cleveland, OH
 

December 8                   St. Louis, MO

Houston emcee Lil’ Flip is returning with another studio album entitled, Respect Me, released by indie label High Powered Entertainment and distributed by E1 Entertainment (formerly Koch). The record hits retailers online and in stores on September 29th. 

Respect Me is a 15 track set, produced by John Silva (Keyshia Cole, Lil Wayne, E-40, Daz Dillinger and more). The 1st single off the new album is “Da #1 Fly Boy.” In addition, other tracks included on Lil’ Flip’s new album is the title track “Respect Me,” “Shawty Wanna Thugg,” “Swangaz on Bentleys,” “2 Steppin,” “I Got To Be,” and “I’m Back.”

“The thing about this album is that it’s so reflective of me, my music, life and lifestyle,” says Lil’ Flip. “Trust me, everything I rap about is based on truth. So when I rhyme dirty style about the Bentleys, the clubs, the platinum, the girls, my life’s lessons or whatever, it’s not bragging, it’s just fact.”