BLACKGROUND PARTNERS WITH EMPIRE FOR RELAUNCH, LED BY AALIYAH SETS

Blackground Records has partnered with EMPIRE to launch Blackground 2.0 and release the label's storied catalog on streaming platforms worldwide. Albums by Aaliyah, Timbaland & Magoo, Tank, Toni Braxton, JoJo and Ashley Parker Angel will be re-released to DSPs along with new physical offerings.

The partnership was built on Blackground’s commitment to introducing Aaliyah and Blackground’s legacy to a new audience and re-engaging longtime fans.

The catalog's riches, which feature 17 official albums, will be issued in chronological order, encouraging listeners to enjoy the music as it was originally disseminated. Among the most notable releases are Aaliyah’s double-platinum One in a Million and ΛΛLIYΛH and the compilation albums I Care 4 U and Ultimate Aaliyah.

Founded by Barry and Jomo Hankerson in 1993, Blackground Records became a staple of music and an influence on pop culture in the 1990s and early 2000s.

“Blackground Records has always been about independence and ownership,” says Barry Hankerson. “From day one, we set out to shake up the music industry and partnering with a company like EMPIRE continues that legacy. This is Blackground Records 2.0.”

“Blackground Records redefined popular music as we know it,” added Ghazi, CEO/founder of EMPIRE. “We’re happy to provide a home for Blackground Records 2.0 and help build on their independent story.”

As part of the Blackground catalog's rerelease, Hankerson will launch a new social audio/video platform called Music360.

Pre-order Blackground 2.0 albums here.

BLACKGROUND RECORDS 2021 RELEASES

Aug. 20: Aaliyah, One in a Million
Aug. 27: Timbaland & Magoo, Welcome to Our World, Indecent Proposal and Under Construction, Part II; Timbaland, Tim's Bio
Sept. 3: Romeo Must Die and Exit Wounds soundtracks
Sept. 10: Aaliyah, ΛΛLIYΛH
Sept. 17: Tank, Force of Nature, One Man and Sex, Love & Pain
Sept. 24: JoJo, JoJo and The High Road; Ashley Parker Angel, Soundtrack to Your Life
Oct. 1: Toni Braxton, Libra
Oct. 8: Aaliyah, I Care 4 U and Ultimate Aaliyah compilations