"RISKY" BUSINESS: DEF JAM INKS R&B SINGER-SONGWRITER TA THOMAS

Tunji Balogun's Def Jam has inked R&B singer-songwriter TA Thomas, who has released his first single, "Risky," via High Standardz/Def Jam. The track combines elements of R&B, blues, country and soul with the Mississippi Delta native's own stylistic gumbo. It's accompanied by a cinematic video exploring the ups and downs of a romantic relationship.

Thomas released his latest album, Caught Between 2 Worlds, in 2023. He appeared on Chris Brown's 2022 set, Breezy, which earned the burgeoning artist his first Grammy nomination.

Pictured thinking that few things are more "Risky" than calling a HITS editor are (l-r) attorney Helen Yu, manager Natosha Cox, Thomas, High Standardz CEO/founder Jeremy “J Dot” Jones and Balogun.