Jermaine Dupri, Def Jam Music Group P & G Launch New Hip-Hop Label

Island Def Jam Music Group (IDJ) and Procter & Gamble's TAG brand announce the formation of a new hip-hop record label, TAG Records.

TAG Records will be led by hip-hop mogul Jermaine Dupri, who will act as president of the New York-based venture. As president, Dupri will set the creative vision for the label and play an integral part in identifying and developing its musical talent.

This is a milestone for the music industry as TAG Record's artists will be supported with a multi-million dollar marketing effort that is unprecedented for any new artist, including television, print, radio, digital and event marketing.

"Today, we make history in the music industry with TAG Records," said Jermaine Dupri, president of TAG Records. "This label is going to provide new artists with a chance of a lifetime. New artists will receive ten times the typical marketing support - a first in the industry. I'm hand selecting and molding these artists to make history in hip hop."

The launch of TAG Records is part of the TAG brand's initiative to cultivate relationships with the urban community through the development of programs that provide opportunities for aspiring hip-hop talent.

"We're very excited about our partnership with IDJ and the broad platform it provides for creating artistic opportunities within the urban community, said Alex Keith, general manager P&G Deodorants. "We're confident the partnership will make a positive impact and bring opportunities to undiscovered urban creativity and vision."

"This partnership marks an industry first. This is a breakthrough model that will set the stage for innovative collaborations at Island Def Jam Music Group," said Jeff Straughn, vice president of strategic marketing for Island Def Jam Music Group. "This is a non-traditional approach that blends our most valuable assets: the artist and their music, with the power of brand marketing."

TAG Record's first artist will be officially announced in May. The artist will be given a unique opportunity to merge their music with personal brand marketing.

In addition to an album release, the TAG Brand will showcase TAG Record's artist and Jermaine Dupri across various TAG brand advertising and marketing initiatives throughout 2008.

The TAG and Island Def Jam Music Group partnership was forged and managed by New York - based ACME Brand Content Company, TAG's branded entertainment agency of record.