7Wallace, an independent record label founded by artist, actor, and DJ Idris Elba, has struck up a strategic partnership with Nas’ Mass Appeal Records.
A press release on Thursday (March 5) indicated that the companies have “big release announcements” in the works, and that “the transatlantic alignment between 7Wallace and Mass Appeal signals an exciting new chapter of collaboration and opportunity for the UK and US hip-hop scenes alike”.
The partnership will see 7Wallace and Mass Appeal work together on “co-releases, cross-market distribution, and collaborative original content that meet at the intersection of music, film, media and live experiences”.
London-based 7Wallace has worked with artists across hip-hop, soul, electronic, and alternative music. Previous releases have featured the likes of Little Simz, Slick Rick, Cypress Hill, Q-Tip, Kojey Radical, Che Lingo, Tiggs Da Author, Toddla T, Chip, James BKS and more.
Beyond recorded music, the company says it has “deep experience” in soundtrack curation, developing opportunities across film, television, and visual storytelling.
The partnership with Nas’ Mass Appeal builds on an existing creative relationship between the two companies, which last year collaborated on Slick Rick’s latest album, VICTORY.
As part of the campaign, Slick Rick and Idris Elba teamed up to release VICTORY (The Film), a 30-minute accompaniment to the album in visual form, directed by Meji Alabi and executive produced by The Poet (Slick Rick) and The Visionary (Idris Elb
With the project featuring collaborations with Nas, Giggs, and Estelle, the visual element was shown at Tribeca Film Festival, SXSW, and Hollyshorts.
To support the label’s continued expansion, Char Grant has joined 7Wallace as A&R Director, bringing extensive experience and a deep-rooted connection to UK music culture as the label accelerates its artist development strategy.
7Wallace is a home for exceptional talent, intentional partnerships and culture shifting artists,” said Grant.
“Alongside Rachel, Idris, and the team at Mass Appeal I can’t wait to deliver the music and projects we are excited about to the world!”
“The synergy between 7Wallace and Mass Appeal is clear – we have a shared respect for rap culture, for legacy, and for doing things with integrity.”
Rachel Prager, 7Wallace
Rachel Prager, Head of Music at 7Wallace, added: “The synergy between 7Wallace and Mass Appeal is clear – we have a shared respect for rap culture, for legacy, and for doing things with integrity – which makes them the right partner as we enter this new era.
“Every release in this next phase is intentional; we will honour the foundation and longevity created by our UK rap pioneers, while also capturing the raw, grassroots energy of the scene. We’re investing in artists who shape culture.”
“Working with Idris and the 7Wallace team on Slick Rick’s VICTORY was an amazing experience and a powerful example of what can happen when there’s true creative alignment.”
Peter Bittenbender, Mass Appeal
Peter Bittenbender, CEO of Mass Appeal, said: “Working with Idris and the 7Wallace team on Slick Rick’s VICTORY was an amazing experience and a powerful example of what can happen when there’s true creative alignment.
“The collaboration reflected a shared commitment to honoring Hip Hop legacy while presenting it on a global stage.
“We’re thrilled to extend the partnership and build on that foundation, supporting more music from across the pond and helping to amplify an exceptional slate of talent and creative projects.”
Elsewhere at Mass Appeal, in late 2024, the company expanded into Pakistan, partnering with two of the country’s biggest artists, Talha Anjum and Umair.
