Veteran artist manager and entertainment industry entrepreneur Corey Smyth (pictured) has launched Blacksmith Recordings in a deal with Capitol Music Group and Motown Records.
The LA-based label, with a bi-coastal presence will represent talent “across diverse passion points” according a press release announcing the news.
The label’s portfolio already includes artist Vince Staples; visual artist, singer and songwriter Kilo Kish; and emerging artists Ted When and Benn Good, among others.
Smyth founded the Blacksmith brand in 1991, while attending Morehouse College and majoring in marketing.
Since its inception, Smyth has guided the careers of artists including Mos Def, Talib Kweli, De La Soul, Foxy Brown, Lil’ Jon, Dave Chappelle, Pete Rock and David Banner and others.
Significant professional milestones include serving as the music producer for the hit TV series Chappelle’s Show, as well as producing the comedian’s concert film Dave Chappelle’s Block Party in 2006.
In addition, Smyth partnered with Danny Glover as the lead music producer on the 2009 civil rights movement documentary Soundtrack for a Revolution.
Shortly after, Smyth and Glover produced a documentary on the United States’ 1970’s black power movement titled The Black Power Mixtape, and later released Concerning Violence, a period piece depicting the plight of colonialism and the nationalist movement in Africa.
“My mission through Blacksmith Recordings is to nurture young and new talent from the ground up and enable them to expand their vision of success.”
Corey Smyth
“Today, more than ever, artists are evolving their professional identities in multi-faceted ways,” said Corey Smyth, Founder and CEO of Blacksmith Recordings.
“My mission through Blacksmith Recordings is to nurture young and new talent from the ground up and enable them to expand their vision of success.
“We are looking at the big picture- we’re thinking about how a musician evolves across genres, what success looks like in the first year and a decade later… and what happens after the first album and the second and the third.
“Our goal is to reinforce career longevity and boundless potential in the artists we represent, while growing global brands around them.”
“We are honored to partner with Corey and welcome Blacksmith Recordings into the Motown family.”
Ethiopia Habtemariam, President, Motown Records added: “We are honored to partner with Corey and welcome Blacksmith Recordings into the Motown family.
“Our goal has always been to be the voice of today and tomorrow, and we know that with Corey and his remarkable roster of clients including Vince Staples, we are destined to continue to foster the path of future icons at Motown.”
“Corey is a seasoned expert in the entertainment industry who possesses a unique vision for developing and enhancing the careers of his diverse roster of talent.”
Steve Barnett, Capitol Music Group
Steve Barnett, Chairman and CEO of Capitol Music Group, said: “Corey is a seasoned expert in the entertainment industry who possesses a unique vision for developing and enhancing the careers of his diverse roster of talent.
“We can’t think of a better partner and look forward to welcoming Corey, Vince Staples, and the entire Blacksmith Recordings team to Capitol Music Group.”
On the film front, Smyth recently debuted Gully, a feature film produced by Corey Smyth and directed by Nabil Elder which debuted at the Tribeca film Festival.
Picture credit: Mathieu BittonMusic Business Worldwide
