Hip-hop artist Coolio is starting his own label, Crowbar Records, in a joint venture deal with Los Angeles-based entertainment company Left Bank Management. According to Coolio's manager, Josefa Selinas, the imprint will launch Aug. 1 with a multigenre compilation featuring "potential" Crowbar artists. Selinas tells Billboard Online that the acts will include rap groups 40 Thievz and Da Wild Kingdom, R&B singer Blue, R&B act D.B.S., Latin artist Angel, and alternative rock chanteuse Morgan. Crowbar's distribution will be through BMG.
As for whether Coolio will release his albums on the label, Selinas says, "Believe me, we're working on it." Coolio's previous discs have streeted on Tommy Boy.
In other Coolio news, the rapper will tackle three roles in the indie film "Tyrone," which began shooting Monday in Los Angeles. The Hollywood Reporter writes that the rapper will play the title role of Tyrone, his twin brother Jerome, and their triplet sister Cherone. The Tyrone Prods. film also stars, among others, Ethan Suplee of indie hit "Chasing Amy" and Kristin Minter of television's "ER."
A black comedy, "Tyrone" was written by Chris Palzis, who is also co-directing the film with Erik Fleming. The story concerns a couple of guys driving cross-country who accidentally hit and kill an escaped convict. Placed under house arrest, they are stuck in a small Midwest town for two days, where they deal with the consequences of their action.
"Tyrone" is Coolio's fourth movie project currently on the burner. As previously reported, October Films will issue "Midnight Mass," which is to begin shooting in July, while Touchstone Pictures will handle an as-yet-untitled work to be helmed by Mimi Polk, producer of "Thelma And Louise." The final film, still in the developmental stages, will feature alumni from "12 Monkeys"; a buyer for the project is currently being sought.
As for whether Coolio will release his albums on the label, Selinas says, "Believe me, we're working on it." Coolio's previous discs have streeted on Tommy Boy.
In other Coolio news, the rapper will tackle three roles in the indie film "Tyrone," which began shooting Monday in Los Angeles. The Hollywood Reporter writes that the rapper will play the title role of Tyrone, his twin brother Jerome, and their triplet sister Cherone. The Tyrone Prods. film also stars, among others, Ethan Suplee of indie hit "Chasing Amy" and Kristin Minter of television's "ER."
A black comedy, "Tyrone" was written by Chris Palzis, who is also co-directing the film with Erik Fleming. The story concerns a couple of guys driving cross-country who accidentally hit and kill an escaped convict. Placed under house arrest, they are stuck in a small Midwest town for two days, where they deal with the consequences of their action.
"Tyrone" is Coolio's fourth movie project currently on the burner. As previously reported, October Films will issue "Midnight Mass," which is to begin shooting in July, while Touchstone Pictures will handle an as-yet-untitled work to be helmed by Mimi Polk, producer of "Thelma And Louise." The final film, still in the developmental stages, will feature alumni from "12 Monkeys"; a buyer for the project is currently being sought.
Up for Discussion