MC Q will be the first artist on the burgeoning TAG label, which is headed by Island Urban president Jermaine Dupri.
Q, born Kareem Savage, was a former member of Da Franchise with fellow Brooklyn rappers Red Cafe and Gravy. He began his solo career on mixtapes by DJ Clue, Kay Slay and DJ Khaled, among others. After relocating to Atlanta, Q met Durpi and soon began recording with the executive.
Now, Q’s MySpace page touts more than 50,000 profile views. There, the MC displays his rhyming skills via several remixes he’s posted, including Nas’ “Hero.”
TAG Records, announced in April, is a joint venture between Island and household product manufacturer Proctor & Gamble to increase each company’s presence in the pop culture-influenced teen demographic. The label launch is also part of TAG’s initiative to cultivate relationships with the urban community through programs that give opportunities to aspiring MCs.
“Most artists get probably $1 million for a marketing budget,” Dupri told Billboard.com in April. “The TAG artists will receive 10 times the typical marketing support.”
Details are scant as to how many more artists TAG will sign. Q’s marketing campaign will begin this summer via performance showcases.
