British grime rapper Stormzy has signed a joint venture deal that partners his #MERKY label with Atlantic Records UK, it was announced Friday (Jan. 19).
Stormzy released his debut album, Gang Sings & Prayer, in February last year via #MERKY with distribution from Warner Music Group’s ADA division. It failed to chart in the U.S. but topped the U.K. charts with 69,000 UK combined copies sold in its opening week and went on to spend five weeks in the top 10.
Stormzy announced the news on via Instagram on Friday, calling it the “beginning of a new chapter.”
“Looking forward to delivering more music, more bodies of work and to start developing and working on new talent on the #MERKY roster. Let’s work,” he wrote.
Max Lousada, CEO, recorded music, WMG and chairman & CEO, WMUK added in a statement, “Stormzy and #MERKY are a cultural force whose music makes everyone listen. Talent, truth, energy and relevance – they represent music at its most powerful. We’re proud to have them in the family.”