American King Music

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American King Music
Parent company Universal Music Group
Founded 2006
Founder Corey Llewellyn
Mims
Distributing label Geffen Records
Genre Hip Hop
Country of origin USA
Official website http://www.AmericanKingMusic.com

American King Music is an American record label founded by Shawn Mims and Corey Llewellyn in 2006. It acts as a subsidiary of the Universal Music Group and is primarily distributed through Geffen Records.

Contents

[edit] History

[edit] Beginnings

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American King Music was founded in 2006 by New York rapper Mims along with his business partners Corey Llewellyn and Erik Mendelson. Securing a record deal was difficult for Mims in his early years. A lack of demand for New York artists resulted in Mims being turned down by Bad Boy Records, Atlantic Records, and Interscope Records. Upon touring with Method Man in 2003, an opportunity with Def Jam Recordings came about but did not meet initial expectations.

In early 2006, Mims decided the best way for him to distribute his material would be through his own label. He along with his business partners decided to open the label which would be utilized throughout his career. The label made connections with Blackout Movement production team and The Untouchable DJ Drastic.

Mims searched for a legitimate distribution deal amongst various labels. A business opportunity presented itself with Urban Box Office although the label shut down shortly after paperwork was finalized. Koch Records then took interest in Mims although nothing would materialize as a result of the recognition.

[edit] Distribution through Capitol

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In late 2006, Mims released "This Is Why I'm Hot," which earned the label a distribution deal for Mims' music through Capitol Records. The label signed rapper Seed and alternative group Purple Popcorn which were the first to be featured on Mims' debut project, Music Is My Savior. This album was released in the first quarter of 2007. The following project was Seed's debut album, Dirty Urine, in June. Although Mims obtained a number one single, neither of these albums would be commercially successful. Mims went on to sign a frequent collaborator, Ava Denera. Her second solo project, Set It Off Vol. 2 album was released in August of 2007.

The label became involved in a minor feud with J-Hood and his On Da Grind camp. After the rapper made slanderous comments about Mims. Rumors of a feud between American King Music and 50 Cent's G-Unit Records camp followed but were confirmed as false media reports.

The label would go on to sign southern acts 2 Pistols and Black Heff followed by Kimberly Hall and New York rapper Class The King. Class The King is childhood friend of Mims.

The label launched their own production team in 2007. They would also sign R&B acts Prince Ty & Jason Derulo.

[edit] Geffen/Universal Years (2008-present)

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In January 2008, American King Music reached an exclusive distribution deal with Universal Music Group's Geffen Records leaving their original distributor, Capitol Records.

Ava Denera released her second album, For The Love or for The Paper, in April 2008 as it also failed to certify. Her album featured the single, "Everybody Talk Money," with G-Unit star, Lloyd Banks. This song ended all rumors of tension between the American King camp and G-Unit Records.

In February 2008, flagship artist Mims released "Amount To Nothin'," which is to be the first single from his second album, The World Is Mine. Class The King has also released his debut single "Nickname."

The first release as part of the Geffen label deal wwas be Ava Denera's For The Love or for The Paper, which is to be followed by 2 Pistols' debut album, Death Before Dishonor, the third release will be Mims' sophomore effort The World Is Mine.

Black Heff is putting material together for his solo debut album, The Black Label, which features the hit single, "Bottle Of Patron" featuring Mims. His album is due sometime in 2008.

Jason Derulo has released his debut single alongside labelmate Mims entitled "Cyber Love." His album, Future History, is due later this year.

[edit] Roster

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[edit] Artists

[edit] Producers

[edit] Discography

[edit] Albums

[edit] Upcoming Releases

[edit] Affiliated Labels

[edit] References

[edit] External links