Koch Signs 5 New Hip-Hop Labels To Distribution Deal

Koch Entertainment has just inked five labels, whose collective roster includes such rap acts as Bun B and his Middle Fingaz crew, MJG from veteran Memphis duo 8 Ball and MJG and former Ultramagnetic MC Kool Keith.

Under the agreement, the indie powerhouse will now distribute all releases from Nina Easton’s IMG International/404 Music Network, Tenacity Records, Unruly Records, Greenstreets Entertainment and Doc Music Group.

IMG is known for its Southern signees Boo (of Boo & Gotti), the D Boyz (Lac & Stone) and MJG, among others. Tenacity’s lineup includes a handful of DJs including the late K-Swift and King Tutt, both from the Balitimore, MD area. Greenstreets has put out material by underground standouts Kool Keith, Sunz of Man and Vordul Mega from Cannibal Ox, while Doc Music Group is home to Paul Wall affiliates the G.R.I.T. Boyz, Lil Kano and Bun B & Middle Fingaz, all hailing from Houston, TX.

In related news Koch Records recently appointed Dipset capo Jim Jones as their new vice president of urban A&R. Under his new position, Jones’ first release will be by Dipset member Juelz Santana and his Skull Gang. – Elan Mancini