By: Marketwire
Published: Jul. 15, 2004 -

Atlantic Records has signed multi-platinum hip-hop artist Juvenile to a long-term, exclusive worldwide recording contract. At the same time, under a separate deal, Juvenile’s UTP Records has joined the Atlantic family of labels. Among the artists expected to release recordings via UTP are the Juvenile-led group UTP (Juvenile, Skip & Wacko). Juvenile’s first Atlantic solo release is due in early 2005.

Juvenile’s current explosive single, “Slow Motion,” is #1 for the third week in a row on Billboard’s “Hot Rap Tracks” charts, has been the #1 song at urban radio, and hit #1 on the national CHR/Rhythmic airplay chart this week. It ranks at #2 with a bullet on Billboard’s “Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles” chart this week, and #3 with a bullet on the “Hot 100.” “Slow Motion” is the latest single from Juvenile’s sixth solo set, “JUVE THE GREAT” (Cash Money/ Universal). The album, which has been riding the national charts for more than six months, hit the top five on Billboard “Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums” chart and currently ranks at #7 with a bullet. At the same time, Juvenile, Skip & Wacko, aka UTP (now signed to Atlantic via the UTP label), are rapidly climbing the charts with their new single, “Nolia Clap” (UTP/Rap-A-Lot 4 Life).

In making the announcement, Atlantic Records Group Co-Chairman/COO Craig Kallman commented: “I am thrilled that we were able to bring Juvenile and UTP into the Atlantic fold. Juvenile is the real deal—an uncompromising artist of phenomenal talent who has only scratched the surface of his creative potential. A pioneer in the fertile southern hip-hop movement, Juvenile put New Orleans on the national rap map. Now, with these companion deals, we not only welcome Juvenile to Atlantic, but we have the great bonus of bringing his whole crew on board through his own UTP label. Juvenile has long been a signature artist in the hip-hop community, and he now becomes the latest high-profile artist to join Atlantic’s rapidly burgeoning urban roster.”
Lyor Cohen, Warner Music Group’s Chairman & CEO for U.S. Recorded Music, said: “Signing Juvenile sends a clear message that the new Warner Music Group is committed to being a dominant force in the hip-hop community. The fact that Juvenile has put his trust in Atlantic Records to guide his career is a testament to the incredible leadership of Craig Kallman and the entire Atlantic urban staff.”

Atlantic Senior Vice President of A&R Mike Caren added: “Juvenile’s wide range of talents, from songwriter to producer, superstar artist to CEO, will now be on center stage. We are excited to see Juvenile at the top of his game and know the world will recognize it.”

Beginning his performing career while still a teenager, the New Orleans-based Juvenile first came to national prominence with The Hot Boys’ 1997 debut, “GET IT HOW U LIVE,” followed by 1999’s RIAA platinum certified “GUERILLA WARFARE.” Having made his solo debut in 1995, Juvenile broke through to superstar status with his third solo album, “400 DEGREEZ,” which set new standards for southern hip-hop. Released in 1998, it went on to be certified RIAA quadruple platinum and spawned the hits “Ha” and “Back That Thang Up.” “400 DEGREEZ” garnered Juvenile a string of accolades, including a Soul Train Award (2000), Billboard Award (1999), Source Award (1999), and an American Music Award nomination (1999).

Juvenile’s solo albums to date include: “BEING MYSELF” (1995), “SOLJA RAGS” (1997), “400 DEGREEZ” (1998, 4X platinum), “THA G-CODE” (1999, platinum), “PROJECT ENGLISH” (2001, platinum), and “JUVE THE GREAT” (December 2003, near-platinum).