Sylvia Rhone Announces Joint Venture With Epic Records

Nearly a year after the partnership was announced, Sylvia Rhone's joint venture with Epic has a name -- Vested in Culture -- and a slate of first releases. The announcement was made Wednesday by Sony Music Entertainment CEO Doug Morris, Epic Chairman/CEO L.A. Reid and Rhone. Nearly after a year the partnership was announced, Rhone will serve as chairman of VIC.

our editor recommends

Kelly Rowland, Sylvia Rhone Named 2012 Black Women In Music Honorees

Scott Seviour Named Epic Records' EVP Marketing and Artist Development

COO Mark Shimmel, Erik Olesen Exit Epic Records

The label's first releases will be the debut from Latin pop star Kat Dahlia, followed by a new album from indie pop duo Quadron and the debut LP from R&B singer-songwriter Deon Young. Other artists on the roster include pop singer-songwriter Sebastian Mikael and Los Angeles rappers Casey Veggies and Cashius Green.

"It gives me great pleasure to work alongside the most successful female record executive of all time," remarked Reid. "She has taste, style, vision and she has my complete support."

PHOTOS: 55th Annual Grammy Awards Nominees

While many expected Rhone to restart the Portrait imprint through Epic, the new venture's name was not confirmed until Wednesday. Reid and worked together for many years under current Sony Music head Doug Morris at Universal; she left her post at the helm of Universal Motown in May of 2011, a few months after Morris joined Sony. She previously worked with Morris for many years at Warner Music, ultimately rising to Chairman/CEO of the Elektra Entertainment Group.

"The partnership between Vested in Culture and Epic Records marks an exciting new chapter in my career," stated Rhone. "I have a tremendous amount of respect for Doug Morris and L.A. Reid, and couldn't ask to work with better music men than them. I look forward to building a great label and being a part of their continued success."

Twitter: @billboard