UNIVERSAL FUNDS MASS APPEAL

Universal Music Group has led a Series A round for Mass Appeal, a New York-based media & content company focused on urban culture. Additional investors on the $6m round of funding include Usher, Steve Stoute and Nas, along with Evolution Media, Jon Jashni (Raintree Ventures) and others.

In addition, Michele Anthony, Executive Vice President of UMG, has agreed to join Mass Appeal's board of directors.

Founded in 1996 as a graffiti magazine, Mass Appeal's business has evolved to include production and development of TV, an urban alternative record label and owned media channels across social, web and print.

The company recently produced the documentary Fresh Dressed in partnership with CNN Films, and announced a content partnership with TBS and TNT that will yield the animated series Storyville and Think B.I.G., a scripted series based loosely on the life and lyrics of the late Notorious B.I.G.

"At Universal Music Group, we are creating new opportunities for our artists and labels to forge deeper relationships with fans around the world through music, film, television, video, social media and brand sponsorships," Anthony explained. "Working with Mass Appeal, we will be able to accelerate that strategy. I'm honored to join Mass Appeal's board and I'm looking forward to working closely together on many future projects."

Said Mass Appeal CEO Peter Bittenbender, "Together, UMG and Mass Appeal will create iconic, globally impactful content, and we couldn't be more excited to get to work."