SZA SIGNS UP WITH UMPG

Jody Gerson's UMPG has inked singer/songwriter SZA, out of L.A.'s Top Dawg Entertainment camp (which of course brought us Kendrick Lamar).

After a label bidding war for SZA (pronounced "sizz-UH"), TDE chief Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith inked a JV record deal for her with Peter Edge and Tom Corson at RCA; her forthcoming full-length is titled CTRL.

Born Solána Rowe, the eclectic artist incorporates soul, pop, hip-hop, rock, "chillwave" and jazz into her songs; she's released a trio of EPs and assorted tracks, including collaborations with Chance the Rapper, Travis Scott (the lush new "Love Galore" video is here) and Lamar.

"I believe in supporting artists who can be a force for change," says Gerson. "SZA is more than a superb songwriter and artist—she’s a powerful female voice, and I truly believe she has the capacity to change the world. Voices that not only command attention but actually influence the culture are crucial, especially now. I’m proud to play a role in bringing SZA’s vision to the widest possible audience.”