Warner Records has launched a strategic partnership with BPG Music, founded by veteran execs Gee Roberson and Jean Nelson. BPG will focus on providing a gateway for young black artists and entrepreneurs looking to expand their reach with a major label, while retaining their creative autonomy. Along with their roles as CEOs, Roberson and Nelson will serve as advisors to Warner.

The new pact begins with bringing rising acts Erica Banks and David Sabastian into the Warner family.

"We’re thrilled to be partnering with Gee and Jean on this forward-thinking partnership," said Warner Records Co-Chairman & CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck and Co-Chairman & COO Tom Corson. "This fresh business model charts new territory in the relationship between original talent and the major label ecosphere. They’ve already brought us two amazing artists in Erica Banks and David Sabastian, with whom we have very different, specially tailored deals, and we’re looking forward to collaborating on many more exciting projects."

Roberson and Nelson commented, "Our goal at BPG/Warner is to discover, mentor, and grow the next generation of musical and cultural innovators and disruptors. Aaron, Tom and the outstanding new team at Warner Records are the perfect partners for us to realize BPG’s unconventional vision."

The force behind the viral "Buss It," Banks exemplifies the power of the BPG/Warner launchpad. She was discovered and signed by 1501 Certified Entertainment CEO and former MLB all-star Carl Crawford. 1501—also home to Megan Thee Stallion—was looking for a major label to partner with when Roberson stepped in and connected Crawford and J. Prince to Warner. It's currently the most popular sound on TikTok with over 4.5m videos created and was most-added at Rhythmic radio two weeks ago.

This new partnership also brings multi-faceted rapper, designer, activist, artist, and educator David Sabastian into the Warner fold. He brings his label, Believe In Yourself Records, under the BPG/Warner umbrella.

From working with Jay-Z at Roc-A-Fella to being a founding Partner at Maverick, Roberson has played a key role in the careers of Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Drake, Nicki Minaj and Lil Nas X, among others. He serves as CEO of BPG and co-CEO of The Blueprint Group.

Nelson started his career under the tutelage of Diddy and held A&R titles at Atlantic and Geffen. He will be co-CEO of BPG.