Sony Music has acquired J. Erving’s artist distribution and services company Human Re Sources and will make it part of The Orchard. Erving will become EVP, Creative Development, for Sony Music and EVP at The Orchard.

Human Re Sources will continue to sign and develop artists directly as part of The Orchard’s suite of global offerings and tools for artists and record labels.

In the newly created role Erving is assuming, he will serve as a resource for the company’s artists and labels on various projects, providing exclusive artist development and A&R expertise. He will report to Chairman Rob Stringer.

“J. has consistently managed to combine a natural A&R background with futuristic entrepreneurial flair,” Stringer said. “We have wanted to work with him for a long time so we are excited to have his label and expertise at The Orchard and for him to have a wider role within the core Sony Music company as a double step forward together.”

Said Erving, “Since founding the company in 2017, I’ve made it my mission to seek quality over quantity ... I am proud of what we’ve built and look forward to continuing to sign artists we truly care about in conjunction with our new partners at The Orchard. Our goal from the outset has been to move culture. This partnership is a win for the culture.”

Erving will also continue to lead Human Re Sources. As EVP at The Orchard, he will report to CEO Brad Navin.

Under Erving’s leadership, Human Re Sources signed and developed artists such as YBN Nahmir, Pink Sweat$, Baby Rose and Bren Joy. Human Re Sources will bring 2Tone, Grip and Grammy nominee Ant Clemons to The Orchard.

J. Erving's deal was negotiated on his behalf by esteemed attorney Damien Granderson.

Sony Music bought Human Re Sources from Q&A, which Troy Carter, Suzy Ryoo and Erving launched in 2019.