Motown Records Signs Nick Cannon  2/3/06

Motown to Launch Cannon Imprint Can I Ball

NEW YORK, Feb. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Motown Records has signed celebrated, one-man entertainment arsenal, Nick Cannon, in a venture with the actor/musician, to be called Can I Ball/Motown Records, announced Sylvia Rhone, President of Motown, Executive Vice President of the Universal Music Group. "Nick is one of the most extraordinary, multi-talented stars in the entire entertainment business," stated Ms. Rhone. "His charismatic presence, his endless reservoir of talent, his boundless creative depth and sensitivity toward the human condition makes this a seminal signing for us. Nick's tremendous poise and business acumen also ensures the Can I Ball imprint is destined to become a vital component of the Motown legacy."

Cannon's Can I Ball/Motown debut album, Stages, featuring the first single "Dimepiece," and guest appearance by the first artist signed to his label, Izzy, is slated to be released in spring 2006. The new disc is executive produced by Cannon and Michael "Blue" Williams, and features a host of top notch producers including Kanye West and artists such as Talib Kweli, Anthony Hamilton and 112.

"I'm thrilled to be able to work with such a passionate, monumental executive like Sylvia Rhone," stated Mr. Cannon. "The new team she has put together at Motown has hit the ground running, and I'm excited to be launching this venture with such a capable and inspiring group of people who love music."

Nick Cannon's rise in the film, music and fashion business has been nothing short of meteoric. Cited by People Magazine as one of the 'Top Ten most successful young people in Hollywood' and featured on the Cover of Black Enterprises' 40 Under 40, the effusive star has been garnering accolades from all corners of the entertainment community. His combined creative endeavors, including breakthrough movie and TV roles, and his own successful multi-million dollar clothing line, have entertainment industry analysts citing him as Hollywood's next one-man power-mogul. Cannon landed his first breakthrough role on the Nickelodeon hit series All That, at only 18, and subsequently was awarded his own starring vehicle on Nickelodeon, winning his first kid's choice award for The Nick Cannon Show, which he starred, directed and executive produced.

The 2002 hit film Drumline would be the breakthrough role for Cannon, leading him to other memorable performances in films like 2003's Love Don't Cost A Thing, and others. That same year he released his own self-titled debut album, and has collaborated with a host of other musicians, such as R. Kelly, E-40, Lil Romeo and B2K on soundtracks and other projects. In 2005 he starred in the movie The Underclassmen, in which he wrote and began hosting, producing and directing his own MTV show, Nick Cannon Presents Wild'n Out, which is the networks #1 rated show.

Along with an exciting new label deal, Cannon is currently under new management. Michael "Blue" Williams, President & CEO of Family Tree Entertainment who is most recognized as the catalyst behind Outkast's career success, is now also overseeing Cannon's musical career. Williams was instrumental in negotiating Cannon's label deal with Universal Motown Group. SOURCE Motown Records

-0- 02/03/2006