NEW YORK, NY. (Top40 Charts/ Atlantic Records) - Atlantic Records has announced details of its groundbreaking joint venture with veteran music/entertainment executive Michael Mauldin and SCREAM Star Entertainment. The first artist signed to the newly created SCREAM Star Records imprint, in association with Wyclef Jean's Carnival House Records, is the versatile young R&B sensation, Maleek.
"Maleek is an amazing triple-threat talent," says SCREAM Star Entertainment Chairman Michael Mauldin. "He represents a throwback to yesteryear, while still having the positioning, styling, and talent to lead the next movement of young superstars. Maleek celebrates his 17th birthday in October, so the timing is perfect to expose a new artist of this magnitude. We have the utmost belief in Maleek's talent and abilities and are extremely happy to have the enthusiastic support of my partner, Atlantic Chairman Craig Kallman. Maleek will soon be known as the Next Big Star of 08/09 and of the SCREAM brand."
The legendary Wyclef Jean agreed, stating, "Maleek is without a doubt one of the hottest new talents I've seen in a long time, and I'm proud to help introduce him to the rest of the world."
Talented and precocious, Jeremy "Maleek" Leggett has been in the spotlight for almost as long as he has been alive. The son of former Harlem Globetrotter Clarence "Mugsy" Leggett, the 16-year-old New Yorker first caught Mauldin's attention in 2005 while performing with his fraternal trio, 3 On 3.
Impressed by the young artist's presence and musical gifts, he invited Maleek to appear before packed-out arenas nationwide on the phenomenally successful SCREAM Tour 2007. Even among such superstars as Ciara, T-Pain, and Atlantic's own T.I., Maleek stood out, earning acclaim from fans and critics alike. A true artistic prodigy, Maleek will elevate modern R&B/soul to a new level.
A multi-dimensional artist development and entertainment brand driven by content and focused on youth ages 13-25, the Atlanta-based SCREAM Star Entertainment is dedicated to maximizing its relationship with the elusive urban teen market through interactive programs and platforms.
The jewel of SCREAM Star Entertainment's growing roster of platforms is the massively popular SCREAM Tour concert series, which has, over its seven-year run, become the definitive youth-oriented R&B/Hip-Hop annual roadshow. Featuring such bona fide superstars as Ne-Yo, Bow Wow, B2K, Chris Brown, Nick Cannon, Omarion, Atlantic's Pretty Ricky, and Bad Boy's Yung Joc, the SCREAM Tour has entertained over one million fans and counting. Most recently, SCREAMFEST '07, headlined by T.I. and Ciara, thrilled sold-out crowds in 20 markets during the summer of 2007, and featured special guest appearances by such artists as Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Kanye West, P. Diddy, R. Kelly, Nelly, and Common. Details of the upcoming SCREAM Tour Holiday Jam will be announced shortly.
In addition, SCREAM Star Entertainment will present "The Next SCREAM Star," a national talent competition searching for the best unsigned talent in the genres of Hip-Hop, R&B, and Pop. Contestants, aged 12-25, will compete for the opportunity to be seen in front of thousands as a part of the next SCREAM Tour, plus a management contract with Mauldin Brand Agency and a potential national recording contract with SCREAM Star/Atlantic Records.
Further upcoming platforms include SCREAM Star Magazine, a nationally distributed publication written and produced by teens targeted toward their teen counterparts. SCREAM Star is more than just a magazine - it is also a program to employ students while teaching valuable skills that are transferable to the workplace. More than just a guide into the lives of celebrities, SCREAM Star Magazine will provide a sound board for youth to tackle such issues as peer pressure, teen pregnancy, and other topics difficult for teens to discuss with parents.
Also in development is SCREAM Star Radio, "The Sound of Young America." Highlighted by music from the world's biggest artists, celebrity interviews, live concert feeds, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access, the 24-hour station will also feature a variety of exclusive programming, including "Brutally Honest," "The Product & The Power," and "The Def DJ Top 20 Countdown."
With more than 30 years of hands-on managerial experience within the music and entertainment arena, Michael Mauldin is regarded as a true pioneer in the successful development, management, and direction of artists, programs, and projects relating to youth culture and its lifestyle-driven platforms.
Mauldin has long been known for his advancement and expansion of the urban brand, particularly in music. Starting with Arrested Development and Kris Kross in the early 1990s, Mauldin also directed and helped foster the career of his multi-talented son, super-producer Jermaine Dupri.
From 1995-1999, Mauldin was President of Columbia Records, where he oversaw such projects as the Fugees, Maxwell, Kenny Lattimore, Wyclef Jean, Lauren Hill, and many more. In 1996, Mauldin signed two new artists who both soon became household names: Alicia Keys and Destiny's Child. Upon leaving Columbia Records, Mauldin continued to focus on youth branding by working in association with Dupri to develop the career of multi-platinum recording artist and actor, Bow Wow.
"Michael is a true renaissance man whose career has encompassed many areas," says Craig Kallman, Chairman/CEO of Atlantic Records. "His entrepreneurial spirit and depth of experience is invaluable, especially at a time when the industry is looking for ways to extend the reach of artists and music into new territories."
For up-to-the-minute news and information for SCREAM Star Entertainment, please see www.SCREAMstar.com.
