NEW YORK, NY (Atlantic Records) - Atlantic Records has signed acclaimed Atlanta-based R&B vocalist and songwriter
Lloyd to a long-term, exclusive worldwide recording contract through a pact with Sho'Nuff Records. The creative force behind Sho'Nuff is ace producer Jazze Pha, famed for his work with Nelly, Ludacris, OutKast, Usher, T.I., Lil Wayne, Field Mob, Ciara, and many others.
Lloyd is currently at work on his Sho'Nuff/Atlantic debut, while his new single, "You," is rapidly building airplay momentum at radio stations across the country.
In announcing the signing, Atlantic Chairman/CEO Craig Kallman commented: "I am very happy to welcome Lloyd into the Atlantic family. He is an amazing singer and a gifted songwriter, with a hugely charismatic personality. Although he's only 20, Lloyd has been a recording artist for almost a decade, and it shows in the genuine soulfulness and depth of his music. He is about to come into his own as a major star, and we're thrilled to join with Sho'Nuff Records and Jazze Pha to bring Lloyd the breakthrough success he has long deserved."
"When surrounded by greatness, you're destined for it," said Lloyd. "Not only am I now in the company of my peers at Atlantic Records - with the likes of T.I., Gnarls Barkley, Juvenile, Lupe Fiasco, Trey Songz and so many others - but through Henry 'Noonie' Lee and Jazze Pha's Sho'Nuff, I'm also presented with the opportunity to create my own legacy with my company, Young Goldie Productions. We will make history. For there are only two kinds of people in this world, spectators and players. So let's play!"
"I believe that with Lloyd, we at Sho'Nuff are in a perfect world," noted Jazze Pha. "I say this because Lloyd is someone I respect and admire not only as an artist and songwriter, but as a young business person who is very in tune with the music of tomorrow. The fact that he has the sound and the look, that he can pull his records off live on stage, and that he is a real 'people person' all come together to make him an exceptional talent. Sho'Nuff!"
Born in New Orleans, Lloyd Harlin Polite Jr. moved to Atlanta with his mother and sister when he was two, following the death of his father. At the age of ten, he was recruited for the quartet N-Toon, put together by Klymaxx's Joyce Irby. Lloyd made his recording debut at 14 on their 2000 album, "TOON TIME." When the teen group disbanded, Lloyd set his sights on a solo career. His debut album, "SOUTHSIDE," was released in 2004 and featured the hit title track - a duet with Ashanti - and "Hey Young Girl." Since then, Lloyd has been featured on singles by Ja Rule ("Caught Up") and Tango Redd ("Let's Cheat").