June 18, 2009

By By Ed Christman, N.Y.

Primary Wave Music Publishing and Marketing has entered into a joint venture with record industry veteran Phillana Williams, the former head of urban marketing at Arista Records and Island/Def Jam, to begin a new urban artist management company.

Williams, who in the past has worked with Outkast, Usher, Pink, Kanye West, Neyo, Ciara, Young Jeezy, Anthony Hamilton, and TLC, Rick Ross, currently has five active artists currently under management on her TPF roster including Estelle, Tiffany Evans, Jaicko, Vistoso Bosses and Diamond (formerly of "Crime Mob").

"Phillana is an exceptionally talented manager with a rare ability to generate significant opportunities for her clients while keeping the creative aspects of the opportunities tasteful," said Primary Wave partner and CEO Lawrence Mestel. "By leveraging our relationships with key players in the music, television, motion picture and advertising industries, Primary Wave will be able to add significant value to the artists signed to the new joint venture."

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