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CJ E&M takes over Paloalto’s hip-hop label

By Suk Gee-hyun

  • Published : Oct 18, 2015 - 11:26
  • Updated : Oct 18, 2015 - 11:26

CJ E&M, one of Korea’s leading entertainment firms, has acquired hip-hop label Hi-Lite Records, the conglomerate said on Friday.

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(Hi-Lite Records)

Founded by popular Korean rapper Paloalto in 2010, Hi-Lite Records is home to some of the influential rappers of the country’s underground scene -- including Huckleberry P, Reddy, Okasian, B-Free and Evo.

The takeover comes amid the broadcaster gaining more viewers through hip-hop audition programs such as “Show Me the Money” and “Unpretty Rapstar.”

CJ officials said the company will provide the label assistance in funding, marketing and expanding global network, allowing it to solely focus on music.

“More musical genres are being recognized and accepted by the masses than the past. Taking this into account, we’re at a critical point for a change, to seek diversification in genres,” CJ E&M music department head Ahn Suk-joon said in a press release.

“We hope that labels like Hi-Lite Records will lead the Korean music market’s diversification in the future,” he added.


By Suk Gee-hyun (monicasuk@heraldcorp.com)

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