On Monday (May 2), Ty Dolla $ign took his first steps as an executive after Motown Records announced a joint venture with his burgeoning label EZMNY Records. Under the announcement, Ty also unveiled his first signee, Grammy Award nominee songwriter and producer Leon Thomas.
“Leon’s talent was just a higher level from every other singer or producer that I was hearing, and the fact that he was doing everything himself from playing bass to working Logic and Pro Tools [was amazing],” Ty tells Billboard. “From the first song I heard, I knew he was one of them ones.”
Motown CEO/chairwoman Ethiopia Habtemariam had effusive praise for Ty, exclaiming how he “has had [a] constant presence in pop, rap, and R&B, whether on his own records or behind the scenes for over a decade, and we’re excited to be a part of his musical journey. As a prolific songwriter, producer, and all-around creative, Ty is a craftsman who continues to showcase new depths of his artistry. We’re looking forward to this partnership with EZMNY Records and presenting their first artist Leon Thomas.”
Adds Motown Records vp of A&R Shawn Barron: “Cementing this partnership with my longtime friend Ty is a dream come true. We’ve created so many huge moments together and are on the verge of even more with Leon and his incredible talent.”
Thomas has an extensive resume, as he previously worked with Post Malone, Ariana Grande, Drake, Chris Brown, and more. He released his debut EP, titled Genesis, on the artist front in 2018. He expects to drop new music this spring.
