Slip N Slide Signs Jagged Edge; Ted Lucas Says It Marks a New Direction for the Label

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via myspace.com/jaggededge

Jagged Edge

Slip N Slide Records announced earlier this week that the label had signed Jagged Edge, the Atlanta-based R&B group that clubgoers probably best remember for the 2001 hit "Where the Party At." Of course at first glance, that's a wise business decision for any independent label -- Jagged Edge's last five albums have all charted in the top ten.

But it definitely signals a change for Slip N Slide, which, up to now, has largely focused on developing new artists (rather than signing established ones), and especially those from around South Florida. SNS head Ted Lucas says it's part of his new plan for the label.

"We've been able to brand ourselves as the number-one independent label in the country," he says, "so now we're aiming to be one of the majors. Being able to build your roster and sell more records in this economy is a blessing, so now we're going to go into all genres of music -- we're also working on gospel and rock and roll."

Slip N Slide definitely still reps Miami, he says, but new artists could hail from anywhere. "I love Miami, but we're not gonna put ourselves in a box anymore," he says. "An artist could be from the UK, I don't care. Wherever the good music is, that's what we're signing."

But besides branching out musically, Lucas also aims to turn SNS into a "full-fledged entertainment company." To that end, he says, Slip N Slide will also be sponsoring MMA fighters and putting on concerts. A Slip N Slide package tour is in the works, featuring the label's biggest stars -- Rick Ross, Plies, Trina, and now, Jagged Edge -- as well as up-and-comers like Shonie, Qwote, Atiba, Drew Sidora, and Swayze Baby.

Lucas promises more details on these projects "as soon as the ink dries." Stay tuned to Crossfade for updates.