Sylvia Rhone's Epic Joint Venture Officially Announced: Vested in Culture

Nearly a year after the partnership was announced, Sylvia Rhone's joint venture with Epic has a name -- Vested in Culture -- and a slate of first releases. The announcement was made today by Sony Music Entertainment CEO Doug Morris, Epic Chairman/CEO L.A. Reid, and Rhone. As Chairman of VIC, Rhone will report to Reid and oversee the day-to-day operations of the New York-based label.

The label's first releases will be the debut from Latin pop star Kat Dahlia, followed by a new album from indie pop duo Quadron and the debut LP from R&B singer-songwriter Deon Young. Other artists on the roster include pop singer-songwriter Sebastian Mikael and Los Angeles rappers Casey Veggies and Cashius Green.

While many expected Rhone to restart the Portrait imprint through Epic, the new venture's name was not confirmed until today. Reid and worked together for many years under current Sony Music head Doug Morris at Universal; she left her post at the helm of Universal Motown in May of 2011, a few months after Morris joined Sony. She previously worked with Morris for many years at Warner Music, ultimately rising to Chairman/CEO of the Elektra Entertainment Group.

"Sylvia is one the most talented and gifted creative executives in the industry," Morris said in a statement. "She is a proven success who time-and-again has displayed a special understanding of how to inspire great artistry and develop hits. We are excited to be working with her on this new venture, and we are proud to call her a member of the Sony Music family." 

"It gives me great pleasure to work alongside the most successful female record executive of all time," remarked Reid. "She has taste, style, vision and she has my complete support."

"The partnership between Vested in Culture and Epic Records marks an exciting new chapter in my career," stated Rhone. "I have a tremendous amount of respect for Doug Morris and L.A. Reid, and couldn't ask to work with better music men than them. I look forward to building a great label and being a part of their continued success."