L-R: Harvey Mason Jr. of The Underdogs; Lance Freed, president of Rondor Music; Damon Thomas of The Underdogs; Kevin Hall, director of urban music, Rondor Music.
Platinum hit-making production and songwriting team Harvey Mason Jr. and Damon Thomas — known as The Underdogs — have entered into a joint venture co-publishing deal with Rondor Music. Just months after forming Underdog Entertainment, the duo’s J Records label partnership, The Underdogs expand their hit-making empire to include songwriters. The Underdogs will now sign writers to Underdog Entertainment through the two-year deal with Rondor Music, the prestigious arm of Universal Music Publishing whose catalog is home to over 60,000 songs, including some of the most popular songs of the modern era.
“We are delighted to partner with Harvey and Damon,” stated Lance Freed, president of Rondor Music. “Our mandate has always been to seek out relationships with writers who distinguish themselves as great composers. I believe this is only the beginning of a huge career for them. We are honored and grateful that they have chosen to share it with Rondor.”
“Harvey and Damon are true visionaries who are justifiably among the best writers/producers in the business,” added Kevin Hall, director of urban music for Rondor. “The Underdogs have a rare talent for writing quality records in a time where everything sounds disposable. Under this deal, Harvey and Damon will be able to expand their playing field even more, leaving their mark on an entire project instead of just a hit single here and there.”
Harvey Mason Jr. of The Underdogs said of the partnership, “We are thrilled to be working closely with Lance, Kevin and the entire team at Rondor. They have a very prestigious history and we are proud to have the opportunity to bring writers and songs that we love into this new venture.”
“Great companies are defined by great people,” continued Damon Thomas. “Underdog Music and Rondor is a very powerful partnership and we’re delighted we’ve found the right home for this co-venture. We expect a very successful future with them.”
As The Underdogs, Harvey Mason Jr. and Damon Thomas have made their mark in history working with superstar acts such as Justin Timberlake, Tyrese, Toni Braxton, Mariah Carey, Pink, B2K, Brandy, Jennifer Lopez, Luther Vandross and Brian McKnight. In less than three years, their impressive track record has quickly established them as one of the most significant and sought after production teams in pop and R&B music. The Underdogs have contributed to over 50 singles and albums that have reached Gold, Platinum, and multi-Platinum sales status, and have generated numerous Top 10 singles. Current projects for The Underdogs include the Backstreet Boys’ reunion album, and albums by Toni Braxton, Omarion and others.
For more information, go to The Underdog’s Website at www.underdogentertainment.net.
