We’re pleased to announce that Big Noyd (Tajuan Perry) has signed a renewal deal with The Royalty Network for his Honeycomb Hideout Music (ASCAP) catalog. The worldwide deal has been renewed for three years. Noyd first made a name for himself with several successful collaborations with Mobb Deep. He has also co-written songs appearing on albums by DJ Kay Slay and Ja Rule. Look for big things from Noyd in the future as he is currently working on an upcoming solo release.

Def Jef (Jeffrey Fortson) has inked a worldwide Administration deal with The Royalty Network. Jef and his Word Life Music (ASCAP) catalog are a welcome addition to the Network. Originally an MC, Def Jef began his career as one of the better socio-political rappers of the late 80s and early 90s. He eventually made the successful switch to production and has helped craft hits by artists such as Snoop Dogg, Tha Eastsidaz, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and Boss. In addition to his production work, Jef also served as music supervisor for the MTV show “The Lyricist Lounge.” An accomplished actor, Jef has appeared in numerous films, including “Deep Cover,” as well as TV shows such as NBC’s “Out All Night.” This multi-talented artist looks poised to continue his success.

Dennis Kellman a/k/a DK (Grown Man Music – BMI) has signed a new administration agreement with The Royalty Network covering his catalog for the world. With a solo album in the works, the future looks bright for this emerging artist.

Kousan Music (BMI) (www.hollywoodmusiccenter.com) has renewed its administration agreement with the Network. The Kousan Music catalog offers an array of world music, including the world’s leading Middle Eastern “Belly Dance” music. We look forward to the opportunity to continue working with their material.

Rapper Backbone (Jamahr Williams) recently inked a worldwide administration deal with The Royalty Network covering his Slic Flo (ASCAP) and Street Top Music (ASCAP) catalogs. An affiliate of Atlanta’s Dungeon Family collective, Backbone emerged with a solo album in the wake of high profile appearances on Outkast’s massively successful albums Aquemini and Stankonia. The album, Concrete Law, showcases Backbone’s lyrical prowess and features several guest appearances from members of the Dungeon Family. In addition to his solo work, Backbone has co-written and appeared on numerous songs by artists such as Goodie Mob, Cee-Lo, Bubba Sparxxx, Jermaine Dupri, Slimm Calhoun, and Youngbloodz. We’re pleased to welcome Backbone to the Network and expect good things from him in the future.

We’re happy to report that Damion Young a/k/a Damizza (www.damizza.com) has renewed his worldwide administration agreement with The Royalty Network for an additional two (2) years. We’ve been administering Damizza’s Baby Ree Toonz (BMI) catalog for three years and are glad to continue. Damizza has worked with a slew of high-profile artists including Shade Sheist, Knoc-Turn’al, Westside Connection, Ja Rule, Kurrupt, and Nate Dogg. We look forward to continuing our relationship with this gifted hip-hop producer.

Kenji Williams (www.kenjiwilliams.com) has signed a worldwide administration deal with The Royalty Network. A musical innovator, Kenji combines the varied elements of electronic music to create a cutting-edge sound. Classically trained in Violin since the age of 7, Kenji, producer and creator of ABA Structure, performs live ethereal violin, with a laptop and drum machine transmitting self-produced classics to the dance floor. Tracking Kenji’s musical career, from serious classical violin training, to his early influences in Detroit and European techno and house, to 4 years touring with trance group Medicine Drum, the combination of ingredients that make the sound of ABA Structure fuse into an exotic, tantalising, and intoxicating sound that can be described as progressive, psychedelic techno, tech-house, and tech-trance (for uptempo) and ambient techno, electro space dub (for downtempo). Kenji’s works are published through his Fungus Spore Publishing (BMI) catalog.

Jazz musician Steven Weingart has renewed his administration agreement with the Network.. Weingart has co-written many tracks performed by The Dave Weckl Band and continues to produce quality jazz. His works are published via his Skeewa Music (ASCAP) catalog.

Arizona punk rockers Authority Zero (www.authorityzero.com) have inked an administration agreement covering their works for the World. Formed in 1994, Authority Zero (Jason Devore – Vocals, Bill Marcks – Guitar/Vocals, Jim Wilcox – Drums, Jeremy Wood – bass/Vocals) combines the various elements of punk, ska, reggae, and more to produce their hard-driving sound. After releasing a best-selling local EP, Authority Zero hooked up with Lava Records and released their full-length debut, A Passage In Time, in 2002. Loaded with nods to musical entities as disparate as Sublime, Bad Religion, Dick Dale, and B, the album helped pave the way for extensive touring, including a stint on The Warped Tour. After the success of their first full-length release, Authority Zero hit the studio to create their next masterpiece, Andiamo. Continuing their genre-bending ways, the album again finds the band mixing disparate influences to great effect. Their unique sound has won them a dedicated fan base. Their works are published via their Authority Zero Music (BMI) catalog.