Poe Boy Music Group, one of the industry’s pre-eminent independent urban entertainment companies, is home to a multifaceted and diverse range of artists, fast becoming one of the most successful labels in the industry. Elric “E-Class” Prince, the CEO and founder of Poe Boy Music Group, is best known as the man responsible for signing and helping bring Rick Ross and Flo Rida to multi-platinum succe
ss. In 1999, Poe Boy Entertainment signed local Miami rappers, Cognito, P.O.D, Rodney Cash and Jackie-O, who ultimately produced a momentous buzz and set the label in motion. Poe Boy aggressively began building relationships with other local artists and taste makers, some of whom would later become part of the label and the movement, transitioning into, Poe Boy Music Group, a now dominant force in the music industry today. By 2000, Poe Boy had a prevailing presence in the streets, clubs, major record labels, with industry insiders and had everyone asking “Who is Poe Boy?”
Poe Boy Entertainment had made a statement and had arrived through their unconventional mode of aggressive marketing and undeniable talent signing acts like P.O.D. and Cognito, whose first single ‘Big Bank’ became an instant regional hit, gaining rotation on national media outlets like BET. Strong relationships with radio stations such as 103.5 The Beat, 99 Jamz, and Power 96, set the tone for what would become the female anthem of the summer of 2003, Jackie-O’s ‘Nookie.’
After the marginal success of Jacki-O’s debut album, “Poe Little Rich Girl” and her ultimate departure from the label, Poe Boy went back to the drawing board. E-Class also took on the management role for up-and-coming Slip N Slide artist Rick Ross. The next journey for Poe Boy began with the world-wide anthem and smash hit “Hustlin,” and 2006 debut and platinum selling record, ‘Port of Miami.’ E-Class was responsible for solidifying the multi-million dollar and multi-album deal with Slip N Slide/Def Jam/Universal, despite the ensuing bidding war from various entities to claim the now A-list hip hop artist. For Poe Boy and Miami, the door was wide open. Certifying Rick Ross as the Mayor of Miami, his successful was due in part to the efforts of Poe Boy Entertainment’s staff and affiliates, as well as, a strong relationship with Slip N Slide Record (Ross’ label) and naturally through the direction of E-Class, management, genius blueprint for marketing and promotional prowess. The platinum success from the ‘Port of Miami,’ project placed Miami and Poe Boy Entertainment on the map and unequivocally, raised the level of expectations for success. Not only was E-Class craving an indelible mark on the worlds of entertainment, further gaining the respect from his peers and other key industry professionals and was recognized as the go-to, executive for his innovative ex*****on of marketing, promotion and power brokering. He gave success a new meaning for his label, his artists and management capabilities. In 2007, Poe Boy Entertainment changed its name to, Poe Boy Music Group. The change signified the growth and success of the label, while it offers more than music. The company incorporates several entities under its umbrella including recording, music publishing, artist management, television and film production, large scale printing, recording facility, marketing and advertising and much more. The Year 2007 was pivotal for Poe Boy Music Group as they also celebrated the welcoming of rapper Flo Rida to the Poe Boy Empire. Flo Rida has already garnered more accolades than most artists see in their entire career. His Poe Boy/Atlantic Records debut, ‘Mail On Sunday,’ and its explosive first single, “Low,” was a hit worldwide and the longest running number one single of 2008. With five million paid digital downloads, it was certified 5x Platinum by the RIAA, and was the most downloaded single of 2000s decade, measured by paid digital downloads. The song was named 3rd on the Billboard Hot 100 Songs of the Decade. The video has also been viewed over 52 million times on the video sharing site, YouTube. With his second studio album, R.O.O.T.S., Flo Rida broke his own record that he had set with his hit single “Low” with the album’s lead single, “Right Round”, selling a record breaking 636,000 digital copies in its first week and becoming Flo Rida’s second #1 hit. The song jumped to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Pop 100. In its second week, the song sold another 460,000 downloads, the third highest one-week record, topping the one million mark in paid downloads in just two weeks and becoming the fastest million-selling download ever in the US. It ended up staying at #1 for 6 consecutive weeks. In an industry that’s fallen victim to bubble gum lyrics and superfluous dance fads to match, Brisco, the self-proclaimed “Opa Locka Goon,” is the spokesperson the streets have been waiting for. Brisco’s gruff flow and sociopolitical commentary on his gritty, cinematic-like tales of street life were a key component in initiating interest for a joint venture with Poe Boy Music Group for his debut album, “Street Medicine,” to be released soon with Cash Money Records via Universal Music Group. Making his mark in the streets with hits like “In The Hood” featuring Lil Wayne and the Anthem “Just Know Dat”. Brisco is the next shooting star on Poe Boy’s Roster. Also signed to Poe Boy’s roster in 2008 are rising stars, Billy Blue, a gritty, true-to-life MC with whom the company entered into a joint venture deal with Interscope records via Timbaland’s Mosely Music Group and Akon’s Konvict Muzik Group. Brianna Perry, embodies today’s urban female by representing strength, passion and presence with a hood glam that young women can admire and fellas want to get next to. Consciously building up his city’s hip-hop reputation, Ghostwridah is continuing his campaign for global success with his own unique blend of hip-hop and soul that’s reminiscent of hip-hop’s golden years. With Poe Boy’s transition into the pop world, come its two latest acts, J. Randall and Kulture Shock. Future pop phenomenon J. Randall is undoubtedly the total package. A Singer, dancer, actor with influences ranging from Prince to Michael Jackson, J. Randall possesses an aura fans of all ages worldwide will been drawn to with his inventive approach to pop music, a fusion that is both cerebral and catchy. Kulture Shock is a young, hip, energetic trio that blends pop, hip hop, dance, and R&B music to create a futuristic sound that is indeed all their own. Due to unparalleled management, marketing, promotions, and publicity, these artists have only begun to tap their potential under the guise of exceptional leadership and expertise at Poe Boy Music Group. The industry continues to take sharp notice of Poe Boy’s accomplishments and the challenges it has overcome in the past 10 years, a journey that can only be described as, ground breaking and phenomenal. The label will continue to evolve and strive for unprecedented excellence, success and accomplishment. Poe Boy Music Group is here to stay and will accept nothing less than the best from its artists and executives.
