American King Music

American King Music is an American record label founded by Shawn Mims in 2006. It acts as a subsidiary of the Universal Music Group and is primarily distributed through Geffen Records.

History
American King Music was founded in 2006 by New York rapper Mims along with his business partners Corey Llewellyn and Erik Mendelson. Securing a record deal was difficult for Mims in his early years. A lack of demand for New York artists resulted in Mims being turned down by Bad Boy Records, Atlantic Records, and Interscope Records. Upon touring with Method Man in 2003, an opportunity with Def Jam Recordings came about but did not meet initial expectations.

In early 2006, Mims decided the best way for him to distribute his material would be through his own label. He along with his business partners decided to open the label which would be utilized throughout his career. The label made connections with Blackout Movement production team and The Untouchable DJ Drastic.

Mims searched for a legitimate distribution deal amongst various labels. A business opportunity presented itself with Urban Box Office although the label shut down shortly after paperwork was finalized. Koch Records then took interest in Mims although nothing would materialize as a result of the recognition.

In late 2006, Mims released "This Is Why I'm Hot," which earned the label a distribution deal for Mims' music through Capitol Records. The label signed rapper Seed and alternative group Purple Popcorn which were the first to be featured on Mims' debut project, Music Is My Savior. This album was released in the first quarter of 2007. The following project was Seed's debut album, Dirty Urine, in June. Although Mims obtained a number one single, neither of these albums would be commercially successful. Mims went on to sign a frequent collaborator, Ava Denera. Her second solo project, Set It Off Vol. 2 album was released in August of 2007.

The label became involved in a minor fued with J-Hood and his On Da Grind camp. After the rapper made slanderous comments about Mims. Rumors of a feud between American King Music and 50 Cent's G-Unit Records camp followed but were confirmed as false media reports.

The label would go on to sign southern acts 2 Pistols and Black Heff followed by Kimberly Hall and New York rapper Class The King. Class The King is childhood friend of Mims.

The label launched their own production team in 2007. They would also sign R&B acts Prince Ty & Jason Derulo.

In January 2008, American King Music reached an exclusive distribution deal with Universal Music Group's Geffen Records leaving their original distributor, Capitol Records.

In February 2008, flagship artist Mims released "Amount To Nothin'," which is speculated to be the first single from his second album, The Autobiography. Class The King has also released his debut single "Nickname."

The first release as part of the Geffen label deal will be 2 Pistols Death Before Dishonor, which is to be followed by Mims' second album.

Jason Derulo has released his emphasis single along side labelmate Mims entitled "Cyber Love." His album is due later this year.

Artists

 * 2 Pistols
 * Ava Denera
 * Bad Seed
 * Black Heff
 * Class The King
 * Jason Derulo
 * Kimberly Hall
 * Mims
 * Prince Ty
 * Purple Popcorn
 * The Untouchable DJ Drastic

Personnel

 * Black
 * Brendan Yearwood
 * Christian Fields
 * Corey Llewellyn
 * Daniel M. Johnson
 * Erik Mendelson
 * G.P.
 * Ryan McDonnell
 * Shawn Mims (CEO)
 * Sincere

Producers

 * Blackout Movement

Albums

 * Music Is My Savior by Mims
 * Released: March 27, 2007
 * Promotional Label: American King Music
 * Distributing Label: Capitol Records
 * Singles: "This Is Why I'm Hot," "Like This," "Just Like That," "Without You"


 * Dirty Urine by Bad Seed
 * Released: June 2007
 * Promotional Label: American King Music
 * Distributing Label: Capitol Records
 * Singles: "Daddy" feat. Mims, "Precious" feat. Mims


 * Set It Off Vol. 2 by Ava Denera
 * Released: August 2007
 * Promotional Label: American King
 * Distributing Label: Capitol Records
 * Single: "Who Want It" feat. Mims

Upcoming Releases

 * The Autobiography' by Mims
 * Released: June 2008
 * Promotional Label: American King Music
 * Distributing Label: Geffen Records
 * Singles: "Amount To Nothin'," "Clap That"


 * Death Before Dishonor by 2 Pistols
 * Released: August 2008
 * Promotional Label: American King Music
 * Distributing Label: Geffen Records
 * Singles: "She Got It" feat. T-Pain


 * Brooklyn Story by Class The King
 * Released: October 2008
 * Promotional Label: American King Music
 * Distributing Label: Geffen Records
 * Singles: "Nickname" feat. Mims


 * Untitled by Bad Seed
 * Released: October 2008
 * Promotional Label: American King Music
 * Distributing Label: Geffen Records
 * Singles: "Precious" feat. Mims


 * Kimi by Kimberly Hall
 * Released: October 2008
 * Promotional Label: American King Music
 * Distributing Label: Geffen Records
 * Singles: "If Only"


 * R N B Touch by Jason Derulo
 * Released: November 2008
 * Promotional Label: American King Music
 * Distributing Label: Geffen Records
 * Singles: "Cyber Love" feat. Mims

Affiliated Labels

 * Aftermath Entertainment
 * Bad Boy Records
 * Geffen Records
 * Konvict Muzik
 * Terror Squad Entertainment
 * Murder Inc. Records