The sheer number of artist signings announced on a weekly basis makes it difficult to keep up, no matter how closely you pay attention to the industry news cycle. That’s why every other Tuesday, Billboard compiles the latest signings to labels, distributors, agencies, management companies and more, in an effort to provide a snapshot of the latest moves in the artist space, from household names to indie stars to emerging acts.
To start this week, label and management company XOXO Entertainment signed Grammy-winning R&B group Blackstreet. Since 2014, the group’s lineup has featured original members Chauncey “Black” Hannibal and Levi Little, along with Mark Middleton and Eric Williams.
A press release indicates that announcements regarding new music and performances from the group are forthcoming.
“We are beyond excited to partner with Blackstreet,” said XOXO president Adam H. Hurstfield in a statement. “As some of the greatest architects of that legendary 90’s RnB sound, their music shaped the soundtrack of our lives, defined an era, and left an unmistakable imprint on global culture. Around the world, fans have been yearning for that authentic feeling again, and at XOXO Entertainment, we are devoted to bringing it back, side by side with the very legends who created it. We are honored to help amplify Blackstreet’s iconic legacy into this exciting new chapter.”
In its own statement, Blackstreet added that the group “has always stood for timeless music, true artistry, excellence, and evolution. Partnering with XOXO Entertainment feels like the perfect alignment; where vision, passion, and creativity meet. As a group, we’re excited and honored to join forces with a team that shares our energy and commitment to taking BLACKSTREET into a new era. This partnership is powerful, and together we’re ready to create moments the world will remember. This next chapter will be iconic.”
Blackstreet scored a Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit in 1996 with “No Diggity” featuring Dr. Dre, which spent four weeks at the chart’s summit. It also enjoyed success with tracks including “Before I Let You Go” and “Take Me There.”
Check out more of the latest artist signings below.
B2K (BPC Music Group)
BPC Music Group, the label recently launched by Black Promoters Collective co-founders Gary Guidry and Troy Brown, signed R&B group B2K, which is preparing to release its first new album in more than 20 years. Composed of Omarion, J-Boog, Raz-B and Lil Fizz, B2K scored a Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit in 2003 with “Bump, Bump, Bump” and is also known for tracks including “Girlfriend,” “Gots Ta Be” and “Uh Huh.” The new album is slated for release on Feb. 13 and will be followed by a tour.
“Every so often, true innovation, collaboration and ownership breaks through the noise, and I’m proud that B2K and BPC are standing at the front of that shift,” said Omarion in a statement. “Partnering with a team that shares our vision and intentions makes anything possible in this game. Huge love to [B2K manager] Jeanine McLean for being instrumental in this moment. We’re locked in, we’re energized, and we can’t wait to deliver this next chapter of music to the world.”
“Our mission at BPC has always been about creating opportunities for Black creatives to thrive,” added Guidry, who serves as CEO of BPC Music Group. “Signing B2K to BPC Music Group is an exciting milestone. We believe in their vision, their influence, and the authentic relationship they bring to the culture.”
Switchfoot (By Design)
Grammy-winning rock band Switchfoot signed a label deal with By Design, in partnership with BMG. The group is known for such mid-aughts hits as “Dare You to Move,” “Meant to Live” and “Stars.” The roster at By Design — launched in October by Josh Bailey, Jeremy Holley, Rod Riley and Josh Thompson — also includes Frankie Ballard, Zoe Levert, Alex Jude and barlow.
Vana (Sumerian Records)
Auckland, New Zealand-based artist Vana, whose music is described as a “unique blend of industrial alt-metal, trap and R&B,” signed to Sumerian Records, which released her latest single, “Pray,” on Nov. 19. Vana is currently on a U.S. tour that culminates with a Dec. 10 show in Raleigh, N.C.
Sammy Arriaga (The Kirby Organization)
Singer-songwriter Sammy Arriaga has partnered with The Kirby Organization for exclusive booking representation. Last month, Arriaga was named male country Latin artist of the year at the 2025 Origins Impact Awards and in October, he released the 14-track Heart in Texas LP. — Jessica Nicholson
John PayCheck (The Kirby Organization)
The Kirby Organization (TKO) also signed country singer-songwriter John PayCheck — son of “Take This Job and Shove It” singer Johnny Paycheck — to its Nashville division for booking. TKO agent Michael Kelley will focus on expanding PayCheck’s touring presence. He’s working on a new album that will be announced and released next year.
Worm (Century Media Records)
Florida-based metal band Worm signed with Century Media Records for the release of its next studio album, Necropalace; the title single was released Nov. 20. The band released its last album, Foreverglade, in 2021.
Gladie (Get Better Records)
Philadelphia-based indie rock band Gladie signed with Get Better Records and released its latest track, “Car Alarm,” on Nov. 18. The band is currently touring the U.S. with Algernon Cadwallader.
Sweet Petunia (Righteous Babe Records)
Boston indie-folk duo Sweet Petunia signed to Ani DiFranco‘s Righteous Babe Records. The first release under the deal is the track “Good Part,” which was released Nov. 19.
Dylan Triplett (Red Zero Records)
Red Zero Records, the label launched by Christone “Kingfish” Ingram in partnership with Exceleration Music, signed St. Louis-based blues and soul singer-songwriter Dylan Triplett. The label released his new single, “Can’t Run From It,” on Nov. 18 and will put out his second album next year.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.billboard.com ’
