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"We're trying to create an environment where people discover music on their own, because that's more exciting than having us sell it to you. Our job is to successfully identify those records that show the traditional indicators of success and deliver them."
—Universal Records President Monte Lipman

UNIVERSAL SCORES
ACROSS THE BOARD

Five-Year-Old Company With Diverse Roster Is Hot, Hot, Hot

By Roy Trakin

What started out as Doug Morris' first post-WMG label has turned into an impressive monolith.

Once known as Rising Tide, the Universal/ Motown Records Group, which now includes Universal Records, Motown Records and such hot imprints as Cash Money (home of Juvenile and Big Tymers, among others), Republic Records, Mojo Records and Biv 10, couldn't be heating up at a better time. In fact, the label's current market share of nearly 4.6 is more than that of Atlantic, Warner Bros., Elektra or RCA.

Universal/MotownRecords Group Chairman Mel Lewinter, in the midst of his poolside idyll in the Hamptons, had us bring him a towel before commenting: "Despite the fact that Universal is just five years old, we've already achieved a level of success that is comparable to what much older companies would be experiencing. Monte [Lipman], Kedar [Massenburg] and their teams continue to break new artists and break new ground for already established artists with a drive and passion that is unmatched. I'm proud to be associated with Doug's vision, which has helped us achieve this success. Now, would you mind turning up the temperature on the Jacuzzi a bit?"

Currently, the label has a pair of albums in the Top 10—St. Lunatics rapper Nelly, whose debut album, "Country Grammar," has become Universal's first chart-topper, and Republic/Universal Mississippi rockers 3 Doors Down, now ensconced in the Top 10 with its double-Platinum album, "Better Life," and hit single, "Kryptonite."

Said Universal Records President monte lipman',390,400);">monte lipman',390,400);">Monte Lipman, whose comments were immediately translated into French: "We're lucky to have great artists and great music and know what to do with them, under GM Jean Riggins' direction. We're trying to create an environment where people discover music on their own, because that's more exciting than having us sell it to you. Our job is to successfully identify those records that show the traditional indicators of success and deliver them."

And the label is ready to do just that for some highly touted fourth-quarter releases, which also include an Elton John live greatest hits album and the soundtrack to MTV's "The Kings of Comedy" movie, whose first single is a Nelly/St. Lunatics track.

"She had more creative control on this record. It's a little different than her last one, but it still reaches the core and essence of who she is. We feel really good about it."

Other Motown releases include Rasheeda (10/10), Profyle (10/17), Sparkle (10/24) and a pair of soundtrack albums—"Bamboozled" (9/26), with Erykah, Prince, Stevie Wonder and Angie Stone, and "Men of Honor" (10/24), with Brian McKnight.

Added Lewinter: "The commitment we share to our artists in breaking their records is stronger than ever. And give my regards to that delightful Timothy White while you're at it."

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