Multi-platinum
producer Jonathan "J.R." Rotem has entered into a deal with Epic Records
and is launching his own record label, Beluga Heights, which will be run out of
Rotem’s Chalice Recording Studios in Los Angeles, California. Rotem,
who produced Rihanna’s #1 Billboard single "S.O.S.," Rick Ross’ "Push
It" 50 Cent and Olivia’s "Best Friend" and the titled track to
Game’s album Doctor’s Advocate. Recently
Rotem produced tracks for the likes of 50 Cent, Lil’ Kim, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre
and Britney Spears. "I
think I have the ability to both make hits and help make artists," Rotem
said in a statement. "I don’t want to overstate things, but I’m very excited
about my forthcoming work."The
first artist signed to the Beluga Heights is 16-year-old Miami-based rapper Sean
Kingston, who is in the studio with Rotem working on his debut album."The
deal was designed so that J.R.’s relationship to Epic will be what Dre’s relationship
is to Interscope. He’ll be the musical ear and face of the label," said J.R.’s
manager Zach Katz who is co-owner and CEO of the label.