Independent record label Rhymesayers Entertainment is attempting to keep good on a promise made to fans to prohibit discriminatory practices, sexual harassment, domestic abuse, or sexual abuse by their current acts and prospect acts.
Back in June, the label found themselves in hot water when then acts PROF and deM atlaS were called out on allegations of sexual misconduct. The label eventually dropped both acts but quickly found themselves the targets of a call to boycott lead by former signee, Psalm One, who alleged she was called homophobic slurs and later harassment by management.
In their statement released uploaded to their website, they announced a new set of Artist Partner Standards, Artist Vetting Practices, and the launch timeline for the newly formed Fifth Element Foundation writing, “relationships with our artists have always been based on trust and an implicit understanding that we share common standards of behavior. By not explicitly making our expectations clear, having procedures in place to confirm our expectations are being met, or policy in place to address when those we work with fall short we’ve failed to bring our impact in alignment with our intention.”
Adding, “…we’re developing the protocol for following up on reports of misconduct by artists and their essential personnel, that we become aware of, in ways that center survivors.”
The artist vetting procedure includes four key steps of which the most notable being hiring “a third party will research prospective artists red-flagging domestic violence, sexual violence, and discriminatory behavior” as well as a “comprehensive review of the social media and online presence of the artist and their essential personnel”.
The artist partners standard pillars include the four ideologies; be responsible, be principled, be authentic, and be intentional.
To review the full statement, click HERE or head over to Rhymesayers Entertainment’s official website.
