Raphael Saadiq Inks Deal With Forward Artist Management

Raphael Saadiq has signed with Tyler Childs at Forward Artist Management, the management company announced Monday.

The Grammy-winning and Oscar-nominated producer and singer-songwriter is a member of the American soul/R&B band, Tony! Toni! Toné!, with whom he recently went on tour for the first time in 25 years.

Saadiq co-wrote and produced both of Beyoncé’s latest country singles, “16 Carriages” and “Texas Hold ‘Em,” the latter of which is currently the No. 1 song in the United States. He shares additional co-writing and production credits on music for Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Usher, Erykah Badu, Mary J. Blige and Solange. As a solo act, Saadiq’s last release was the album, “Jimmy Lee.”

“Raphael is one of one,” said Childs in a statement shared with Variety. “He’s been making history, creating some of the biggest musical moments of the last 30 years. He continues to write and rewrite the playbook on what an elite artist, producer, songwriter and creative is.”

Childs, who previously served as VP of A&R/creative at Sony ATV Music Publishing, also manages RZA and the Wu-Tang Clan. Other artists managed by Forward Artist Management include Benjamin Booker (managed by Jacob Greene), Tyler Cole, and Sarah Cothran.

+ Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has signed a global publishing deal with singer-songwriter and “Yellowstone” star, Luke Grimes in partnership with Range Media Partners.

His debut song “No Horse To Ride” was featured in the mid-season series’ finale last year and peaked at No. 7 on Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales chart. Grimes will be releasing his highly anticipated self-titled debut album, produced by Dave Cobb, on March 8 via UMG Nashville’s Capitol Records.

“When you meet Luke you quickly realize his deep love for creating music,” said Ben Vaughn, President and CEO of Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “We’ve been so impressed with how he has formed strong creative relationships with other amazing writers and his commitment to country music. Everyone at Warner Chappell is beyond honored that he has chosen us to represent his songs.”

Grimes said, “Writing songs has become one of the most fulfilling things in my life. To now be able to do it in Nashville with some of the greatest to ever do it is a beyond a dream come true. Warner Chappell has been incredibly helpful getting me started on this journey and I’m honored to officially become a part of their family. Big thanks to Ben and Jessi and the rest of the team. It means the world.”

+ Josh Reich has been promoted to senior VP of Top 40 promotion for Warner Records.

In his newly expanded position, Reich will lead the pop promotion department in all aspects of day-to-day operations, implementing strategy and promoting singles to 170 Pop radio reporters. Since joining Warner Records in 2011, he has worked closely with breakthrough artists such as Dua Lipa, Benson Boone, Bebe Rexha, Teddy Swims, Jason Derulo, David Guetta and more. Based in Chicago, he reports directly to Executive VP of Promotion and Commerce, Mike Chester.

Reich joined A&M Records as a promotion assistant, and in 2003, he moved to RCA Records as associate director of promotion and was named director of national Top 40 promotion in 2006. Over the last 13 years, Reich has played an integral role in supporting Warner Records’ artists, most recently as VP of Top 40 promotion and digital strategy. He holds a BA in Economics from the University of Iowa.