BMG has acquired hip-hop/rap label RBC Records for an undisclosed amount.

Los Angeles-based RBC is home to such artists as Chief Keef, Flippa, Waka Flocka Flame, Big L and more than 500 label releases, including Gucci Mane’s catalog.

Since its 2002 launch, RBC has also released one-off projects from a number of artists, including Tech N9ne, E-40, Run the Jewels, Goldlink, and Krayzie Bone of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.

The deal strengthens BMG’s position in the hip-hop market following recent successes from Big K.R.I.T. and Scarface and releases from Commission Music artists Lil Dicky, MadeinTYO and newcomer Derez De’Shon (Platinum single ‘Hardaway’).

The first projects slated for release under the deal include new music from Chief Keef and Flippa.

Founded by partners Brian Shafton and Ben Grossi, RBC specializes in digital marketing and distribution, also offering product management, sales, publicity, radio and video promotion, as well as creative services consulting to artists and management. RBC’s existing team will remain in their positions and continue to report to Shafton, with Shafton reporting to BMG’s EVP, Recorded Music, Tom ‘Grover’ Biery. Grossi will not be involved in RBC’s operation going forward.

Zach Katz, President, Marketing & Repertoire, BMG U.S., said in a statement, “We have an incredible amount of admiration for what Brian has been able to build and achieve independently and are very excited about what we can now go on to grow together.”

Shafton added, “BMG respects our history, took notice of our immense growth over the past couple of years, and most importantly, are fully invested in our future…By joining forces, RBC will gain tremendous synergies that will allow us unbridled growth.”

Said Grossi, “BMG understands the intrinsic value and experience RBC brings in its more than 16-year history in the hip-hop/rap game and BMG possesses a formidable machine to complement it.”

The label acquisition is BMG’s first since it bought Nashville’s BBR Music Group (Broken Bow Records, Wheelhouse Records, Stoney Creek Records) in February 2017. BMG’s recording operations also include Rise Records and S-Curve Records.