Elba’s music company, 7Wallace, has joined forces with Mass Appeal Records, the label linked to Nas. The deal was announced on March 5 and will see the two groups work together on music releases and artist promotion.
The partnership will allow both companies to share projects and distribute music across the two markets. It also aims to give artists from each side of the Atlantic a wider audience.
7Wallace began in 2015 as a creative platform for Elba’s own music and film projects. Over time, the company grew to support other artists, including British rapper Che Lingo.
One of the biggest projects connected to the partnership came earlier this year. The companies worked together on Victory, the first album in 26 years from hip-hop pioneer Slick Rick. The record featured a guest appearance by UK grime star Giggs and production from Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest.
The album also inspired a short film called Victory (The Film). The 30-minute project included an appearance by Nas and was screened at the Tribeca Film Festival and SXSW.
Rachel Prager, head of music at 7Wallace, said the new deal is built on shared values between the two teams.
“We have a shared respect for rap culture, for legacy, and for doing things with integrity – which makes them the right partner as we enter this new era,” she said. “Every release in this next phase is intentional; we will honour the foundation and longevity created by our UK rap pioneers, while also capturing the raw, grassroots energy of the scene. We’re investing in artists who shape culture.”
The move also brings new leadership to the company. Music executive Char Grant has joined 7Wallace as A&R director.
Mass Appeal Records, launched in 2014, has released music from major hip-hop acts including De La Soul, Ghostface Killah, Mobb Deep and Nas himself.
Peter Bittenbender, chief executive of Mass Appeal, said the companies already saw success working together on Slick Rick’s recent project.
“Working with Idris and the 7Wallace team on Slick Rick’s VICTORY was an amazing experience and a powerful example of what can happen when there’s true creative alignment,” he said. “The collaboration reflected a shared commitment to honoring hip-hop legacy while presenting it on a global stage.”
With the new agreement, both sides say they want to support more artists and bring new music projects to fans around the world.