Creative Artists Agency has signed some of the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B following its hiring of agents Caroline Yim and Zach Iser, the agency has confirmed to Billboard.
On Friday (April 6), CAA announced it had signed SZA, Future, Anderson .Paak, Daniel Caesar, Rae Sremmurd, ScHoolboy Q, Jhené Aiko, Kehlani, The Internetand Willow Smith. The signings further solidify CAA's position as a powerhouse in urban touring with a deep roster that includes Beyonce, Kanye West, A$AP Rockyand Cardi B.
“Caroline and Zach have built an incredibly dynamic roster of artists,” says CAA head of music and managing partner Rob Light. “This is a testament to their exceptional ability to identify and develop emerging talent, as well as their deep understanding of the urban music landscape. They are a terrific addition to the CAA team as we continue to expand our touring business on a global basis.”
Yim tells Billboard, "We feel a personal responsibility to contribute to the incredible hip-hop, R&B and rap renaissance that is happening today. CAA shares a similar philosophy and is empowering us to reach new heights.”
The artists Yim and Iser are bringing to CAA have busy summers ahead. Anderson .Paak is playing the five city Lakeland Festival in Australia while Khelani is touring Australia, Japan and Singapore before returning stateside June 9 for LA Pride. Fresh off her five Grammy nominations including best new artist, SZA is performing at both weekends of Coachella and will be touring with Top Dawg Entertainment labelmates Kendrick Lamar and ScHoolboy Q as part of The Championship Tour.
Future is preparing for a big year after his 2017 track "Mask Off" hit No. 1 on Billboard's Rap Streaming Songs chart, with 16 songs charting in the top 10. This summer he's playing 10 festivals including Bonnaroo, FYF Fest and Outside Lands.
Rae Sremmurd will be releasing their triple-disc, 27-song album Sremmlife 3 with producer Mike WiLL Made-It later this month and includes "Chanel" featuring Pharrell, which dropped yesterday (April 5). The duo are touring with Childish Gambino in the Fall.
“Every day, we advocate for artists, help them achieve their dreams, and leave a lasting mark on the culture with their music and live performances,” says Iser. “Our commitment is 24/7 and we've found the perfect team to augment and amplify that cultural impact by joining Rob Light and CAA.”
Iser will work in CAA's New York office while Yim will work in the L.A. office -- the pair had previously worked at ICM. CAA's growing urban roster also includes Logic, A Tribe Called Quest, Fetty Wap, KYLE, Smino, Jorja Smith and GoldLink.
