Puerto Rican phenom Ozuna has signed a new deal with EMPIRE Publishing. Under the terms of the new agreement, the reggaeton artist will have all future works administered by EMPIRE worldwide. He will also receive other additional services from the company, including creative and synch.
EMPIRE CEO/founder Ghazi announced the deal on stage during a live taping of On the Record, Billboard’s music business podcast, filmed at Latin Music Week in Miami. In conversation, Ghazi noted that he has been close with Ozuna’s lawyer for years and has long wanted to work with the star.
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The full interview with Ghazi, dissecting the globalization of music listening in the U.S., will be posted Wednesday afternoon (Oct. 21) on all podcast platforms.
The EMPIRE deal marks a notable shift for Ozuna. Previously, the artist and songwriter had been signed to Kobalt for publishing administration — a relationship which began in 2017 when Ozuna was still just releasing singles. Billboard reported in 2020 that Ozuna opted to re-up his deal with Kobalt on the heels of the his album ENOC, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart.
His new allegiance with EMPIRE is part of the Bay Area-based company’s overall commitment to Latin music, which began with its movement into reggaeton in 2011. Since then, the company has amassed a stable of Latin talents including Natalia Jimenez, Jay Wheeler, Zhamira, CONEP, Luis Enrique, Darkiel, Grupo Hacendado, Mxka, Toni Lozano and more and has staffed up in major Latin countries across Central and South America.
“Ozuna is one of the defining artists of his generation and a true icon of Latin music. We’re honored to welcome him to the EMPIRE family,” said Ghazi about the deal.
“Ozuna is one of the most influential artists and songwriters in Latin music, helping shape its sound over the past decade. We’re proud to welcome him to EMPIRE Publishing and excited to be part of this next chapter as he continues to create music that reaches audiences worldwide,” Vinny Kumar, president of EMPIRE Publishing said in a statement about the deal.