WARNER CHAPPELL SWATHES ITSELF IN VERSACE

Warner Chappell Music has inked a global pub deal with Jay Versace, best known for his collaborations with SZA, Doja Cat and Summer Walker, among others. As you'll note in the background, Jay's name is spelled out in balloons, a sign of enormous respect in the publishing world.

Versace, whose real name is Jahil Gunter, got his start creating comedy content on the late, great app Vine before pivoting to beatmaking in 2018. Since then, he's produced notable tracks for Tyler, The Creator, Lil Yachty and Westside Gunn while also working on Doja Cat's Scarlet, SZA's SOS and Walker's CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE EP, the latter two nominated for Grammys.

"With his innate instincts and unique approach, he's quickly become a sought-after hitmaker," WCM Senior Director of A&R Cate Wright said of Versace, pictured above between WCM co-Chair/COO Carianne Marshall, Wright, attorney Motisola Zulu and WCM President, North America Ryan Press. "There's no question that Jay is an incredible producer, but it's his ability to connect with artists, form lasting relationships and cultivate projects that leads to hits."

"I'm excited to start this new journey with such a wholesome team of people," added Versace, who quickly pressed "delete" on the demos the HITS staff had emailed him. "And big thank-you to Motisola and everyone who helped me get settled with the Warner team! Very honored to work among such talented and inspiring creatives."