This week, VH1 premiered a new artist competition show aimed at the hip-hop and R&B audiences. Aspiring artists from around the U.S. – with the exception of one from Haiti – came together to prove that their talented enough to be “Signed.” As with other music competition television shows, “Signed” has its own set of “judges” that include industry veterans Rick Ross (Maybach Music Group), Lenny S. (Roc Nation), and The-Dream (Radio Killa). All three come with a very extensive background in – and knowledge of – the music business, which is what makes this show a bit different from others just like it. On season 1 episode 1, a group of young talented artists met with Ross, Lenny S., and The-Dream at Patchwerk Studios, in Atlanta, GA, to showcase their talents and get prioritized for the artist development round. Three artists were chosen: Jeff Chery aka Haitian Mufasa, Bria, and King Dillion. Each were given homework assignments to record a new song or revamp the song they initially performed for Ross, Lenny S., and The-Dream. The extent of the entire season is to tests the abilities of each artist. It is up to the moguls to determine if that artist has what it takes to succeed in the music industry. In the coming weeks, viewers will see the artists go through various workshops that simulate actual experiences veteran entertainers go through (i.e. branding, live performances, songwriting under time constraints, and recording sessions with top artists like DJ Khaled and Meek Mill). All of this will lead up to a final performance. This is when the moguls decided who will be “Signed” to Roc Nation, Maybach Music Group, or Radio Killa Records. In case you missed the first episode, watch it now HERE! “Signed” airs Wednesday nights at 9/8C.
