S10 Entertainment’s Strategic Expansion Under Brandon Silverstein: Big Sean Signing and Global Partnerships

In a significant industry move, Brandon Silverstein’s S10 Entertainment has signed Grammy-nominated rapper Big Sean to its management roster. The Detroit-born artist, previously with Roc Nation for a decade, joins S10 as he prepares to release his sixth studio album, “Better Me Than You,” in August.

Big Sean expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership, stating, “Brandon shares the vision, understands where I’m headed, and I’m incredibly excited to work with him and the S10 team.” This sentiment was echoed by Silverstein, who commented, “Big Sean is an incredible talent who, even after topping charts, breaking records, winning awards and headlining across the world, is just getting started.”

The timing of this acquisition is noteworthy, following Big Sean’s recent success on the Billboard Hot 100. His feature on Eminem’s “Tobey,” alongside BabyTron, reached No. 24, marking his 55th entry on the chart. With his last three solo albums topping the Billboard 200, Big Sean brings a track record of consistent commercial success to S10’s portfolio.

Global Expansion: S10’s Partnership with Avex USA

S10 Entertainment’s growth strategy extends beyond high-profile signings. In May 2024, the company announced a strategic investment from Avex USA, a subsidiary of Japan’s leading entertainment company, Avex Inc. This partnership aims to create a unique bridge between North American and Asian markets, potentially opening new avenues for artists on both sides of the Pacific.

Naoki Osada, CEO of Avex USA, elaborated on the collaboration: “We’ve achieved a tremendous amount with Brandon in recent years, and over that time built a great trust between us. We share a lot in common with our respective companies’ DNA, and extending our partnership was a natural and organic step.”

The impact of this partnership is already evident. In July 2024, S10 and Avex USA jointly signed a co-publishing agreement with emerging music producer Kavi, showcasing their commitment to nurturing new talent alongside established stars.

S10’s Growing Influence in Music Publishing

S10’s publishing division, S10 Publishing, has been steadily building an impressive catalog. The company reports over 40 billion streams and 20 global #1 songs overall, with recent successes including work by Jasper Harris (Tate McRae’s “greedy”) and HARV (Justin Bieber’s “Peaches”).

This success in publishing complements S10’s management activities, creating a full-service entity that spans management, music publishing, record label operations, and investments. With offices in Los Angeles and New York, S10 is positioning itself as a major player in the evolving music industry landscape.

Industry analysts are closely watching S10’s rapid expansion and strategic moves. The company’s approach of combining personalized artist attention with global reach appears to be yielding significant results. However, questions remain about the long-term implications of these developments. How will the influx of international investment affect the North American music scene? Will other management companies follow suit with similar global partnerships?

As Big Sean prepares to release his new album under S10’s management, and as the Avex USA partnership continues to develop, the industry will be keenly observing Brandon Silverstein and his team. Their ability to navigate these new opportunities and challenges may well set a new standard for music management and entertainment companies in an increasingly globalized industry.