After recently winning album of the year at the 2020 Soul Train Awards, Summer Walker looks to take the next step in her career, this time as a budding executive. Today (Dec. 9), Billboard exclusively reports that Walker will launch her new imprint Ghetto Earth Records in a joint venture deal with Interscope Records. 

“I came up with Ghetto Earth because earth is ghetto,” Walker tells Billboard in a statement. “I don’t wanna be controlling over my artist’s music. I want them to be fully involved in everything they put out. I’m just here to support and help them get to wherever it is they’re trying to go in life.” 

Walker’s first signee is burgeoning singer/songwriter NO1-NOAH. NO1 shined on Walker’s standout records “SWV” and “White Tee,” which both reside on her latest EP, Life on Earth. 

“I’m excited to show people my music and what I have to offer,” says NO1. “I feel like being on Summer’s team, Ghetto Earth Records, is the right home for me to be as creative as possible as an artist. She’s really understanding of what a true artist is, as she is one herself. I’m free to create here, and it’s always a great feeling as an artist to be able to make music for a team that gets the sound that you’re trying to create.”

Interscope is equally thrilled to have Walker stepping into the executive role after delivering her debut platinum album Over It last year.

“Summer is a true visionary. “She’s writing her own rules as one of the most talented artists in R&B music today and is now adding entrepreneur to her vast repertoire,” says Interscope Records Nicole Wyskoarko, EVP/Co-Head of A&R. “Summer brings an unapologetically outspoken and empowering voice to Ghetto Earth and a radically different and much-needed perspective to developing emerging talent such as NO1-NOAH. We are thrilled that Summer has chosen Interscope as Ghetto Earth’s partner and home.”