Interscope Geffen A&M Records is preparing to launch a year-long initiative to provide support for HBCU institutions (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), which have played important roles in the careers of the company’s various artists and executives. For the initiative’s first phase, Interscope Records will partner with three universities — Howard University, Tennessee State University and Texas Southern University — to kick off its fall Homecoming SZN campaign.
The campaign’s centerpiece is the new Interscope album, Homecoming SZN Compilation Vol. 1. The vinyl-only project is comprised of Interscope catalog songs that evoke the spirit of HBCU homecoming celebrations plus two new tracks from rising artists. Immersive student-led pop-ups on each university will give students the opportunity to listen to the album, now available for purchase. Students will also have a chance to win concert tickets.
The album cover features custom artwork created for each of the campuses. In addition, a custom collection of Interscope merchandise, specific to each school and provided by Champion sportswear, will become available later this month. The collection includes crewnecks and T-shirts. The original vinyl artwork for each school as well as the accompanying merchandise were designed by Black multidisciplinary artist Laci Jordan.
For every item sold, Interscope will donate $3 to the corresponding university. Interscope/Universal Music Group will also develop HBCU-specific scholarships for prospective interns and mentors and additionally connect HBCU undergrads with HBCU alumni employees for fellowships. Moving forward, more Interscope Geffen A&M/HBCU activations will launch in spring 2025 and include partnerships with additional schools in the future.
In announcing the new initiative, Interscope Geffen A&M’s executive vp/head of urban marketing Laura Carter commented, “Historically Black Colleges and Universities have produced some of the most prominent figures in our country’s history. But HBCUs’ contributions to culture — especially music — have been especially profound. This is one of the many reasons why this compilation project is so important to the artists and executives at Interscope Geffen A&M Records. We want to deepen our ties with HBCUs nationwide and are excited to embark on this year-long journey.”
Charlie Coleman III, associate vp for development and alumni engagement, said, “We’re excited to showcase this partnership that reflects our commitment to student success and community engagement. The contributions from Interscope Records empower our students to pursue their dreams. Together, we’re cultivating an environment where creativity, entrepreneurship,and tradition flourish as we celebrate Texas Southern University’s 97 years of rich legacy.”
Here’s the Homecoming SZN Compilation Vol. 1 track list:
SIDE A:
“Not Like Us” — Kendrick Lamar
“TGIF” — GloRilla
“Surround Sound” — J.I.D.
“Turn My Swag On” — Soulja Boy
“No Type” — Rae Sremmurd
“Pretty Girls” — Wale
SIDE B:
“Mo Bamba” — Sheck Wes
“All the Way Turnt Up” — Roscoe Dash
“Win” – Jay Rock
“I Don’t Like” — Chief Keef
“Middle Child” — J. Cole
Interscope Geffen A&M Records is embarking on a groundbreaking year-long initiative to provide support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). These institutions have been instrumental in shaping the careers of the company’s artists and executives. The first phase of this initiative will see Interscope Records collaborating with Howard University, Tennessee State University, and Texas Southern University to launch the fall Homecoming SZN campaign.
The Homecoming SZN Campaign
The focal point of the campaign is the release of the new Interscope album, Homecoming SZN Compilation Vol. 1. This vinyl-only project features a selection of Interscope catalog songs that capture the essence of HBCU homecoming celebrations, along with two new tracks from emerging artists. To engage students, immersive pop-up events will be held at each university where students can listen to the album and purchase it. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to win concert tickets.
Custom Artwork and Merchandise
Each campus will have custom artwork featured on the album cover. Furthermore, a unique collection of Interscope merchandise, provided by Champion sportswear and tailored to each school, will be available for purchase. This collection includes crewnecks and T-shirts, with designs created by Black multidisciplinary artist Laci Jordan.
Supporting HBCUs
For every item sold, Interscope will donate $3 to the corresponding university. In addition, Interscope/Universal Music Group will establish HBCU-specific scholarships for interns and mentors, connecting current students with alumni employees for fellowships. Future activations with more HBCUs are planned for spring 2025.
Executive Comments
Laura Carter, executive vp/head of urban marketing at Interscope Geffen A&M, emphasized the importance of HBCUs in shaping cultural history, particularly in music. She expressed the company’s commitment to strengthening ties with HBCUs through initiatives like the Homecoming SZN Compilation project. Charlie Coleman III, associate vp for development and alumni engagement, highlighted the partnership’s impact on student success and community engagement at Texas Southern University.
Tracklist for Homecoming SZN Compilation Vol. 1
SIDE A:
– “Not Like Us” — Kendrick Lamar
– “TGIF” — GloRilla
– “Surround Sound” — J.I.D.
– “Turn My Swag On” — Soulja Boy
– “No Type” — Rae Sremmurd
– “Pretty Girls” — Wale
SIDE B:
– “Mo Bamba” — Sheck Wes
– “All the Way Turnt Up” — Roscoe Dash
– “Win” – Jay Rock
– “I Don’t Like” — Chief Keef
– “Middle Child” — J. Cole
FAQs
Q: What is the main focus of Interscope Geffen A&M Records’ year-long initiative?
A: The initiative aims to provide support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and strengthen ties with these institutions.
Q: How will Interscope Records support HBCUs through the Homecoming SZN campaign?
A: Interscope Records will partner with select universities, release a special album, offer custom merchandise, and donate a portion of sales to the corresponding university.
Q: What are some of the key features of the Homecoming SZN Compilation Vol. 1 album?
A: The album features a mix of Interscope catalog songs and new tracks, with custom artwork for each campus and a unique merchandise collection.
Q: How will the initiative benefit HBCU students?
A: Students will have access to scholarships, internships, mentorship opportunities, and connections with HBCU alumni employees, fostering a supportive environment for their academic and professional growth.
Credit: www.billboard.com
