“J has consistently managed to combine a natural A&R background with futuristic entrepreneurial flair,” Stringer said. “We have wanted to work with him for a long time so we are excited to have his label and expertise at The Orchard and a wider role within the core Sony Music company as a double step forward together.”
Erving launched Human Re Sources in 2017 with the aim to focus on a small roster of up-and-coming talent, emphasizing quality over quantity. Early on, the company helped launch artists like “Rubbin Off the Paint” rapper YBN Nahmir and YBN Cordae, and has since signed acts like Baby Rose and Pink Sweat$.
Carter officially launched his music and technology company Q&A in April 2019 as a merger with Human Re Sources. Based in Los Angeles, Q&A provides distribution, management, label services and data analytics for artists. Carter and Erving formerly worked together at Carter’s Atom Factory artist management company, where Erving had served as co-president.
“Since founding the company in 2017, I’ve made it my mission to seek quality over quantity, thereby establishing Human Re Sources as a formidable independent powerhouse of talent development,” Erving added. “I am proud of what we’ve built and look forward to continuing to sign artists we truly care about in conjunction with our new partners at The Orchard. Our goal from the onset was to move culture. This partnership is a win for the culture. I am looking forward to this next chapter.”
With the sale of Human Re Sources, Q&A splits off as a separate company, and Carter remains at the helm as CEO.
“Today marks another bittersweet and historic moment in my 21-year friendship and partnership with J Erving,” Carter said. “Brad Navin and Rob Stringer’s passion for the Human Re Sources roster made it the right home for the future of the brand. The HRS team will forever be a part of the Q&A family.”
Further details of the acquisition were not disclosed.