Three prominent figures from the media and music sectors have come together to form a new autonomous media conglomerate called UPROXX Studios. will.i.am, Jarret Myer, and Rich Antoniello announced the creation of the company on April 24, which includes significant media assets such as Uproxx, HipHopDX, Dime Magazine, and other properties from Warner Music Group (WMG). UPROXX Studios has secured the exclusive license to represent WMG’s esteemed YouTube content for all United States media sales, offering a unique opportunity to incorporate household names into the company’s portfolio.
The foundation of UPROXX Studios brings together will.i.am’s AI tech company, FYI, with Jarret Myer, the creator and former CEO of UPROXX, and Rich Antoniello, the founder and former CEO of Complex Networks. The goal of the venture is to advance digital creativity through groundbreaking technology, demonstrating a commitment to fostering innovation. FYI is a productivity application powered by artificial intelligence, allowing creative individuals to collaborate on projects, communicate, and manage digital assets efficiently, including composing narratives, song lyrics, and promotional content.
will.i.am’s AI platform, FYI, will be a central tool for operations at UPROXX Studios, with the creation of AI StoryLabs focusing on brand communication. This technology is expected to have relevance in content creation, publishing, advertising, distribution, and audience consumption, appealing to brands and advertisers seeking entry into music culture. In a recent interview, will.i.am discussed the societal impact of AI, predicting a wave of transformation that will balance inequalities and allow underserved individuals to solve problems and create new industries.
UPROXX Studios’ initial projects include a performance series powered by AI, a personalized radio concept, and a social media-based tech show, showcasing the expanding opportunities of AI in marketing. will.i.am emphasized the company’s focus on innovation, stating that they are re-shaping the future of creative expression and pioneering culture. Jarret Myer, the incoming CEO of UPROXX Studios, highlighted the company’s commitment to expansion, promising significant investments in brands, teams, and experiences to benefit both creators and audiences.
Rich Antoniello, the founder of Complex Networks, brings valuable insights to his role as partner and executive chairman of UPROXX Studios. He expressed confidence in the initiative, calling it a game-changer that merges independence with the reach and resources of a major music label. Maria Weaver, the President of WMX, announced Jarret Myer’s reappointment as head of Uproxx and emphasized the successful content and advertising opportunities due to the company’s independence. Elliott Wilson, a veteran in hip-hop journalism, will serve as the editorial director for UPROXX, HipHopDX, and Dime Magazine, focusing on elevating the brands to new heights and shaping the future of media culture.
UPROXX Studios is dedicated to maintaining a media-centered initiative and is positioned to maximize the potential of its newly combined assets. This collaboration marks a potentially transformative shift in the media landscape, especially in hip-hop media, offering new ways of consuming information ethically while preserving the authenticity and influence of hip-hop culture. With a strong focus on innovation and creativity, UPROXX Studios aims to lead the way in digital media and technology, setting new standards for the industry.
