Three-time Grammy winner Ne-Yo is turning his attention to Asia’s next generation of artists — and he’s doing it alongside a familiar face in the region’s hip-hop scene, MC Jin.
The singer-songwriter has partnered with Jin, Indian music star Sonu Nigam and veteran music executive Jonathan Serbin to launch a new entertainment company focused on the Asian market.
The venture, called Pacific Music Group (PMG), will be headquartered in Hong Kong and aims to discover and develop Asian artists with global potential.
For Ne-Yo, the project goes beyond business.
“Pacific Music Group isn’t just a business move for me — it’s a personal mission,” he said. “Through touring across Asia, I’ve witnessed the rapid evolution of the region’s music scene. As someone with Chinese heritage, I want to help discover the next pan-Asian superstars and bring the richness of Asian culture to the global stage.”
PMG plans to operate several genre-focused labels spanning pop, R&B, hip-hop and electronic music, while producing content tailored to the diverse musical identities across Asia. The company also hopes to serve as a bridge between markets — helping Asian artists reach international audiences while giving Western musicians a pathway into Asia.
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Ne-Yo is widely known for his own chart-topping hits, but he has also built a formidable career behind the scenes as a songwriter and producer. His credits include major songs for artists such as Rihanna, Beyoncé and Jennifer Hudson.
Meanwhile, MC Jin will lead PMG’s hip-hop division. The Chinese American rapper first rose to prominence through his freestyle performances on BET’s 106 & Park segment “Freestyle Fridays,” becoming one of the show’s most memorable champions.
In 2002, Jin made history as the first Asian American solo hip-hop artist to sign with a major US record label when he joined Ruff Ryders Entertainment.
“The global influence of hip-hop is undeniable,” MC Jin said. “Asia is home to many artists with unique stories and styles. Through this platform, they’ll be able to connect with the world while staying true to their cultural identity.”
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Nigam, one of India’s most recognisable singers, has spent more than two decades shaping the country’s film and pop music industries and remains among the nation’s most streamed artists.
“Artists from India also want to connect with the wider world beyond borders,” Nigam said. “Pacific Music Group will help them grow and reach global audiences.”
Serbin brings more than 25 years of experience in music and media to the venture. Previously co-president of Warner Music Asia, he oversaw operations across 11 markets and helped launch the company’s first dedicated K-pop label while signing numerous artists across the region.
“Asia is one of the most dynamic regions in the global music industry,” Serbin said. “Each of the founders has experienced international success as an artist, and they understand what it takes to build a global music career.”
