Word Records Invests In Christian Hip-Hop With New Imprint

Joseph Prielozny

Word Records has launched the hip-hop imprint IVAV (4 Against 5), led by producer Joseph Prielozny. The imprint recently signed artist Steven Malcolm, with a debut self-titled album slated for release Feb. 17.

Prielozny served as an on-staff producer at Reach Records since 2008. At Reach Records, his production duo COBRA worked with chart-topping Christian hip-hop artist Lecrae. Prielozny began working in Word’s A&R department in 2015.

Prielozny brings his production skills to Malcolm’s upcoming project, which includes a collaboration with former Group 1 Crew member Blanca.

While finishing his self-titled album, Malcolm has been touring as part of the 2016/2017 Winter Jam Tour.

The label imprint comes as Christian hip-hop has become increasingly popular in recent years. Artist Lecrae‘s sixth studio album, Gravity, released in 2012 and earned a Grammy. His seventh album, Anomaly, released in 2014 and debuted atop the Billboard Top 200, becoming the first album to top both the Billboard 200 and the Gospel chart simultaneously

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Jessica Nicholson

Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.

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