Derek Minor has completed his two-album agreement with Reach Records and is preparing to move forward independently with Reflection Music Group.
The transition ends a partnership that began while Minor, then known as PRo, was already building RMG with business partner Doc Watson. Rather than signaling a fallout, the move fulfills the structure of the original deal.
Minor released two albums during the partnership, including Minorville, which arrived Sept. 10, 2013. Reach Records still lists the 15-song project in its catalog.
A Partnership Built to Help RMG Grow
Minor’s connection with Reach Records began years earlier through church relationships and his friendship with Lecrae.
By the time the two-album agreement came together, RMG was already active. The partnership gave Minor an opportunity to expand his audience while also learning more about the business of running a label.
Reach Records co-owner Ben Washer said the arrangement was always connected to the growth of Reflection Music Group.
“If you have been at an Unashamed Tour in the last few years, you have experienced Derek’s epic anthem for the 116 movement,” Washer said. “This is a continuation of the movement and the realization of Derek and Doc’s dreams for Reflection. I remember Reach launching out on our own after a partnership and now RMG is ready for the next phase.”
Minor described the relationship in similarly positive terms.
“My time at Reach Records has been a blessing,” Minor said. “I’ve grown as an artist, business owner and a man. The beauty of the relationship we’ve established is that business wasn’t its primary agenda and I’m excited to see what the future holds for both RMG and Reach.”
Lecrae Says the Next Step Was Inevitable
Lecrae said Minor’s drive and business instincts made the next phase a natural progression.
“I’ve known Derek for years even before we did music together,” Lecrae said. “He’s always been driven. We saw a great opportunity to help him build his own label.”
He added that Minor was always likely to expand beyond the Reach partnership.
“It was inevitable for him to branch out, expand and continue to build upon the movement he’s created,” Lecrae said. “He’s an all-around talent as an artist, producer, writer and businessman. That’s rare.”
Watson also credited Reach with helping RMG build a stronger foundation.
“Thanks to Ben and Lecrae at Reach, we learned many things and they helped us to set up RMG the right way,” Watson said. “We appreciate their help and stewarding through the years.”
RMG Looks Ahead to 2014
Minor is entering the next phase with plenty already in motion.
He is touring with Winter Jam in support of Minorville. Meanwhile, Reflection Music Group continues to develop a roster that includes Canon, B. Cooper, Deraj, Chad Jones and Tony Tillman.
Canon’s Mad Haven has already charted in the Gospel and Christian categories. King Kulture also recently looked at Canon’s “Different” video featuring Tony Tillman and TJ Pompeo.
Deraj is also preparing his Mirrors & Medicine EP for release through RMG, while Jones and Tillman are working on new material.
The Reach chapter may be complete, but the larger goal behind it appears to be moving exactly where Minor and Watson hoped it would.