The Gotee Records acquisition brings former label rapper John Reuben back. This time, he’s in charge.
Zealot Networks announced today that it acquired Nashville-based Gotee Records.
TobyMac, Todd Collins and Joey Elwood founded the label, which recently celebrated its second decade in operation.
Danny Zappin co-founded Zealot Networks and serves as its CEO.
You may recognize his name as the co-founder and former CEO of Maker Studios. Disney acquired that company in 2014 for an astonishing $950 million.
For longtime fans of music made by Christians, however, the name Zappin may sound familiar for another reason.
Before Danny became involved in buying and selling companies for nearly $1 billion, Kathy Zappin was raising him.
She handled United States operations for Australian death-metal band Mortification. Later, she launched her own record label, Resonation Frequency.
The Zappin contributions did not stop there.
Under the name Zappin Productions, Danny began directing music videos and shorts for artists such as Pigeon John and his brother, John Reuben.
John Reuben Takes the Lead
That’s right.
John Zappin, the executive who oversaw music initiatives during Maker Studios’ growth from 2011 to 2014, is the artist formerly known as John Reuben.
Reuben built an impressive rap career throughout the 2000s while signed to Gotee Records.
So, that’s what John Reuben has been dippity-doin’.
According to the announcement, John will lead Zealot Networks’ Nashville office.
He will oversee creative strategy, content development and new business opportunities following the Gotee Records acquisition.
The deal raises an obvious question.
Will Gotee feel encouraged to step back into hip-hop, where it achieved much of its early success?
The label’s current roster includes Capital Kings, Jamie Grace, Ryan Stevenson, Finding Favour and Morgan Harper Nichols.
That’s the cypher circle of life, y’all.