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Strictly Rhythm

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Prolific New York City-based house label established in 1989 by music executive Mark Finkelstein and A&R [a=Gladys Pizarro]. A&R from 1992 to 1994: [a=DJ Pierre]. A&R from 1992 to the mid-1990s: [a=George Morel]. A&R from 1992 to the late 1990s (and former VP of Promotions): [a=Bari G.] The label subsequently expanded into Europe where [a=Phil Cheeseman] headed its European operations and was A&R for various UK-based producers. Other licensing partnerships were established with labels in Germany, France, South Africa, Brazil and Japan. In addition to its various sub-labels, Strictly Rhythm manufactured and distributed over 30 other labels between 1994 and 2002. In 2001 Strictly Rhythm entered into a venture with [l=Warner Music Group] and the establishment of a UK subsidiary, [l=Strictly Rhythm UK]. This partnership ultimately led to the label's demise nine months later, in October 2002. After four years of legal wrangling, Mark Finkelstein regained control of the label, its trademark and its recordings and publishing rights and relaunched the label in 2006 in partnership with [l=Defected], with [a=Aaron Ross] as A&R manager. In 2013 the label's catalogue was acquired by BMG Rights Management, with the label continuing to release new recordings. In 2019 the brand name was acquired by BMG.