August 12, 2008 06:00 ET

Zed Inks Distribution Deal With Pioneering Digital Producer and Rapper, T-Pain

Nappy Boy Digital Signs on for Exclusive Mobile Distribution With Zed

DENVER, CO--(Marketwire - August 12, 2008) - Zed, the world's leading mobile entertainment company, announced today that it has signed a deal with Grammy award-winning, Hip Hop singer-songwriter and producer T-Pain's full-service, independent digital-only record label, Nappy Boy Digital. Through this partnership, Nappy Boy Digital titles will be exclusively distributed across all mobile carrier storefronts in Zed's U.S. distribution channels as well as Zed's direct to consumer offerings, reaching millions of mobile customers nationwide.

Nappy Boy Digital, launched by T-Pain in early June, provides a direct artist-to-consumer connection where musicians, including T-Pain himself, can launch ringtones independently. No stranger to mobile success, T-Pain has sold more than 15 million ringtones to date plus millions more with his features, and has reaped the benefits of Zed's marketing expertise, which led him to tap Zed's distribution vehicle to mobilize his digital label.

"Mobile has been good to me and this deal with Zed is a big step in making Nappy Boy Digital a true success," said T-Pain. "Hearing one of my songs on the radio or in a club is one thing, but hearing it come from someone's pocket or purse is a different kind of feeling -- it's more personal."

Through Zed's BREW applications and off-deck portals, T-Pain has consecutively appeared in Zed's Top 25 Ringtone charts every week in 2008. Additionally, T-Pain's popularity led Zed to be acknowledged by Sony BMG for leading two of T-Pain's songs, "I'm N Luv (Wit A Stripper)" and "Buy You A Drank (Shawty Snappin')," triple platinum as ringtones in 2007.

"It's exciting to work with partners like T-Pain who have seen out-of-the-park ringtone success and are willing to test out the mobile distribution waters to launch their label and artists," said Ted Suh, chief marketing officer at Zed's U.S. operations. "T-Pain is blazing a new trail in music sales and discovery, and we're thrilled to be the one-stop shop and exclusive mobile distributor of Nappy Boy Digital content."

T-Pain works closely with his up-and-coming artists and spends time in the studio to perfect their digital debuts. Tay Dizm, T-Pain's longtime rap collaborator, was the first artist to launch on this newly formed label. Also joining the lineup are Jay Lyriq, Sophia Fresh, and Young Ca$h.

About Nappy Boy Digital

Leading the pack with five BET Awards and five Grammy Nominations winning for best rap collabo with Kanye West for "Good Life."

Zed

Zed in the U.S., formerly 9 Squared, is a mobile entertainment company with solutions that span the entire mobile media value chain, including mobile applications, content distribution, technology licensing and direct-to-consumer services. Equipped with a deep catalog of premium mobile content and extensive wireless distribution partnerships, Zed is the #1 independent distributor of mobile content in the United States. Zed's U.S. operations are backed by the parent company Zed Worldwide, the leading mobile entertainment company in terms of revenue and geographical presence. Zed's U.S. headquarters are in Denver, Colorado. To learn more visit www.zedusa.biz.