RCA Records has announced the relaunch of the iconic JIVE Records, bringing the label back as a frontline standalone operation. Former UnitedMasters executives Mike Weiss and David Melhado will serve as co-Presidents.
Founded in 1981 by Clive Calder, JIVE Records was led for more than 25 years by Barry Weiss before becoming part of Sony Music in 2004 and later the RCA Music Group in 2008. Mike Weiss is the son of former JIVE Records leader Barry Weiss.
JIVE Records has been home to artists including A Tribe Called Quest, Aaliyah, Backstreet Boys, Usher, and Outkast, as well as Justin Timberlake, P!NK, Chris Brown, *NSYNC, and Britney Spears, who remain part of the RCA Records roster.
The relaunched JIVE Records will operate out of Sony Music’s New York City headquarters, with Weiss and Melhado reporting to RCA Records Chairman and CEO Peter Edge and COO John Fleckenstein.
JIVE Records returns with a stated mission to honor its legacy while reimagining the label for today’s music landscape. Operating independently within RCA, the label will focus on new signings across all genres, driven by bold creative instincts.
Mike Weiss stated:
“JIVE Records is deeply personal to me, it shaped entire generations and the way I learned this business. Relaunching this iconic label with David allows us to carry forward JIVE’s legacy of creative and operational excellence while proving that major labels can deliver both innovation and fairness for artists. The same artist-first philosophy that guided us at UnitedMasters is what we plan to bring to JIVE, and I’m grateful to Rob Stringer, Peter Edge, and John Fleckenstein for trusting us with this legendary brand.”
David Melhado said:
“I’ve spent much of my career developing artists from the ground up, which has shaped my perspective on this business and what artists need to build lasting careers. Relaunching JIVE alongside Mike is an opportunity to honor its independent spirit and double down on developing artists while shaping culture. I’m excited to work with Rob Stringer, Peter Edge, John Fleckenstein, and the entire team to bring this vision to life.”
RCA Records Chairman and CEO Peter Edge added:
“We admire the impressive results Mike and David have achieved in their careers. Bringing them in to lead JIVE Records feels like a natural evolution—and a poetic way to revive a label that has been at the forefront of hip-hop and pop. Their sharp instincts and proven ability to discover and develop artists make them a great team to launch JIVE’s next era.”
Weiss and Melhado achieved notable success at UnitedMasters through a holistic artist development approach, working with artists including Brent Faiyaz, BigXthaPlug, Floyymenor, NLE Choppa, Ekkstacy, Anycia, and Sarz.