AceShowbiz - RCA is set to reinvigorate Jive Records as an independent label, as confirmed in a recent announcement made on February 3. The revamped imprint will be co-led by former UnitedMasters executives Mike Weiss and David Melhado, who will oversee operations from Sony Music’s headquarters in New York City.

This revival comes over ten years after RCA officially closed Jive Records, alongside other notable labels like Arista Records and J Records. This consolidation occurred following Sony's merger with BMG in 2008, which resulted in the dissolution of several labels under RCA’s umbrella. Notably, RCA successfully relaunched Arista as a standalone entity in 2018.

Founded in 1981 by Clive Calder, Jive Records was notably managed by Barry Weiss, the father of Mike Weiss, from 1995 until 2011. The younger Weiss joined the label in 1982 and played a significant role in establishing Jive as a powerhouse for influential 1990s rap artists, including A Tribe Called Quest, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Boogie Down Productions. Additionally, during its peak in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Jive became a prominent name in the pop genre, boasting a roster that included stars like Britney Spears, Aaliyah, *NSYNC, The Backstreet Boys, and Usher. BMG acquired Jive in 2002.

In a statement, Mike Weiss expressed his deep connection to Jive Records, stating, “JIVE Records is deeply personal to me–it shaped entire generations and the way I learned this business.” He emphasized that relaunching the legendary label with David Melhado allows them to honor the legacy of Jive while demonstrating that major labels can provide both innovation and fairness to artists.