Idris Elba and Nas announce strategic partnership between 7Wallace and Mass Appeal
The collaboration aims to strengthen connections between the UK and US hip-hop scenes through music, film and cultural storytelling. Idris Elba’s creative collective 7Wallace has announced a strategic partnership with Mass Appeal Records, the influential independent label and media company co-founded by Nas. The collaboration marks a new chapter for both companies as they look […]
Black News 
The collaboration aims to strengthen connections between the UK and US hip-hop scenes through music, film and cultural storytelling.
Idris Elba’s creative collective 7Wallace has announced a strategic partnership with Mass Appeal Records, the influential independent label and media company co-founded by Nas.
The collaboration marks a new chapter for both companies as they look to expand independent music and storytelling across the global hip-hop landscape, with a particular focus on deepening cultural exchange between the UK and US scenes.
The partnership builds on a relationship that has already begun to take shape through recent projects. In 2024, the two organisations worked together on the long-awaited return of hip-hop pioneer Slick Rick with his album Victory, his first new record in more than two decades.
The release was accompanied by Victory (The Film), a 30-minute visual companion directed by Meji Alabi. Executive produced by Slick Rick and Idris Elba, the film features appearances from Nas, Giggs and Estelle, and screened at major international festivals including the Tribeca Film Festival, SXSW and HollyShorts Film Festival.
Founded by Elba in 2015, 7Wallace was initially created as a platform for the actor and DJ’s own creative projects. It has since grown into a wider creative studio and record label working at the intersection of music, film and visual storytelling, collaborating with artists including Little Simz, Kojey Radical, Che Lingo and Chip.
Rachel Prager, head of music at 7Wallace, said: “The synergy between 7Wallace and Mass Appeal is clear – we have a shared respect for rap culture, for legacy, and for doing things with integrity – which makes them the right partner as we enter this new era. Every release in this next phase is intentional; we will honour the foundation and longevity created by our UK rap pioneers, while also capturing the raw, grassroots energy of the scene. We’re investing in artists who shape culture.”
Meanwhile, Mass Appeal Records has built a strong reputation for championing hip-hop culture through music, media and film. Since launching in 2014, the label has released projects from artists including De La Soul, Ghostface Killah and Mobb Deep, alongside projects from Nas himself.
Under the new partnership, 7Wallace and Mass Appeal will collaborate on co-releases, cross-market distribution and original projects spanning music, film, media and live experiences.
The announcement also coincides with a new addition to the 7Wallace team, with Char Grant joining the company as A&R Director as the label continues to expand its creative output.
Together, the two organisations aim to build new opportunities for independent artists while continuing to document and shape hip-hop culture across both sides of the Atlantic.
