NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess) – Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) is thrilled to announce that two-time Grammy-nominated R&B star Syleena Johnson has signed exclusively with the agency. This news follows the recent announcement of Johnson joining the R&B supergroup The Chi, which includes Carl Thomas, Dave Hollister, and Johnson. The trio made their debut performance at the 2024 Black Music Honors earlier this month.
UAA’s Nick Martucci and Ben Sauberman will serve as her responsible agents.
Founded in 1945, UAA has offices in New York City and Los Angeles. The agency’s storied history includes launching the career of legendary soul singer James Brown and representing him for over 40 years. UAA’s impressive roster has included Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Joe Tex, Solomon Burke, the Staples Singers, The Grateful Dead, Sepultura, Salt-N-Pepa, Coolio, Naughty By Nature, UB40, The Jacksons, New Edition, MC Hammer, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, and many more. UAA remains a leader in the talent agency industry, guiding the careers of today’s top artists, comedians, and entertainers.
Johnson made her major label debut in 2001 with Chapter 1: Love, Pain & Forgiveness. Over the years, she has released several successful LPs and collaborated with artists like Common, Busta Rhymes, Anthony Hamilton, DMX, and Cam’ron. She and Cam’ron landed a Billboard hit with “Down and Out,” featured on his 2004 album Purple Haze. Johnson is perhaps best known for singing the chorus on Kanye West’s 2004 hit single “All Falls Down.” Her successful collaborations and albums have earned her numerous accolades, solidifying her reputation as a versatile singer in the soul, R&B, and hip-hop genres.
Martucci, General Manager at UAA, said: “We are excited to welcome Syleena Johnson to Universal Attractions Agency. Her remarkable talent and proven success are undeniable, and we look forward to amplifying her influence even further.”
Johnson added: “The mantra of R&B music has always been love, having a good time, or heartbreak. I love the stage because it allows me to provide the audience with the soundtrack to their lives!”
In February, Johnson released the deeply personal single “Black Balloons,” a collaboration with her late father, the legendary Sly Johnson. This soulful journey beautifully intertwines Sly’s original sound with Johnson’s contemporary style, reflecting themes of perseverance and resilience. It’s an anthem that uplifts, inspires, and affirms the worth of Black men, contributing to a narrative of empowerment and positivity.
Fans can soon look forward to Johnson’s upcoming album, Legacy. It’s not just a collection of songs but a heartfelt tribute to her late father, “The album is a celebration of his life, his artistry, and the enduring influence he has had on my own musical journey,” says Syleena. It features a blend of reimagined classics and original compositions, showcasing the lasting impact of Sly’s work on the soul music landscape.
