About AJM Records

AJM Records is an independent record label launched in 1998 by business mogul, and musician, Mario Baeza.  Mario Baeza is also the founder and chairman of V-Me (link) Media, Inc., a new national Spanish language television network, currently in 40 million homes, jumping to 60 million homes by February 2010.  AJM’s first artist was grammy award winning R&B sensation, Ashanti, who at the time was looking for a new musical home.   "When I heard her sing in our studio, I knew she just had something--that something special," says Mario. After six months of working with her in the studio honing her writing and vocal skills, Baeza soon signed the young R&B singer to a six album deal.  After a hard-fought bidding war for distribution of Ashanti among major music companies, Baeza settled with legendary urban music producer Irv Gotti, the Head of Murder Inc./Def Jam Records and a long time friend of the family. The three companies--AJM, Gotti's Murder Inc. (now The Inc.) and Def Jam/Universal inked a joint-venture deal.

Ashanti's 2002 debut album, Ashanti, sold more than 5 million records, received numerous Grammy nominations and a Grammy for best female R&B vocal performance, five American Music Awards and three Billboard Awards. Ashanti also was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records for being the first female to have four songs in the top ten pop charts at the same time, a feat equaled only by the Beatles. In 2004, AJM Records and Baeza Music Publishing were awarded two ASCAP awards for singles released on Ashanti's second album.

In 2007, AJM Records went on to release the soundtrack to a movie entitled, Downtown - A Street Tale, featuring performances by Irene Cara and the legendary Petula Clark. "Petula Clark was so excited by the music we presented to her, she flew in from England just to sing on the track," says Baeza, who was also executive producer of the film, as well as composer of “Children of Colors” which Petula Clark recorded.

Now in 2008, AJM Records is releasing The Vault, comprised of the never-before-released Ashanti vocal recordings at AJM, featuring hot new music. "I think it is some of her finest work, and now the public will get to hear it," says Baeza. The Vault contains 12 tracks, including the first single "Let's Do Something Crazy." "Let's Do Something Crazy" was produced by Miguel and features hip-hop sensation Flo-Rida. "The track is not like any other Ashanti song heard before, yet anyone who loves her music and voice will go crazy over this single," says Baeza. The second single will be “Imagine Life.”

AJM Records is a member of The Baeza Group, LLC. Currently on the artist roster are: Migs, Dia, BeNY, music from Ashanti, F.A.M. and Latin music legend Graciela. Graciela is one of the last two survivors of the Cubop movement of the late '40's, which fused Cuban rhythms with big band jazz.  Producers signed to AJM include Migs and industry veteran Kidd Kold, who has worked with such artists as DMX.

The entire family is involved now in AJM.  Ariel, who plays piano and guitar, participates in decisions about artist roster as well as development, promotions and marketing of the label and its brand. Jati, a classical flutist, is involved in various AJM departments, including artist and product development and marketing. Miguel, who plays keyboards, drums and produces, is President of AJM and is involved in all key decision making at AJM. He is also the label's exciting new producer, helping to mold a sound and style for AJM. In fact, though just 15 years old, Miguel has wowed industry veterans with his musical abilities, both in and out of the studio. "He is one of my favorite musicians to listen to," says Ariel. "His compositions are so layered, every time you listen, you hear new elements." 

Like her father Ariel sees AJM Records as an artist-friendly company. "We're not about setting limits or creative boundaries," says Ariel. "All of us have such diverse tastes in music, from rock to classical, hip hop to jazz, Latin to pop and roots/reggae, that we feel an artist should be able to expand musically and have the support of the label." Jati agrees, "The beauty of AJM Records is that at the end of the day, regardless of the genre, our goal is to make great music."

AJM Records. Family. Passion. Great Music.