DreamWorks Records in Deal With Rap Exec

DreamWorks Records is forming a joint venture with rap music entrepreneur Bryan Turner, sources said. Under the five-year deal, DreamWorks will provide financing for Turner’s newly formed Melee Entertainment, which will release hip-hop lifestyle and sports DVDs. The company’s first release is expected to be a film on Harlem’s Rucker Park basketball tournament.

In the 1980s, Turner founded Priority Records, home to such trailblazing acts as N.W.A. He later sold the label to British music giant EMI Group for an estimated $160 million. EMI folded it into Capitol Records in 2001, forcing the departure of Turner and other top executives.

Releases from Melee will be distributed through Vivendi Universal.