Issa Rae has secured another bag.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Raedio, the “Insecure” creator’s audio company, has inked a multi-project development deal with Audible for original podcasts. Raedio will create audio content, including non-fiction and scripted comedy, and pursue audio adaptations of existing shows.
“We’ve had tremendous success with scripted podcasts over the years and with our Audible collaboration we’re excited to bring fresh, original content to Audible listeners everywhere,” Benoni Tagoe, president of Raedio, said in a statement. “Our goal is to continue to supply the audio pipeline from music to storytelling as an audio everywhere company.”
Earlier this month, Rae’s audio company partnered with Google to launch the Raedio Creators Program, which was designed to support emerging artists. Under the initiative, two female artists will create their own EPs. The recording fees, producer costs, marketing expenses and music video costs will be covered entirely by Google. The artists will also retain full ownership of the project.
“This partnership is perfectly aligned with my mission in helping open doors and provide opportunities for women to succeed and flourish in their craft,” Rae said in a statement to Billboard. “I can’t wait to see the impact this program and partnership has on the selectees and the music that is created as a result.”
The collaborations come just weeks after Rae harshly criticized the music industry for being filled with “villains and criminals.” During an interview with the Los Angeles Times, the “Awkward Black Girl” creator said the biz was “the worst industry I’ve ever come across.”
“I thought Hollywood was crazy,” Rae added. “The music industry, it has to start all over again. There are lots of conflicts of interest. Archaic mentalities. Villains and criminals! It’s an addiction industry, and I really feel for artists who need to get into it.”