Interscope Launches Year-Long HBCU Initiative

HBCU x IGA Artwork by Laci Jordan, courtesy of Interscope Records

Interscope Geffen A&M Records revealed a year-long initiative to provide support for HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) while their role in shaping the music business. For the first phase of the initiative, Interscope will partner with three universities: Howard University, Tennessee State University, and Texas Southern University to kick off its Fall Homecoming SZN campaign.

Each campus will host student-led pop-ups where attendees can experience Homecoming SZN Vol. 1, a vinyl-only compilation album available for purchase through Interscope. The album will blend modern day classics like Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” and GloRilla’s “TGIF” with two surprise tracks from rising Interscope artists. Students will also have a chance to win concert tickets.

The album cover features custom artwork created for each of the campuses. In addition, a custom collection of Interscope merchandise, specific to each school provided by Champion sportswear, will become available later this month. The original vinyl artwork for each school as well as the accompanying merchandise were designed by Black multidisciplinary artist Laci Jordan. 

For every item sold, Interscope will donate $3 to the corresponding university. Additional activations are planned through 2025, with plans to expand the initiative to more HBCUs in the future. 

“Historically Black Colleges and Universities have produced some of the most prominent figures in our country’s historyBut HBCU’s contributions to culture – especially music – have been especially profound,” said Laura Carter, EVP, Head of Urban Marketing, Interscope Geffen A&M Records.