Downtown Neighboring Rights Expands Global Footprint with New International Deals for Don Toliver, Zerb, and Innerground Music 20 Jun 2025
Follows recent signing of multi-platinum artist and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, Jason Mraz
Downtown Neighboring Rights (DNR) today announced a new slate of international signings with globally recognized recording artists and labels, including American rapper and singer-songwriter Don Toliver, Brazilian DJ and producer Zerb, and pioneering Drum & Bass label Innerground Music; founded by DJ Marky. Through these new deals, DNR will manage and represent the neighboring rights for each party across their existing catalogs and future releases.
Don Toliver, a Houston-born artist has made a name for himself with a signature sound that bridges hip-hop, R&B, and trap. Since his debut mixtape Donny Womack in 2018 and breakout album Heaven or Hell, Toliver has accumulated billions of streams and achieved multi-platinum certifications. His collaborations with Internet Money, NAV, Gunna, and Justin Bieber, among others, have earned him widespread acclaim and commercial success.
"Downtown Neighbouring Rights’ global expertise and deep industry knowledge make them a trusted partner to represent Don Toliver’s catalog”, comments Randall “Sickamore” Medford of Cactus Jack Management. “We look forward to working closely with the DNR team to ensure his rights are maximised and his work is represented with the attention it deserves"
Zerb, a São Paulo-based DJ and producer, has built a global following with the success of viral hits like “Mwaki” and “Addicted.” With more than 43 million streams for his latest single “Location,” and accumulating half a billion streams in 2024 alone, Zerb’s distinctive sound and irresistible beats have established him as one of Brazil’s most exciting new musical talents. Through his partnership with label, TH3RD BRAIN, Zerb also works with FUGA who led the global campaign strategy for ‘Mwaki’, featuring Kenyan vocalist Sofiya Nzau. The campaign drove the track to over 125 million streams across all platforms during its initial run, surpassing 250 million by the end of 2024.
Innerground Music - the acclaimed Drum & Bass label founded by DJ Marky and a FUGA client since 2024 - has also joined the Downtown Neighbouring Rights roster. Established in 2003, Innerground has built a reputation for innovation and high-quality releases that bring together traditional Drum & Bass with Brazilian musical influences. The label has been instrumental in developing both emerging talent and established acts, contributing to the global growth of the genre.
“We’re delighted to welcome Don Toliver, Zerb, and Innerground Music to the Downtown Neighboring Rights family,” said Dean Francis, SVP of Downtown Neighboring Rights. “Each represents unique, forward-thinking artistry, and we’re proud to make sure their rights are properly represented worldwide.”
The new signings also highlight the connectivity and collaborative potential across Downtown’s ecosystem for creators, artists and entrepreneurs. Both Zerb and Innerground join a growing number of clients - including ANOHNI, Lady Blackbird and more - who have chosen to partner with multiple Downtown businesses to effectively streamline their distribution, publishing and neighbouring rights under one roof.
The announcement also follows a string of notable successes for Downtown Neighboring Rights, including the recent international representation agreement with Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Jason Mraz. DNR’s expanding client roster includes icons and innovators such as Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Lindsey Buckingham, Justin Bieber, OneRepublic, Lady Blackbird, and ANOHNI
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Downtown Neighboring Rights Expands Global Footprint with New International Deals for Don Toliver, Zerb, and Innerground Music
Follows recent signing of multi-platinum artist and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, Jason MrazDowntown Neighboring Rights (DNR) today announced a new slate of international signings with globally recognized recording artists and labels, including American rapper and singer-songwriter Don Toliver, Brazilian DJ and producer...more
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THE HEADLINES
The ‘pure’ songwriter is disappearing – and it’s everyone’s problem (see Comment)
What 20 years of YouTube reveals about creativity’s future (see Features)
Welcome to entertainment’s ‘Mad Max’ era. Here’s where it leads (see Comment)
Did Sony’s Rob Stringer just hand regulators the case to tank Universal’s Downtown dreams? (see Comment)
Is the Sabrina Carpenter album art really that offensive? (see Features)
Mid-year analysis of the live business (see Analysis)
Sony Music's Rob Stringer talks catalogues, free streaming, AI and more (see News)
Calls on the EC to conduct an investigation into proposed acquisition of Downtown by Universal (see Opinion)
Data (Use and Access) Bill passes without amendment (see News)
Has the time finally come for metered music experiences? (see Opinion)
What moves the needle for artists in 2025? (see Features)
Tributes pour in for Brian Wilson (see News, Features, Showbiz&News)
These touts made millions - and claimed staff at big ticketing firms helped (see Features)
Billboard names its Independent Power Players (see Features)
New report highlights emergence of a two-tier music streaming market favouring scale over diversity and flags need for urgent action (see Reports)
Ministers’ silence on threats to our creatives is bewildering (see News)
Sony Music Publishing set to acquire Hipgnosis Songs Group (see Business)
Manchester's Co-op Live to host the BRIT Awards (see News)