Atlantic Group Scores Triumphant Triple Play as Trick Daddy Debuts at #2, Simple Plan at #3, and "RAY" Soundtrack Jumps Into Top Ten

Market Wire, November, 2004

The Atlantic Records Group scores a major chart triumph this week, with three albums simultaneously ranking on the Billboard 200, including explosive debuts from Trick Daddy (Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic) and Simple Plan (Lava), who debut in the #2 and #3 spots, respectively. At the same time, the "RAY" Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Atlantic/Rhino/WMG Soundtracks), has jumped 13 points to land at the #10 spot. Driven by the success of these three albums, Atlantic is currently the #2-ranked label in the country, according to SoundScan.

Trick Daddy's "THUG MATRIMONY... MARRIED TO THE STREETS," the multiple RIAA platinum-winning Miami rapper's sixth solo outing, features the smash crossover single, "Let's Go." Simple Plan's "STILL NOT GETTING ANY...," the follow-up to the band's 2003 RIAA platinum debut, "NO PADS, NO HELMETS... JUST BALLS," includes the pop hit, "Welcome To My Life." "RAY," the soundtrack to the acclaimed motion picture starring Jamie Foxx, features the original recordings by Ray Charles, including many classic Atlantic tracks from the 1950s.

"This is certainly one of the exciting moments in the evolution of the new Atlantic Records," said Chairman/CEO Jason Flom. "Since the reinvention of the company some six months ago, everyone has come together with a spirit of creativity and camaraderie that is truly inspiring. It is a testament to all their hard work that we have had five albums debut in the top ten over the past four months. The terrific first weeks for Trick Daddy and Simple Plan are not only great milestones in their careers, but major milestones in the new culture of Atlantic. And the icing on the cake is the timely success of the 'RAY' soundtrack, which represents the enduring musical heritage of this great company, founded by Ahmet Ertegun 57 years ago."

Atlantic Co-Chairman/COO Craig Kallman noted: "For Trick Daddy to have the biggest week of his career some seven years after releasing his first album makes him a prime example of the artistic vision which is defining the new Atlantic -- which is the focus on long-term development of real career artists. As the first release in our groundbreaking, multi-artist 'Joint Chiefs' campaign, Trick's success shows that Atlantic is fully committed to becoming the major force in urban music. And, just as importantly, the combined success of Trick and Simple Plan is a great reflection of the musical diversity which will be a hallmark of the new Atlantic -- a home for great artists working in a spectrum of musical genres."

Contact: Sheila Richman 212-707-3063 sheila.richman@atlantic-recording.com