“As the Universal Music / EMI deal enters its final phase of regulatory review in Europe, it has been reported that the European Commission will require Universal to sell the global rights to EMI’s leading music label Parlophone, which houses top talent including Coldplay and Kylie Minogue (UMG will likely be able to retain the…

“Big” Jon Platt, former president of North America creative at EMI Music Publishing, has been named to the same post at rival Warner/Chappell Music. Based in Los Angeles Platt will report to Warner/Chappell prexy Cameron Strang. Speculation about Platt’s destination had been swirling in the industry since his exit from EMI in June, just as…

Nicki Minaj sparked debate with her politically-minded verse on the remix to “Mercy.” Now President Obama himself is speaking out about the Young Money rapper’s bars backing Mitt Romney. “I’m a Republican, voting for Mitt Romney/ You lazy bitches is fu**in’ up the economy,” rhymes Nicki on the cut off Lil Wayne’s Dedication 4 mixtape….