Award-winning songwriter, producer, and music executive Bryan-Michael Cox has signed R&B group Day26 to his creative content company, Illustrate New Ideas, marking a reunion nearly two decades after helping define the group’s early sound.
The partnership brings Cox back together with the group following his work on Day26’s 2008 self-titled debut album and its 2009 follow-up, “Forever in a Day.”
Cox wrote and produced several songs on the group’s debut, including “Since You’ve Been Gone,” “Are We in This Together,” “Don’t Fight the Feeling,” and “Exclusive (No Excuses).” He also contributed to the sophomore album with songs including “So Good,” “Stadium Music,” “Babymaker,” and “Need That,” featuring Jermaine Dupri.
“Day26 and I have a history that goes back to the beginning of their career, so this partnership is a full circle moment,” Cox said. “I have always believed in their talent, their chemistry, and what they represent for R&B groups. We now have an opportunity to build on the foundation we created together while introducing a new chapter that reflects who they are today.”
The group said the reunion builds on a relationship established during its earliest recordings.
“Bryan has been part of the Day26 story since our first album, and the music we created together remains an important part of our legacy,” Day26 said in a statement. “There is a level of trust, respect and creative understanding that already exists between us. We are excited to reunite with him, join Illustrate New Ideas and create a body of work that honors our sound while showing the growth we have experienced as artists and as men.”
Day26’s forthcoming album will be released through Jive Records. Additional details, including the album’s first single and release schedule, will be announced later.
The signing expands the roster at Illustrate New Ideas, which also includes Houston R&B singer-songwriter Jack Freeman. Freeman partnered with Cox on his third studio album, “NINA.” Its third single, “MVP,” debuted at No. 29 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart. Freeman is preparing to release the first single from the next chapter of the “NINA” project.
The announcement comes after Cox extended his partnership with SESAC, where he has been affiliated for more than 27 years. During that time, he has been named SESAC Songwriter of the Year six times and received the SESAC Icon Award in 2022.
Cox is currently recording new music with Mariah Carey, Kelly Rowland, Usher, Benny the Butcher, Jagged Edge, Keyshia Cole, and Day26.
