Vanessa Carlton

Pop Singer/songwriter Vanessa Carlton has become the first addition to Irv "Gotti" Lorenzo?s the Inc. label, which marks the label?s first activity under a new joint venture with Universal Motown Records.

"Vanessa is easily one of the best singer-songwriters that I have ever been around in my entire life," Gotti said in a statement. "I thank God for bringing us together and for her believing in me and giving me the opportunity to show the world what I have seen, which is V being totally amazing."

The signing also represents a change in focus for Lorenzo's label, which has made its musical reputation fronting hip-hop artists vastly different from Carlton's classic musical style.

Carlton reached the top five on Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2002 with ?A Thousand Miles,? the first single from her debut, ?Be Not Nobody.? The song was featured prominently in the Wayans Bros. film ?White Chicks.? Carlton?s debut album for The Inc. is due next year.

Included among The Inc.'s roster are Ja Rule and Ashanti, both platinum-selling artists.