Hollywood Collectibles has turned one of its customers into an employee, making a deal with Rick "The Boss" Ross, a Florida-based rapper.
Rich Altman’s Hollywood Collectibles, which represents Celtics’ legends Bill Russell and Sam Jones, has signed a rap star to an exclusive autograph and memorabilia deal.
Altman’s contract with Def Jam recording artist Rick Ross will include framed photos, custom sports jerseys, caps and concert-used memorabilia all hand autographed by the artist.
Altman says he is always searching to expand and create new collectibles markets. "Rick is an avid sports memorabilia collector. During one of his trips into the store we struck up a conversation about creating a new market for hip-hop collectibles. With-in a couple weeks we had an agreement in place and starting signing. Rick is the consummate professional and we are excited to be involved and proud that Rick selected us to be the exclusive distributor of his autograph."
Altman is a long-time pro sports memorabilia dealer who began his business by distributing Ted Williams/Green Diamond memorabilia and vintage sports autographs during the 1980s. Russell was notorious for refusing autograph requests when Altman signed him to a landmark paid autograph agreement several years ago.
"Rich is a class act, he got Bill Russell what else can I say!," Ross was quoted as saying in a Hollywood news release. "It’s his integrity and reputation that got me involved. I’m a businessman, Rich is a businessman. They got some big ideas over there, we even talking about a huge public signing event in Dade County real soon; I do it big!"
Altman also represents Hanley Ramirez, Alex Gordon, Matt Garza, Adam Jones and until recently was the exclusive distributor for Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul memorabilia.
