2004: Jay-Z's entrepreneurial efforts culminated on Dec. 8, 2004 when the Brookyln rapper-turned-mogul was named president and CEO of Def Jam Recordings, just a few days after his 35th birthday. Def Jam Recordings Chairman & CEO Paul Rosenberg has decided to step down from his position to launch Goliath Records, a new joint venture with Universal Music Group (UMG). Find out more at: Subscribe me to the Universal Music newsletter. Alexander Edwards is a music executive, currently working for ‘Def Jam Recordings,’ which is owned by ‘Universal Music Group’ (UMG). "I don't know … The rapper, who was named Def Jam president three years ago, said in a statement that it is “time for me to take on new challenges.” Def Jam was co-founded by Rick Rubin in his dormitory in Weinstein Hall at New York University, and its first release was a single by his punk-rock group Hose. "In [DMX's] mind he was like, 'I won, I'm better than you.' Thank you for registering! In what it describes as a strategic move to strengthen and restructure the top levels of its executive leadership team, Def Jam Recordings has promoted Rodney Shealey to Executive Vice President of… In what may be the first signal of the next era of Def Jam Recordings, Naim McNair has been named senior VP of A&R at the company. Russell Simmons joined Rubin shortly after they were introduced to each other, according to one story, by Vincent Gallo. The Boateng twins, Alec and Alex, who have been prime movers in the British urban music scene for over a decade, have been announced as the Co-Presidents of Universal Music UK’s new label, 0207 Def Jam Presidents Rosenberg will report to Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group, and be based in Def Jam’s New York headquarters. Over the course of more than 15 years, Paul Rosenberg has become one of the music industry’s most prominent artist managers and record label executives. Throughout his 20-year career, McNair has worked some of the industry’s leading producers, artists and entrepreneurs including Top Dawg, Future, Tommy Brown, Ariana Grande and Sage the Gemini, among many others. Prior to his UMG role, McNair served as Senior Vice President, A&R at Interscope, Geffen A&M and before that as Senior Vice President of A&R at Republic Records. Jay-Z -- artist, producer and entrepreneur -- has been named president and CEO of Def Jam Recordings. He supports artists taking creative risks and backs them 100% when they do. The former Def Jam President opens up to Forbes' Zack O'Malley Greenburg on what it takes to make it as a music executive. Shaheem Reid 12/24/2007 Looks like Jay-Z can loosen up his tie a little more. Rosenberg said, “Lucian offered me a dream opportunity to serve at the helm of Def Jam. He is the Vice President of the Artists and repertoire (A&R) division of ‘Def Jam Recordings.’ As the Vice President of Def Jam Recordings’ A&R, Alexander Edwards is responsible for overseeing the artistic development of songwriters and recording artists. NEW YORK, February 21, 2020 — Def Jam Recordings announced today changes to its senior management structure. Universal Music Group (UMG) is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. Universal Music Group is a Vivendi company. In what it describes as a strategic move to strengthen and restructure the top levels of its executive leadership team, Def Jam Recordings has promoted Rodney Shealey to Executive Vice President of… Beyond his role as an artist manager and label executive, Rosenberg served as Executive Producer of 8 Mile, the 2002 blockbuster from Imagine Entertainment and Universal Pictures, followed by serving as Producer with Jimmy Iovine on 50 Cent’s 2005 debut acting vehicle Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ from Paramount Pictures. The Def Jam name has meant so much to me for so long, and it’s a dream come true to be able to be a part of the next chapter in the label’s storied legacy. In the interim, Def Jam continues to wave the flag of hip hop culture and Paul will imagine it anew.”, Rosenberg said, “I can’t overstate what an honor it is for me to have the opportunity to carry this brand forward. Paul brings with him not only a remarkable record of success in hip hop, but an entrepreneurial drive and a deep passion for artist development that will build upon Rick and Russell’s enduring legacy.”, Grainge added, “I would like to thank Steve Bartels for his sound leadership of Def Jam since 2014 when the label returned to its roots as a standalone company within UMG. His move to management followed his … In the interim, Jeffrey Harleston, UMG’s General Counsel and Executive Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs, will oversee Def Jam in addition to his current responsibilities. Universal Music Group is a Vivendi company. Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter said Monday that he will leave his post as president of Universal Music Group’s Def Jam Records label after his contract expires this year. I am proud of the strength and diversity of the roster that we have built, which continues to reflect the independent roots it was founded on. This Week in Rap Music: Def Jam President. Rick Rubin, Def Jam co-founder and legendary music producer, said, “Def Jam is a place where artists are free to express themselves, their creativity and their vision. SANTA MONICA, August 3, 2017 — Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced that Paul Rosenberg, one of the industry’s most prominent managers and record label executives who is renowned for developing and supporting the careers of artists including Eminem, 50 Cent and D12, among others, has been named Chief Executive Officer of Def Jam Recordings, effective January 1, 2018. The move comes just hours after it was confirmed that Paul Ros… Jay-Z -- artist, producer and entrepreneur -- has been named president and CEO of Def Jam Recordings. Def Jam continues to wave the flag of hip hop culture and Paul will imagine it anew.” UMG is in the process of identifying a new CEO of Def Jam Records in the U.S. The experience I had running one of the greatest, most storied record companies of the modern era was incredible. Egomeli Hormeku – an experienced and innovative brand and content strategist – has been appointed Senior Vice President & Creative Director, Def Jam Recordings, it was announced today by Rich Isaacson, Executive Vice President/General Manager.In his new role, Mr. Hormeku will provide creative oversight in content creation, digital and social strategies, and brand identity and partnerships. Jay-Z isn't the only rapper who could be president of the legendary Def Jam Records.Nas recently talked about reports and rumors that he was offered a position as Def Jam Records president and even explained why he would consider taking the job. Get news from your favorite artists before everyone else. Another cites DJ Jazzy Jay as their connector. In making the announcement, Grainge said, “Over the past four decades, Def Jam has played a pivotal role in elevating hip hop into what is today the world’s most culturally impactful musical genre. Def Jam Artist Roster View All Artists. He is also Executive Producer of Viceland’s F*ck, That’s Delicious. Paul has also served as Executive Producer for the Showtime rap-battle reality series The Next Episode, MTV’s series Gone Too Far, and Fuse’s A Different Spin. Steve Bartels, who has decided to step down as CEO of Def Jam, will remain at the company until the end of the year. I’m thrilled to be able to meet Lucian’s challenge of carrying the company forward with new goals and great expectations.”. McNair is a graduate of Morgan State University in Baltimore. In the late 1990s, hip hop's main popularity moved from West Coast hip hop and East Coast hip hop to Southern hip hop. Shakir Stewart (April 12, 1974 – November 1, 2008 [citation needed]), a native of Oakland, California, was a US record executive in a number of companies, the latest being Def Jam.At the time of his death he was the Senior Vice President of Island Def Jam Music Group and the Executive Vice President of Def Jam. He first joined the promotions division of Def Jam in 2007. In this senior executive role, Grant will continue his focus on streaming strategy, consumption growth, and marketing opportunities … I’m super excited to play a leadership role in this brilliant new space we’re creating for amazing music and talent to live and evolve. Nas thinks that Def Jam could make stronger moves for the hip hop game. Reporting directly to L.A. Reid and Steve Bartels, President & COO of Island Def Jam Music Group, Hicks will be based out of New York and Atlanta, like his predecessor, Shakir Stewart. Def Jam’s track record of introducing culturally significant artists is a direct result of the entrepreneurial brilliance that Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin instilled in the label from inception. as the producer/executive was just appointed Executive Vice President of Def Jam Recordings. Click the link to confirm your email address. Click the link to confirm your email address. I’ve learned a great deal, but one of the most important things I learned is that my ability to multi-task is not without limits. Renata Muniz Vice President of Media & Artist Relations at Def Jam Recordings New York, New York, United States 500+ connections Farag has moved up from SVP/Promotion to EVP and Head Of Promotion for the Universal label, making her the first woman to have the title in Def Jam’s 34-year history. The Def Jam artist roster has always been synonymous with the greatest in hip-hop, and I intend to carry that tradition into the future.” Chairman & CEO of Universal Republic and Island Def Jam Barry Weiss says: “As we look to expand Def Jam and our creative urban music activities even further, there is no one better to lead them than Joie. Please check your spam folder for the email, if it does not arrive, click this link... SIGN UP TO THE NEWSLETTER BELOW, USING YOUR SOCIAL ACCOUNT OR EMAIL, Def Jam Recordings Announces Changes to Leadership Structure, Subscribe me to the Universal Music newsletter. He is also President of Shady Records, a label launched by Eminem and Rosenberg that released breakthrough albums from hip-hop acts including 50 Cent, D12, Obie Trice, Yelawolf, Slaughterhouse and Bad Meets Evil (Eminem’s collaboration with Royce Da 5’9”). Paul comes from a place where artists and creativity come first. Paul comes from a place where artists and creativity come first. UMG is in the process of identifying a new CEO of Def Jam Records in the U.S. The sustained success of Jhene Aiko's “B.S.” helped Natina Nimene, Def Jam’s SVP of urban promotion & artist relations, earn Billboard’s Executive of the Week. In what may be the first signal of the next era of Def Jam Recordings, Naim McNair has been named senior VP of A&R at the company. Rubin has said he met Simmons on the TV show Graffiti Rockand recognized him then as "the face of hip hop": "He was five years older than me, and he was already established in the music busines… Def Jam Recordings said President Kevin Liles has left the company. Rosenberg is the founder and CEO of Goliath Artists Inc., a New York-based management firm that handles the careers of global superstar Eminem, Danny Brown and others. Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans. Paul is one of the true mentors for talent and executives in this business and I could not be prouder of continuing and expanding my long-standing support of Universal and of Def Jam’s incredible great new leadership under Paul at a time when hip hop is at yet another high-water mark.”, Rick Rubin, Def Jam co-founder and legendary music producer, said, “Def Jam is a place where artists are free to express themselves, their creativity and their vision. Rosenberg will continue to oversee the career of Interscope Records/Aftermath Entertainment artist Eminem and run Shady Records. We have sent a confirmation email to {USEREMAIL}. Def Jam signed DaniLeigh to the label in early 2017. Alec Boateng, co-President of 0207 Def Jam said: “Music, art and artists really, really matter. The company also announced Naim McNair, Senior Vice President of A&R at UMG, will expand his responsibilities with the added title of Senior Vice President, A&R at Def Jam Recordings, bringing significant experience and creative leadership to the label. Def Jam Recordings has promoted three of its promotion executives, Nicki Farag, Noah Sheer and Keith Rothschild. I am confident the label rests in the sure hands of not just a music executive but a man who cares deeply about the artists and will continue this legacy of Def Jam forward.”, Russell Simmons, co-founder of Def Jam, said, “I consider Def Jam my foundational legacy and could not be more grateful with the great care with which Lucian and Michele Anthony have brought it to a new generation. Jay-Z has also been named president and CEO of Def Jam Records. The move comes just hours after it was confirmed that Paul Ros… As part of the deal, Jay will continue to run Roc-A-Fella. Rosenberg will also maintain his role as President of Shady Records, Eminem’s joint venture with UMG’s Interscope Geffen A&M. He will report directly to Antonio "LA" Reid, chairman of the Island Def Jam Music Group. The company also announced Naim McNair, Senior Vice President of A&R at UMG, will expand his responsibilities with the added title of Senior Vice President, A&R at Def Jam Recordings, bringing significant experience and creative leadership to the label. My new relationship with UMG gives me the ability to continue to sign and develop talent in a more focused and streamlined way, while still dedicating the time necessary to fulfill my management duties and foster the many entrepreneurial endeavors connected with Eminem.”. Thank you for registering! His move to management followed his 2003 retirement from recording. He will continue to serve as a consultant to Def Jam on its legacy artists, while also remaining the principal of Goliath Artists, Inc., the management firm that handles Eminem among others. So when Hov wound up being president at Def Jam he felt like he had to answer to him and X didn't like that," Dee said. The rapper joined Def Jam as president to help turn around the fortunes of the then-struggling seminal rap label. He began hogging the … Def Jam Recordings is a unit of Island Def Jam Music Group, a unit of Vivendi Universal’s Universal Music Group. Steve Bartels served a time as President/CEO of Def Jam Recording until it was announced on August 3, 2017 that as of January 2018, Eminem's longtime manager and co-founder of Shady Records, Paul Rosenberg has been appointed Chairman/CEO of Def Jam Recordings. Founder of NY Label Def Jam Russell Simmons wanted to capitalize off of the success of southern rap. Last year, DMX said Jay’s run at Def Jam forced him to leave the label. LOS ANGELES – Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter said Monday that he will leave his post as president of Universal Music Group’s Def Jam Records label after his contract expires this year. The Southside Chicago native was formerly the Executive Vice President of A&R at the label, and has now been promoted to Executive Vice President of the whole company, and the co-head of A&R alongside Kyambo “Hip Hop” Joshua. My friend and colleague, [Def Jam executive vp/head of promotion] Nicki Farag, and her team absolutely plan on crossing her over as it’s time for the mainstream world to embrace Jhene. Universal Music Group said on Monday that rap artist and hip-hop mogul Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter is stepping down as president of its Def Jam Records unit, effective by the end of the year. A Detroit native, Rosenberg is also an attorney. Previously SVP/Rhythm-Crossover & Dance Promotion, Sheer is now EVP/Rhythm & Lifestyle Promotion. Highly-respected industry veteran Marcus Grant has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Digital Commerce at Def Jam Recordings. 01/15/2008 03:53 pm ET Updated May 25, 2011 Ever since we rang in the new year a few weeks ago, the hip hop world has been jabbering nonstop about who will take over for Jay-Z as Def Jam president. Get news from your favorite artists before everyone else. In addition, Rosenberg is Producer for Eminem’s SiriusXM satellite radio station Shade45 and co-founder with veteran music journalist Elliott Wilson of RapRadar.com, an online destination for news, music, and video related to hip-hop culture. Please check your spam folder for the email, if it does not arrive, click this link... SIGN UP TO THE NEWSLETTER BELOW, USING YOUR SOCIAL ACCOUNT OR EMAIL, PAUL ROSENBERG NAMED CEO OF DEF JAM RECORDINGS. "Yes and no," Nas said about being offered the presidency. He recruited Scarface, a southern rap legend and former member of the Geto Boys to be the head of the label and, by 1999, the label was established. The rapper joined Def Jam as president to help turn around the fortunes of the then-struggling seminal rap label. The news was announced today (December 3) by Theda Sandiford, Senior Vice President, Commerce and Digital Marketing. He previously served as an A&R executive at MCA Records and Warner Bros. Records, as well as a consultant for Epic Records and Top Dawg Entertainment. We have sent a confirmation email to {USEREMAIL}. He will report directly to Antonio "LA" Reid, chairman of the Island Def Jam Music Group. SANTA MONICA, August 3, 2017 — Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced that Paul Rosenberg, one of the industry’s most prominent managers and record label executives who is renowned for developing and supporting the careers of artists including Eminem, 50 Cent and D12, among others, has been named Chief Executive Officer of … Featuring the most comprehensive catalog of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. The former Def Jam President opens up to Forbes' Zack O'Malley Greenburg on what it takes to make it as a music executive. Also in 1999, an Atlanta DJ named Chris Luva Luva began rapping under the moniker Ludacris and released his debut solo album Incognegroinde… Paul Rosenberg to Form Label Venture with Universal Music Group, Become Consultant to Def Jam Recordings, Accomplished Creative Executive Naim McNair Joins Def Jam Recordings. During that time, Steve played a pivotal role in the success of Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Big Sean and most recently breaking Alessia Cara, among many others.”, Bartels said, “It has been my honor and privilege to helm Def Jam Recordings. The iconic-rapper-turned-record-exec announced Monday (December 24) that he will step down from his post as president and CEO of Def Jam Records. Looks like Jay-Z can loosen up his tie a little more. Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans. We've been spending so much time lately on the U.S. Presidential race (snooze) that I kind of wish the search for the new Def Jam president were as … Universal Music Group (UMG) is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. Jeff Harleston, Def Jam. 070 Shake ; 2 Chainz ; Alessia Cara ; Amir Obe ; Ashton Travis ; Beau Young Prince ; Big Sean ; Bino Rideaux ; Bobby Sessions ; … Find out more at: http://www.universalmusic.com. He supports artists taking creative risks and backs them 100% when they do. Featuring the most comprehensive catalog of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. In 2015, he served as Executive Producer of The Weinstein Company’s Southpaw. Congrats are in order to No I.D. 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