S. Samuel
R&B hitmaker The-Dream is reportedly setting up office at Def Jam with new reports claiming he has been appointed as the renowned label's newest executive vice president of artists and repertoire.
Reports of Dream’s new gig hit the Internet Monday (October 8) evening.
Writer and producer the-Dream (real name: Terius Nash), who has worked with Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige and Justin Bieber, among other hit artists, has been appointed executive VP of A&R at Def Jam. According to a statement issued on Oct. 8, The-Dream “will have a comprehensive, broad reaching A&R portfolio.” His responsibilities at the division of Universal Music Group will include overseeing the progress of current and new artist projects, signing new talent to the label and working in a production capacity with artists on the Def Jam roster. In his new position, the-Dream will work closely with Barry Weiss, chairman/CEO of Universal Republic and Island Def Jam Motown; Karen Kwak, head of A&R at Island Def Jam Music Group; Joie Manda, president of Def Jam Recordings; And Steve Bartels, president/COO of Island Def Jam Music Group. (Billboard Biz)
The Atlanta-based singer also released a statement confirming his new situation.
“I am committed as I have been previously to bringing the power of belief in the artist back to the forefront. I share a unique view of an artist and as well as the business of music. I, with the help of many others, have ran a successful business for the last five years in the midst of the ‘Digital Change.’ My concentration and effort will be to the artist to succeed in their dreams and goals. I’ve been a part of watching and participating in the success of many great women and men including Beyonce, Rihanna, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion to name a few. Music means more than just a download, it’s life to the culture and also the people who listen. This is a new exciting yet critical time for music – ‘You Meet Change with Change!'” (Complex)
In August, fellow ATL musician Young Jeezy announced his new position as Atlantic Records’ senior vice president of A&R.
Taking to his Twitter page today (Aug. 9), Jeezy acknowledged his new position — in a message that was also retweeted by Atlantic — by saying “From the streets to the Boardroom. SVP of A&R at Atlantic Records I am. Let’s Get it!” The news was reportedly broken by DJ Greg Street of V103 out of Atlanta, and was confirmed by Jeezy’s production coordinator DJ Folk last night. (Billboard)
In summer 2011, Chicago hip-hop producer No I.D. got hired as Def Jam’s executive vice president of Def Jam.
“I’m (now) executive VP of Def Jam,” the producer announced. “I’m going to keep on doing what I’m doing and take it to another level. No I.D. has worked with heavyweights such Jay-Z, Kanye West and Rihanna and said that he hopes to keep finding talent and making music. “Def Jam is a cultural staple,” No I.D. said. “It’s not just a label, it’s part of the culture that I came up in and that I’ve been involved with for 20 years. It’s very important that the next generation of executives grab it by the horns and keep it on track as it grows.” (Billboard Biz)
