“It has been an honor and a pleasure to steer and develop Def Jam over these previous two years.”

“I’m honored to steer Def Jam into its subsequent chapter and thank Lucian and Jeff for his or her help and this unimaginable alternative.” “Def Jam stays certainly one of music’s most iconic manufacturers and has at all times represented forward-thinking artists and companions that proceed to shift concepts and influence tradition world wide. Tunji Balogun, stated: “I grew up on Def Jam’s music – amassing, listening to and finding out their albums and singles – these early moments as a younger fan have had an enduring affect on who I’m at the moment. “Not solely does he deliver a deep understanding and respect for the cultural significance of what Def Jam has created over the previous 4 many years, however he additionally sees the boundless potential of what Def Jam might be to a brand new technology of artists and followers.” Sir Lucian Grainge, stated: “Tunji is a part of a brand new wave of dynamic executives who view at the moment’s artists and music by a novel inventive lens. “Tunji is a part of a brand new wave of dynamic executives.” Harleston will proceed to supervise the label till Balogun assumes his new function.

Jeffrey Harleston, UMG’s Normal Counsel and Government Vice President of Enterprise & Authorized Affairs, has served as Def Jam’s interim Chairman & CEO since 2020 after the departure of Paul Rosenberg. His appointment marks a return to UMG for Balogun, the place he served as an A&R govt at Interscope Information from 2007 to 2015. The function will take impact on January 1, 2022.īalogun shall be based mostly in Los Angeles and report back to UMG Chairman & CEO, Sir Lucian Grainge.Ī profitable inventive govt, Balogun has labored with artists together with Bryson Tiller, Infantile Gambino, Goldlink, Khalid and Wizkid over his 17-year profession.īalogun involves Def Jam from RCA Information, the place he has served as Government Vice President of A&R since 2018. Tunji Balogun has joined Def Jam Recordings as its Chairman and CEO.

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