Former Murder Inc. CEO Irv Gotti can stop his Def Jam presidency campaign as the iconic record label finally fills in the executive position with industry veteran Joie Manda.
Reports Sohh:
The announcement was officially made via statement Wednesday (March 14) by Island Def Jam CEO/Chairman Barry Weiss.
“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,” said Mr. Weiss. “He has emerged as one of the most respected young executives in today’s Urban music landscape, possessing all the qualifications and experience that are essential to run Def Jam, the world’s most important hip-hop destination. The entire Def Jam family looks forward to working closely with Joie as he puts his unique imprint on the next chapter in the label’s storied and successful history.”
No rookie to the music industry, Manda’s last executive run was with Warner Bros. Records.
Mr. Manda comes to Def Jam from Warner Bros. Records, a division of Warner Music Group (WMG), where he served as head of Urban Music since September 2010 and was involved in the signing of Common, Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group (Wale, Meek Mill), Waka Flocka Flame and Jill Scott, among others. He started at WMG as Executive Vice President of Asylum Records, starting when the label was revived in 2004 and signed Paul Wall and Bun B. Mr. Manda began his career in music as an artist manager.
And now…
This is EbenGregory.com…telling you I’m sure Irv is feeling some type of way.
Ir v used to keep a lot of hood stuff going. Best thing Manda could do is name Irv his VP. Irv would have to humble himself and the people will make him CEO in 3 years.
Irv Gotti brought DMX, Jay-Z and Ja-Rule to Def Jam. Historically those are still the 3 biggest acts on that label. And what does he get? The big middle finger. Let’s see how Def Jam does.