Def Jam interim CEO Jeff Harleston and Lena Waithe announced Wednesday (March 10) that Def Jam Recordings and the Emmy-winning writer are launching Hillman Grad Records.
Lena Waithe and Def Jam Announce New Hillman Grad Records
The new label is aimed at identifying and developing artists in hopes of priming them for long-term success. By leveraging opportunities across music, TV & film, our goal is to capitalize on the cultural significance generated when these worlds meaningfully intersect.
Joining Waithe at Hillman Grad Records will be experienced music executives Tebs Maqubela and Albert Cooke. Head of A&R Tebs Maqubela joins Hillman Grad Records from Columbia Records, where as an A&R executive he signed and developed talent. Hillman Grad Records General Manager Albert Cooke previously spent years at Island Def Jam as an Artist Development executive before heading to Soundcloud, where he was instrumental in the Artist Relations department. Maqubela and Cooke will report to Lena Waithe (CEO) and Rishi Rajani (President of Film & TV) of Hillman Grad Productions.
Lena Waithe To Launch Hillman Grad Records In Partnership With Def Jam Recordings
The exclusive joint venture is set to develop the next generation of underrated artists for long-term success
Emmy award-winning multi-hyphenate Lena Waithe is partnering with Def Jam Recordings to launch Hillman Grad Records, an exclusive joint venture set to develop the next generation of underrated artists for long-term success.
“Music and storytelling have always gone hand in hand. And I think that’s because musicians are the storytellers we love the most,” said Waithe in an official statement. “They can take complex emotions and simplify it in four minutes, the same artist can sing about the revolution and falling in love. Music is a part of us. It’s so often connected to our fondest and sometimes our darkest memories. Musicians tell our story.