Gosh! The Def Jam umbrella continues to make some major changes! Back in March, Joie “IE” Manda left his spot as the President of Def Jam to take on a new position as President of Urban Music at Interscope Records. Yesterday, Monday (May 13), Sha Money XL, former SVP of A&R for Island Def Jam (he spearheaded 2 Chainz and Big K.R.I.T. projects) left his position after three years. He’s heading to Epic Records, where he has been named EVP of Urban A&R. There, he will oversee artist development and certain aspects of their recording processes, as well as being tasked with further development of Epic’s urban roster.
According to Billboard, In a statement, Epic chairman and CEO Antonio ‘L.A.’ Reid stressed his confidence in Sha Money, saying that “Sha Money has time and again proven to be a cultural leader and has my complete support in ushering in the next generation of hip-hop stars,” write LA Reid in a statement.
“As I embark on this new Epic journey,” remarked Sha Money, “I have a great vision for what the new record industry should be like, the music, the experience and lifestyle.”
Sha Money has also served as president of 50 Cent’s G-Unit Records.
After three years of being SVP of Island Def Jam, earlier today Tuesday (May 14), it was announced that the label promoted Shawn “Pecas” Costner to EVP of Def Jam Recording. It was announced by Island Def Jam Music Group president and COO, Steve Bartels, in a statement. Costner duties will include being responsible for coordinating release schedules with artists, supporting new signings, as well as helping to “lock in and coordinate all frontline activities,” according to the release.
According to Billboard Biz, “Costner joined Island Def Jam eight years ago as VP of Lifestyle Promotion before being promoted to SVP in 2010. Prior to his time at Island Def Jam Coster had worked, in various capacities, for the promotions departments at V2 Records (director of Rap Promotions), Elektra and Arista (director of Urban Promotions for the Northeast Region).”
“I am thrilled to announce this well-deserved promotion,” wrote Bartels. “I have worked with Pecas for many years and have watched him grow significantly over that time.”
“Def Jam is the greatest hip-hop label in the world and it is an honor and a privilege to work with such incredible artists every day,” wrote Mr. Costner. “I am appreciative of Steve Bartels for his leadership and his continued faith in me as we move the Def Jam brand into the future. With our talented staff, an unprecedented roster of superstars and an exciting crop of newcomers, we are poised to win big in 2013 and beyond.”
Photos Credit: AP
Source: Billboard | Billboard Biz
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