Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s leading music entertainment company, announced on Tuesday, August 10, the appointment of renowned A&R (Artists and Repertoire) executive Tunji Balogun as president and CEO of Def Jam Recordings, effective January 1, 2022.
In conjunction with Balogun’s appointment as President and CEO, the label has also named the Nicki Farag as Executive Vice President and General Manager. The announcement follows the June appointment of rap legend Snoop Dogg joining the label as executive creative and strategic consultant.
Nigerian-born Tunji Balogun replaces Eminem’s longtime manager Paul Rosenberg as Def Jam’s CEO. Prior to his appointment, he worked for six years at RCA Records, where he was executive vice president of A&R. In the music industry, A&R is a division of a record label responsible for discovering new artists or bands to offer a contract.
Prior to joining RCA in 2015, Tunji Balogun spent 7 1/2 years at Interscope Records, where he was responsible for signing Normani, Khalid, Bryson Tiller and others to the label. He also worked with artists signed to P. Diddy’s Bad Boy Records and Shady Records, in addition to Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Keyshia Cole, One Republic and others.
Along with Courtney Stewart, Jon Tanners and Jared Sherman, Tunji Balogun founded Keep Cool Records in 2018, a joint venture with RCA. He was elevated to executive vice president of A&R the same year.
Tunji Balogun began his career as a marketing intern at Warner Brothers Records and was recruited as a label assistant after graduating from Pomona College in 2004.
One of the most creative players in the global music industry
Widely recognized as one of the most successful and respected creative executives in music today, Balogun has worked with artists such as Bryson Tiller, Childish Gambino, Goldlink, Khalid and Wizkid over his 17-year career. His appointment, Universal Music says, marks his return to UMG, where he served as A&R executive at Interscope Records from 2007 to 2015.
In his new role, Tunji Balogun will be based in Los Angeles and report to UMG CEO Sir Lucian Grainge. In making the announcement, Grainge said, “Tunji is part of a new wave of dynamic executives who see today’s artists and music through a unique creative lens. Not only does he bring a deep understanding and respect for the cultural significance of what Def Jam has created over the past four decades, but he also sees the limitless potential of what Def Jam can be for a new generation of artists and fans.”
For his part Tunji Balogun, said, “I grew up with Def Jam music – collecting, listening to and studying their albums and singles – those early moments as a young fan had a lasting influence on who I am today. Def Jam remains one of the most iconic brands in music and has always represented forward-thinking artists and partners who continue to change ideas and impact culture around the world. I am honored to lead Def Jam into its next chapter and thank Lucian and Jeff for their support and this incredible opportunity.
At the Forefront of Hip-Hop Music and Culture
Def Jam Recordings has been at the forefront of hip-hop music and culture for over 35 years. Founded in 1984, Def Jam began as a maverick independent label inspired by New York’s vibrant downtown art scene and the emerging sound of hip-hop; developed by iconic stars like LL Cool J, Slick Rick, The Beastie Boys and Public Enemy. Over the next two decades, Def Jam established its dominance with superstar acts and living legends like Jay-Z, DMX, Ja Rule, Method Man & Redman, Ludacris, Rihanna, Jeezy and the inimitable Kanye West. Now in its fourth decade, Def Jam’s music and lifestyle have become a global brand – synonymous with creativity, quality and authenticity – encompassing a diverse roster of renowned and emerging stars like West, Justin Bieber, Alessia Cara, Logic, Pusha T, Jadakiss , Jeremih, Big Sean, YG, 2 Chainz, Dave East and Jhene Aiko, among others. Today, Def Jam has expanded its global brand reach to become the most followed major label on all major social media platforms.
Global leader in music entertainment
Universal Music Group (UMG) is the world’s leading music entertainment company, with a broad range of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audio-visual content in more than 60 countries. With the most comprehensive catalog of recordings and songs in all genres, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the world’s most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music. Committed to art, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models to expand artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans. Universal Music Group is a Vivendi company.
