Def Jam Rccordings Appoints The-Dream Executive Vice President of A&R
On the heels of the release of his fourth solo album, Love IV MMXII, this past spring and a year after challenging the establishment — releasing a mixtape titled 1977 under his birth name last summer — Terius “The-Dream” Nash has received a prestigious appointment at Def Jam Recordings, a division of Universal Music Group (UMG). The label has expanded its A&R senior management team and the multi-Grammy Award®-winning Radio Killa/Def Jam recording artist The-Dream has been appointed executive vice president of A&R.
The announcement was made by Barry Weiss, chairman & CEO of Universal Republic and Island Def Jam Motown, and Karen Kwak, executive vice president/head of A&R, Island Def Jam Music Group.
The-Dream will have a comprehensive, broad reaching A&R portfolio. Besides overseeing current and new artist projects, he will actively seek out, discover and sign new talent to the label, and will work closely as a producer for artists on the Def Jam roster and its affiliated labels across all musical genres. He’s currently working with Rihanna in the studio on her upcoming Def Jam album and with Pusha T on his solo debut for G.O.OD. Music. Additional resources will be devoted to The-Dream’s Radio Killa label imprint as well, which is moving into high gear after his recent signing of August Alsina.
In carrying out his duties, The-Dream will work closely with Weiss, Kwak, Joie Manda, president, Def Jam Recordings, and Steve Bartels, president & COO, Island Def Jam Music Group.
“The-Dream is a gifted songwriter and producer who writes from a unique cultural point of view. This rare ability sets him apart from all other writers and producers out there,” said Weiss in a statement to press.
The-Dream adds in the statement, “I am committed as I have been previously to bringing the power of belief in the artist back to the forefront. I share a unique view of an artist and as well as the business of music. I, with the help of many others, have ran a successful business for the last five years in the midst of the ‘Digital Change.’ My concentration and effort will be to the artist to succeed in their dreams and goals. I’ve been a part of watching and participating in the success of many great women and men including Beyoncé, Rihanna, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion to name a few. Music means more than just a download, it’s life to the culture and also the people who listen. This is a new exciting yet critical time for music – ‘You Meet Change with Change!’”
Since the release of his RIAA gold Love Hate debut album on Radio Killa/Def Jam in 2007, The-Dream has experienced tremendous success as a songwriter and producer for a Who’s Who of superstars across the pop and R&B/hip-hop spectrum.
Check out the songs from the biggest pop stars where The-Dream lent his musical prowess.
