DEF JAM HEADING SOUTH, NAMES SCARFACE PRESIDENT
"The South must be respected," said Island Def Jam Music Group President lyor cohen',390,400);">lyor cohen',390,400);">Lyor Cohen. "Opening an office in Atlanta and having Scarface run the operation is an acknowledgement that we believe the South is critical to Def Jam's future. Of course, I myself have never been south of Delaware. Know anywhere I can get a good pastrami sandwich and a Dr. Brown's Creme soda down there?"
Pioneering rapper Brad "Scarface" Jordan has released five solo albums and six albums with the Geto Boys, selling over eight million records and working with the likes of Tupac, Master P, Too Short, Nas, Snoop Dogg and Gang Starr, as well as newcomers Beanie Sigel and Jadakiss. He is credited with being one of the first artists to open up the so-called "Dirty South" to hip-hop.
"As we continue our efforts to expand and establish our brand in every market, there is no better partnership in the South than one with Scarface," said Def Jam/Def Soul President kevin liles',390,400);">kevin liles',390,400);">Kevin Liles. "His vision complements our goals and we are extremely pleased to have him spearhead Def Jam South. Is Atlanta anywhere near Newark?"
Artemis "Pepper" Williams has been named Vice President of the imprint, Erica Gary GM and Glen Wallace Director of A&R.
"We are the South," says Gary. "We grew up there, so we know the sound and the market."
"Def Jam has been the dominant label since the beginning," says Scarface. "It's a power name within itself, but you put Scarface's name and know-how on Def Jam's sticker and it becomes a new force to be reckoned with. I want to take over what's going on in the South right now and make sure that they're getting their due. And, no I'm not naming Bushwick Bill CFO."
