DEF JAM:
FRESH INK

Paul Rosenberg’s Def Jam is enhancing its A&R squad—helmed by EVP Steven Victor—and rolling out some new signings. Noah Preston (who signed Logic) is upped to SVP A&R and Tyga/Last Kings collaborator Alexander “AE” Edwards comes aboard.

Rosenberg, Victor, Preston, Ronny J: Most Valuable Playlist.

Victor, for his part, is announcing an imprint deal for New Jersey-bred producer Ronny J (XXXtentacion, Lil Pump, Smokepurpp) and his Listen Up Forever Records. Ronny recently earned a mountain of press following the drop of his debut mixtape, OMGRONNY, featuring a who’s-who of streaming breakouts. He and AE have also inked 18-year-old Jacksonville phenom YK Osiris, who’s ramped up a fearsome social-media profile in just one month.

To expand the label’s aggressive pursuit of stream-friendly new acts, a cadre of hip-hop-minded consultants is serving as a scouting force. Additional support staff will be required to maintain this crew’s supply of blunts and vapes, although the construction of an on-site dispensary may ultimately become mission critical.