RABHAN RUBS LAAMP

Jeff Rabhan has been tapped as Executive Director of the Los Angeles Academy of Artists and Music Production (LAAMP) by Stargate’s Tor Hermansen and Mikkel Ericsen, who obviously have no idea that Rabhan once worked for HITS.

Indeed, Rabhan has spent the last decade as Chairman of the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at NYU, and he has decisively excised his tenure with us from his curriculum vitae.

LAAMP is a one-year, mentor-based intensive music program. Stargate, Ne-Yo, Charli XCX, Emily Warren, Jetson Made and John Cunningham are the program’s mentors; the inaugural session, with a class of 45 writers, artists and producers, kicks off on 10/1 in L.A.

“Jeff’s unique experience in both the music industry and in building music programs is second to none,” reads a quote from Hermansen and Ericsen. “He’s the right fit for our Academy as we change the way artists, producers and songwriters elevate their skills. His view of mentorship and the changing landscape aligns with ours.”

Prior to his stint at NYU, the undeniably versatile Rabhan worked with such creators as Lil' Kim, Kelly Rowland, DMX and Jermaine Dupri, held A&R posts at Atlantic and Elektra, served on the staff of Rolling Stone, did music supervision on major films and was a partner at management giant The Firm, where he contributed to the success of artists like Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Lopez and Snoop Dogg. But only we were able to witness his ability to hit an intern with his phone from 50 yards for screwing up his lunch.

“Most artists, writers and producers never experience the level of mentorship LAAMP offers,” goes Rabhan’s quote. “By focusing completely on crafting and producing great songs under the guidance of the biggest names in music is how we plan to change the game. Also, I want to make it clear that I never worked at HITS.”

Here's a photo of Jeff from our archives, taken during one of his many ayahuasca trips with Neil Portnow and Dominic Griffin. More will be published if he doesn't pay up.