WHARTON'S IN BUSINESS WITH CAPITOL'S PRIORITY

Orlando Wharton, the A&R exec who signed Fetty Wap, Kodak Black and PnB Rock, has been tapped to relaunch Priority Records as a dedicated home for hip-hop artists.

Capitol Music Group Chair & CEO Michelle Jubelirer has hired Wharton as EVP of CMG and president of Priority Records. He will start early next year and be based in New York, reporting to Jubelirer.

“Orlando has an undeniable track record of finding and developing groundbreaking and talented artists,” Jubelirer said. “Between his boundless energy and deep well of relationships is an unwavering commitment to helping artists realize their maximum potential and bring their creative visions to reality. Music is Orlando’s purpose, and he is the ideal executive to relaunch Priority and help write the next chapter for Capitol Music Group.”

Formerly SVP at Atlantic Records, Wharton signed A Boogie wit da Hoodie and A&R’d his debut, The Bigger Artist, and worked closely with YoungBoy Never Broke Again’s team on his three most recent albums. Wharton also signed and A&R’d XXXTENTACION, Shoreline Mafia, Little Eazzyy and YOVNGCHIMI, among others.

Long associated with West Coast hip-hop, Priority was formed in 1985. During its heyday, its roster included N.W.A, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Westside Connection and the Buddy Miles-led claymation band The California Raisins.