Def Jam Ups Dion "No I.D." Wilson To EVP, Kyambo Joshua Strikes Label Deal

No I.D. Gets EVP Stripes

Prolific producer and respected music executive DION “NO I.D.” WILSON has been promoted to EVP of DEF JAM RECORDINGS, responsible for all of the A&R activities as well as creative artist development for the 30-year-old label. NO I.D. will continue to oversee his label venture, ARTIUM RECORDS (JHENE AIKO, COMMON, VINCE STAPLES, ELIJAH BLAKE, COCAINE 80S) and will maintain offices in both SANTA MONICA and NEW YORK.  Previously, NO I.D. was EVP/Co-Head of A&R.

“In a year where DEF JAM has established such new artists as IGGY AZALEA, JHENE AIKO, YG and AUGUST ALSINA, no one is better suited to creatively represent and expertly guide our label moving forward than NO I.D," DEF JAM CEO STEVE BARTELS said. "He is not only a proven hitmaker and creative thinker, but he is a bold leader who is well-respected by both the artists and executives alike. Together, we are poised for even greater levels of success.”

NO I.D. has worked as a producer with artists including KANYE WEST, JAY Z, COMMON, BIG SEAN, RICK ROSS, NAS, DRAKE, KID CUDI, G-UNIT, METHOD MAN, JHENE AIKO and many others. 

“I’m excited to take the reins of this historic label and to help shape our creative destiny,” NO I.D. said. “The DEF JAM brand has never been more culturally relevant, and our vision remains the same as it was when RICK RUBIN and RUSSELL SIMMONS launched the label 30 years ago; and that is to simply be the best. STEVE BARTELS and I are fully committed to carry that vision and standard for excellence into the future.”

At the same time, BARTELS announced that KYAMBO 'HIP HOP' JOSHUA formed a new, exclusive label with DEF JAM, with the opportunity to place his signings with either DEF JAM or CAROLINE. “I look forward to getting back to what I do best,” said HIP HOP, “and that is having the time and resources to seek out and discover the greatest, and most unique musical talent the world has to offer.  Launching my own boutique label and having the power and support of DEF JAM is the ideal situation for me and my artists.”

Prior to forming the new label, HIP HOP was co-Head of A&R at DEF JAM.

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