Def Jam A&R Noah Preston has been promoted to Senior Vice President, A&R, while Alexander “AE” Edwards has been hired into his previous role as Vice President, A&R.
Preston (pictured) joined Def Jam in 2009 and is best known for signing and developing Grammy-nominee Logic and Jhene Aiko.
Edwards is a frequent collaborator with Tyga and his Last Kings Records, and recently signed 18-year-old viral sensation YK Osiris alongside newly appointed Def Jam EVP Steven Victor.
In addition, the Universal label has signed an exclusive joint venture deal with New Jersey-bred producer Ronny J and his Listen Up Forever Records imprint.
J has worked with XXXtentacion, Lil Pump, and Smokepurpp and recently released his debut mixtape, OMGRONNY.
“Our industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace but music and artistry will always remain at its core,” said Victor.
“I’m excited about the direction, energy and creative conversations we are having here at the label and within the creative communities.
“The A&R team we are building continues Def Jam’s legacy of discovering and developing some of the greatest talent in the world, setting us up for a successful future.”
steven victor, def jam
“The A&R team we are building continues Def Jam’s legacy of discovering and developing some of the greatest talent in the world, setting us up for a successful future.”
Preston said: “Def Jam is an incredibly supportive environment that truly nurtures creative talent.
“Def Jam has afforded me the opportunity to work with artists I am passionate about, along with a team I am truly fortunate to work with.
“I appreciate and thank Paul Rosenberg and Steven Victor for allowing me to continue my future here at this great label.”
Edwards added: “Both Steven Victor and Paul Rosenberg built their careers developing artists, so it’s exciting for me to be part of a legendary label that understands artists and the culture.
“I was raised by the culture; I was influenced and impacted by it.
“We have the opportunity to sign and develop important, cultural artists based not only on ‘likes’ but on instinct; to look past the data and recognize something special.
“It’s a super exciting time to be here at Def Jam.”
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