Def Jam Recordings has promoted industry veteran Natina Nimene to Senior Vice President, Urban Promotion, it was announced today by Rodney Shealey, Executive Vice President, Urban Promotion, Def Jam Recordings.
In her new post, Nimene will be responsible for the development and execution of Def Jam’s artist-related strategies, as well as continuing to nurture and solidify strong, long-lasting relationships between artists, management, and partners.
Nimene, who is based in New York, will report directly to Shealey.
Nimene has served as Vice President, Urban Promotion, Def Jam Recordings since 2016, after spending two years as National Director.
She originally joined the staff of the Urban Promotion department as Northeast Director in 2012.
Prior to that, she spent seven years at Virgin Records as Mid-Atlantic Promotion Manager, where she first worked with Mr. Shealey. Ms. Nimene began her career in music at Radio One Inc. in 2001.
Nimene has become recognized as one of the most influential figures in urban promotion and hip-hop culture.
She boasts some of the strongest relationships in the game with heavy-hitters including The Breakfast Club, Doc Wynter (Head of programming at iHeart), Colby Tyner (Head of Programming at Radio One), and Thea Mitchem (Executive Vice President, iHeart).
Nimene singlehandedly brokered the relationship and alliance between Kanye West and Charlemagne Tha God, which led to their historic interview.
Nimene has also been instrumental in breaking core Urban format artists including YG, Big Sean, Jeezy, and 2 Chainz, who said of her, “Natina always goes hard. She always looks out and I trust she’ll get the job done. She understands radio promo and the culture as a whole. Ask around – everyone knows and loves Natina.”
“I am proud every day to be working with Rodney Shealey and Paul Rosenberg, as well as the amazing promotion staff here at Def Jam.”
Natina Nimene
“Natina has played an integral role in the success of Def Jam over the past seven years,” said Shealey.
“Having worked alongside her for the majority of her professional career, I can tell you that there is no one more deserving of this promotion. Natina’s relationships with our artists, managers, executives and partners are second to none.”
“Natina has played an integral role in the success of Def Jam over the past seven years.
Rodney Shealey, Def Jam
Nimene added: “I am proud every day to be working with Rodney Shealey and Paul Rosenberg, as well as the amazing promotion staff here at Def Jam.
“There are new challenges on the horizon in this ever-changing marketplace and I look forward to meeting each and every one of them with all the energy, imagination and creativity that I have to offer.”Music Business Worldwide
