Universal Music Group (UMG) has launched a joint venture with Todd Moscowitz, Cold Heat Records, based in New York.
Moscowitz has worked with hip-hop artists including Common, Young Thug, Fetty Wap and Gucci Mane in his career.
His latest move spells uncertainty for 300 Entertainment – the Google-backed label Moscowitz launched in 2013 with Lyor Cohen, who was recently named Global Head Of Music at YouTube.
Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of UMG said, “At Universal Music, entrepreneurship is in our DNA so we constantly seek to attract the brightest executives in the business embodying that spirit.
“With his impressive track record of identifying and breaking some of the most successful artists in hip hop, Todd is a excellent addition to our team of creative executives who are committed to bringing the best new talent to fans around the world.”
Moscowitz said: “Lucian, Boyd Muir and the management team at UMG have created an environment that encourages risk-taking and pushing creative boundaries, while giving entrepreneurs the resources and freedom to grow — and the results speak for themselves.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of the most forward-thinking team in the industry, and I’m looking forward to building Cold Heat Records into a preeminent destination for artists of all genres.”
“With his impressive track record of identifying and breaking some of the most successful artists in hip hop, Todd is a excellent addition to our team.”
Sir Lucian Grainge, UMG
During the last two decades, Moscowitz has also signed and worked with artists ranging from Action Bronson, Meek Mill, Mike Jones, Migos, Young Thug, Jill Scott, Macklemore and the record labels OVO Sound and Maybach Music Group (MMG).
300 Entertainment signed, developed and broke artists such as Fetty Wap, Highly Suspect and Migos.
Moscowitz earlier held several positions at Warner Music Group, starting in 2004 as President of Asylum Records.
Two years later he was named President (and subsequently CEO) of the company’s Independent Label Group, comprised of Asylum, East West Records and Cordless Recordings.
In 2009, Moscowitz joined Warner Bros. Records, a year later taking on the title of CEO of the label.
Before Warner Music, Moscowitz was a partner at Violator Management, where he worked with artists such as 50 Cent and Missy Elliott.
He began his music career at Rush Management while attending law school.
At 26, Moscowitz became head of Rush Communications, taking the titles of President, Def Jam Music Publishing and President, Def Jam Interactive Gaming, before Def Jam’s sale in 2000 to UMG.Music Business Worldwide
