Head of The Class: The Most Powerful People In The Music Industry

Most times, fans only get to see and hear the finished product; a new album in stores or a fresh star is getting their time in the spotlight. But there are many behind the scenes players that turned your favorite rapper into a household name.

These individuals are managers, record executives, producers and more—but most of all they are acute and shrewd businessmen and businesswomen. They saw small sparks and was able to transform them into massive movements. Read more to see who the most powerful people are in the music industry. Also, if you love Black music and entertainment, be sure to check out the Black Film & TV destination on XFINITY On Demand, for a collection of music, movies, videos and more. XFINITY X1 will change the way you experience TV.

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photo: WENN

Lyor Cohen – The Def Jam alum is now the head of his own 300 Entertainment. You may be familiar with some of the acts on his roster i.e. Young Thug and Migos.

Photo: Instagram

Kevin “Coach K” Lee – More times than not, that next hot Atlanta rapper made some moves with Coach K. He used to manage Gucci Mane but still is cool with Jeezy. That there says a lot about his people skills.

LA Reid – The founder of LaFace Records is currently running things at Epic Records. Some of his recent coups include signing Rick Ross to the label and also this guy named Sean “Diddy” Combs, along with Bad Boy Records.

Charlamagne Da God – The Breakfast Club is the interview anyone with clout in the music world rest stop so if you’re hot right now, chances are, they’re trying to put you on their schedule. True, Angela Yee and DJ Envy help hold it down, but the quick-witted Charlamagne is the star of the show.

Noah “40” Shebib – Drake is now an A-list rapper, and he constantly says he owes it all to 40. That makes you a powerful player off G.P. His beats are pretty great, too.

photo: Alberto Reyes/WENN.com

Dr. Dre/Jimmy Iovine – Consider this a 2 for 1 special. Their Beats empire was picked up by Apple, making its respective satellite radio show a go-to. The headphones aren’t bad either. Oh yeah, Dr. Dre got around to dropping an album, and it was dope.

Photo: Twitter

Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith – Top Dawg is in charge of an outfit called TDE. You may be familiar with their top artist, Kendrick Lamar. But don’t act like Jay Rock and ScHoolboy Q, among others. The man whose name is in the company’s name (just add “Entertainment”) keeps their careers on the right path.

Photo: Instagram

Scooter Braun – The guy who discovered and made Justin Bieber a star is now managing Kanye West. Do we really need to say more?

Jay Brown – Brown’s partners are Jay Z and Tyran “Ty Ty” Smith, making him a co-founder of Roc Nation. You know Roc Nation; manages Rihanna, counts J. Cole as one of its artists and also houses Roc Nation Sports. Kind of like a big deal, as is Brown.

Bryan “Baby” Williams & Ronald “Slim” Williams – You best put some “respeck” on their names. Despite the drama, mostly with the former (see: a lawsuit hurling Lil Wayne), Cash Money is one of the game’s premier labels. Don’t believe us? Check the credits for Drake’s new Views album.