Head Of The Class: The Music Industry’s Top 10 Power Brokers [Photos]

June is Black Music Month, which was first established by way of a proclamation by President Jimmy Carter in 1979. Each year, millions of Americans recognize the contributions of Black musicians across a variety of genres. In honor of Black Music Month, HipHopWired and MetroPCS has highlighted the music industry’s top ten power brokers.

From legends like Billie Holiday and Barry Gordy to current superstars such as Beyoncé and Chance The Rapper, Black Music Month honors those who add to the rich tapestry of sound. MetroPCS is front and center in bringing listeners and music fans closer to the influencers and creators that provide the art we’ve all come to value.

By the time music hits your hands for your personal listening, the product has passed through a variety of hands to ensure top-notch quality. This includes producers, engineers, managers, and much more. However, record executives typically have the final say on what flies and what doesn’t in the industry.

On the following pages, check out our list of The Music Industry’s Top 10 Power Brokers.

Credit: WENN.com

Antonio “L.A.” Reid – At 60 years of age, the energetic Reid just left his Chairman and CEO of Epic Records gig but is showing no signs of slowing down. The label is enjoying one of its best years in recent times and he’s already in talks to join another presitgious record label.

Credit: Timothy Shivers for Pencils Of Promise

Scooter Braun – Lists like this aren’t complete without a mention of Scooter Braun, founder of SB Projects. Aside from discovering Justin Bieber, managing Ariana Grande, and scoring a top client in Kanye West, there’s a lot more to come for the mogul in the making.

Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith – Aren’t we all glad Anthony didn’t shoot Ducky? Otherwise, where would the Top Dawg Entertainment boss be if Kendrick Lamar’s dad was no longer with us. But beyond the tidbit learned in “Duckworth,” Top has proven he’s a force to be respected.

Noah “40” Shebib – Sure, it’s easy to write off 40 as just a producer, but it’s his sound that has come to define a generation. Giving dope platforms for Drake to shine over is one thing, but he’s also instrumental in other spaces for the OVO crew.

photo: WENN

Lyor Cohen – From Def Jam to his own 300 Entertainment, Lyor Cohen has earned the clout to be one of Hip-Hop’s biggest shot callers.

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Bozoma Saint John – Bozoma Saint John turned heads in 2016 after presenting at an Apple event last summer, the first Black woman to do so. The head of global consumer marketing at iTunes and Apple Music has her hands full in the digital music landscape but doing so with flair.

Credit: Derrick Salters/WENN.com

Sylvia Rhone  – We already listed L.A. Reid, but we can’t neglect the president of Epic Records. In an industry where youth is often favored over experience, the former Atlantic Records and Universal Music Group executive has proven she is to be respected and regarded across the industry.

Charlamagne Tha God – While Charlamagne Tha God isn’t a music industry boss, his influence in the game is without question. With one of the sharpest minds in the interview game, The Breakfast Club co-host can hold court with any guest in the hot seat.

photo: Alberto Reyes/WENN.com

Dr. Dre/Jimmy Iovine – Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine will always be linked via their Interscope connection and the Beats empire they’ve crafted. Now after selling off to Apple for a boatload of cash, the tech giant’s radio network was bolstered by the addition of Beats 1 Radio.

Anthony Saleh – Anthony Saleh might be a young buck but he learned the industry ropes from Atom Factory boss, Troy Carter. Now in partnership with Nas’ Queensbridge Venture Partners, Saleh’s Emagen Entertainment Group includes a roster that boasts the aforementioned Queens legend, West Coast rising star YG, and more.