Tunji Balogun headed to Def Jam Records as CEO

Nigerian American record label executive, Tunji Balogun is set to join Def Jam Records as CEO according to Variety.

He was RCA’s executive vice president of A&R before this appointment.

At RCA, which Balogun joined in 2015 following seven-and-a-half years at Interscope, the A&R exec signed SZA, Khalid, H.E.R., Normani and Bryson Tiller. In 2018, Balogun co-founded the label Keep Cool, a joint venture with RCA, alongside Courtney Stewart, Jon Tanners, and Jared Sherman. He was elevated to EVP that same year, reports Variety.

Def Jam, a globally recognized music record label was under the leadership of interim Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Harleston. He also served as general counsel and executive VP of business and legal affairs at Universal Music Group.

Dej Jam is home to some of the world's biggest musicians including Justin Bieber, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Kanye West, Big Sean, YG, Alessia Cara, and Logic, among others artists. It was formed 35 years ago.

Balogun’s hiring comes on the heels of Def Jam naming promotion veteran Nicki Farag executive vice president and general manager.

Also joining the Def Jam team is rapper Snoop Dogg, who serves as executive creative and strategic consultant, it was announced in June.

President of Shady Records, Eminem’s joint venture with UMG’s Interscope Geffen A&M.

An announcement from UMG is expected shortly.