Kevin Liles (born February 27, 1968) is an American record executive and co-founder and CEO of 300 Entertainment.[1] In 2020, Kevin was recognized by Billboard Magazine as R&B/Hip-Hop Executive of the Year[2] for both his efforts in activism and the continued success of Megan Thee Stallion.[3]
Kevin Liles | |
|---|---|
 Liles at the 2023 Preakness Stakes | |
| Born | February 27, 1968 Baltimore, Maryland, U.S |
| Education | Woodlawn High School; Morgan State University |
| Occupation | Record executive |
| Years active | 1986–present |
| Spouse | Erika Liles (m. 2010) |
| Children | 4 |
Early life and education
editLiles grew up near Baltimore, Maryland, and graduated from Woodlawn High School. He was raised by his mother, Alberta Fennoy, an accountant, and stepfather Jerome Fennoy, a railway conductor, along with three siblings.[4][5] He attended Morgan State University, studying engineering on an electrical engineering scholarship from NASA, but left the program prior to graduating to pursue a musical career.[6][4]
Career
editLiles began his music career as a member of the Baltimore-based DJ crew, Numarx. In 1986, the group co-wrote "Girl You Know It's True," which was first recorded by Numarx but later became a massive first hit for Milli Vanilli.[4]
Liles was president of Def Jam Recordings and executive vice president of The Island Def Jam Music Group from 1999 to 2004. He served as executive vice president for Warner Music Group, working under his former Island Def Jam associate Lyor Cohen before stepping down as executive vice president of Warner Music Group to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors in September 2009.[7]
In 2009, Liles launched New York City-based KWL Enterprises.[4] In 2012, he co-founded 300 Entertainment with Lyor Cohen, Roger Gold and Todd Moscowitz. On September 17, 2024, Liles announced that he is stepping down at CEO of 300 Entertainment.[[8]
Philanthropy
editLiles' philanthropic activity has included serving as co-chair for the New Yorkers For Children Gala and his creation and ongoing participation in the Kevin Liles for a Better Baltimore Foundation.[9][4]
Personal life
editLiles is married to Erika Liles. He and Erika have two daughters together.[10]
References
edit- ^ Rys, Dan. "Kevin Liles Talks the Past, Present and Future of 300 Entertainment: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved January 23, 2018.
- ^ "Revealed: Billboard's 2020 R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players — In A Year of Activism". Billboard Magazine. November 12, 2020. Retrieved November 14, 2020.
- ^ "How Kevin Liles & 300 Entertainment 'Move Our Culture Forward'". Billboard.com. Retrieved November 14, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e Owens, Donna (August 15, 2014). "Baltimore native Kevin Liles is a big hit in music and beyond". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved February 2, 2019.
- ^ "40 Under 40 - Kevin Liles". Crain's New York Business. January 1, 2003. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
- ^ Eichensehr, Morgan (October 4, 2018). "Morgan State University surpasses $250 million funding campaign goal". Baltimore Business Journal. Retrieved February 2, 2019.
- ^ Salima Koroma (September 3, 2009). "Executive VP Kevin Liles Leaves Warner Music Group". HipHopDX.
- ^ Resnikoff, Paul (July 31, 2018). "Rich the Kid Calls 300 Entertainment 'The Worst, Worst Label Ever'". Digital Music News. Retrieved February 2, 2019.
- ^ Sabino, Catherine (September 26, 2016). "Who Went to the Glam New Yorkers For Children Gala?". Haute Living. Retrieved February 2, 2019.
- ^ "RHOP: Who Is Gizelle's Biz Partner Erika Liles Millionaire Husband?". 2paragraphs.com. July 22, 2018. Retrieved October 21, 2019.