NAS' "LIFE IS GOOD" PRODUCER LANDS HUGE SONY EXEC POSITION

Rap veteran Nas' longtime producer Salaam Remi is trading in the studio for an office as Sony Music Entertainment's new executive vice president of A&R/production.

Reports of the producer's new high-level gig surfaced Tuesday(November 20).

Sony Music Entertainment is expected to name Salaam Remi as executive VP of A&R/production, according to sources familiar with the situation. In his new role, the Grammy-nominated producer/songwriter will work across all Sony labels. Remi's most recent credits include Alicia Keys' current top five R&B/hip-hop hit "Girl on Fire" and Tamia's "Beautiful Surprise," plus credits on the latest albums by Miguel ("Kaleidoscope Dream") and Nas ("Life Is Good"). His extensive discography also includes production collaborations with Amy Winehouse, Monica, Jazmine Sullivan and the Fugees as well as several film scores ("Sparkle," "Tyson"). (Billboard Biz)

Last month, singer/producer The-Dream got appointed Def Jam executive.

Writer and producer the-Dream (real name: Terius Nash), who has worked with Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige and Justin Bieber, among other hit artists, has been appointed executive VP of A&R at Def Jam. According to a statement issued on Oct. 8, The-Dream "will have a comprehensive, broad reaching A&R portfolio." His responsibilities at the division of Universal Music Group will include overseeing the progress of current and new artist projects, signing new talent to the label and working in a production capacity with artists on the Def Jam roster. In his new position, the-Dream will work closely with Barry Weiss, chairman/CEO of Universal Republic and Island Def Jam Motown; Karen Kwak, head of A&R at Island Def Jam Music Group; Joie Manda, president of Def Jam Recordings; And Steve Bartels, president/COO of Island Def Jam Music Group. (Billboard Biz)

In August, fellow ATL musician Young Jeezy announced his new position as Atlantic Records' senior vice president of A&R.

Taking to his Twitter page today (Aug. 9), Jeezy acknowledged his new position -- in a message that was also retweeted by Atlantic -- by saying "From the streets to the Boardroom. SVP of A&R at Atlantic Records I am. Let's Get it!" The news was reportedly broken by DJ Greg Street of V103 out of Atlanta, and was confirmed by Jeezy's production coordinator DJ Folk last night. (Billboard)

In summer 2011, Chicago hip-hop producer No I.D. got hired as Def Jam's executive vice president.

"I'm (now) executive VP of Def Jam," the producer announced. "I'm going to keep on doing what I'm doing and take it to another level. No I.D. has worked with heavyweights such Jay-Z, Kanye West and Rihanna and said that he hopes to keep finding talent and making music. "Def Jam is a cultural staple," No I.D. said. "It's not just a label, it's part of the culture that I came up in and that I've been involved with for 20 years. It's very important that the next generation of executives grab it by the horns and keep it on track as it grows." (Billboard Biz)