Despite music executive Irv Gotti campaigning for a presidential spot and being turned down last year, Def Jam president Joie Manda has left his post to join Interscope Records.
Buzz behind the unexpected decision surfaced online Thursday (March 28).
Some interesting shifts of power are taking place within the music industry today. Word came down that Def Jam President, Joie Manda, has stepped down officially resigning from his position at the famed record label. He was named President nearly a year ago to the hip hop home of many legends and pioneers, but stepped down and introduced himself as the new President of Urban Music at Interscope Records. (Stupid Dope)
Manda also issued a statement on his new label home after a short stint at Def Jam.
"Despite having to move back to Los Angeles for personal reasons, I am truly grateful to Barry, John and Jimmy Iovine(Chairman & CEO, Interscope Geffen A&M) for this exciting new opportunity. I've learned a lot from Barry in the last year and am very appreciative of everything he has done for me. ... I am now looking forward to being part of the Interscope family, a company uniquely positioned for success despite this challenging marketplace." (Statement)
According to reports, Joie's last day will be tomorrow (March 29).
Speaking with Billboard.biz late this morning, Manda said that his last day at Def Jam will be Friday and his first day at Interscope will be Monday, and said he's "excited to roll up my sleeves and get to work. They've done a great job with Kendrick Lamar and I'm really excited to build on that success." (Billboard Biz)
Last March, Def Jam CEO/Chairman Barry Weiss officially welcomed Manda to his powerhouse."As we look to expand Def Jam and our creative urban music activities even further, there is no one better to lead them than Joie," said Mr. Weiss. "He has emerged as one of the most respected young executives in today's Urban music landscape, possessing all the qualifications and experience that are essential to run Def Jam, the world's most important hip-hop destination. The entire Def Jam family looks forward to working closely with Joie as he puts his unique imprint on the next chapter in the label's storied and successful history." (Statement)
In January 2012, Irv Gotti discussed the aftermath behind his Def Jam presidency campaigning.
"It caused a buzz, and I want people to know I didn't start the whole 'Irv Gotti for president' thing; the people did," the former Def Jam A&R told MTV News as he walked the red carpet at the reopening of Jay-Z's 40/40 Club in Manhattan last week. "It was a crazy thing, and it was all good." It doesn't seem like Def Jam brass will put Irv in the big chair, but Gotti is appreciative of the support he has gotten from the hip-hop community. "Everybody was riding. It was a lot of love," he said last week. "Everybody felt what I was saying and was riding." (MTV)
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