Trapital The State of Hip-Hop with Def Jam CEO Tunji Balogun - Trapital Summit
Dec 16, 2024
Tunji Balogun, the Chairman and CEO of Def Jam Recordings, shares his insights on the evolving music landscape. He discusses the fluidity of hip-hop, reflecting on its growing influence across genres. Balogun highlights the critical importance of artist development and nurturing new talent in today's dynamic industry. He also touches upon the rising prominence of Afrobeats globally, showcasing the need for adaptability and foresight in predicting future trends in music.
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Don't Call It a Comeback
- Tunji Balogun's first connection with Dan Runcie started with an email titled "Don't Call It a Comeback."
- Years later, Balogun became CEO of Def Jam, the label behind one of his biggest hits.
Initial Hesitations
- Balogun hesitated to lead Def Jam due to its legacy and his own diverse background in music.
- He questioned his fit within Def Jam's historically East Coast hip-hop image.
Def Jam's Evolution
- Def Jam has always evolved with Black music trends, expanding beyond its initial New York hip-hop focus.
- Balogun aims to represent the global sound of Black music, pushing into genres like Afrobeats and dancehall.