Def Jam Recordings is entering into an exclusive joint venture partnership with Emmy Award-winning writer, creator, producer and actor Lena Waithe to launch Hillman Grad Records.

The new JV was announced today (March 10) by Waithe and Jeff Harles­ton, Interim CEO, Def Jam Recordings.

Joining Hillman Grad Records to sign and develop talent will be experienced music executives Tebs Maqubela and Albert Cooke.

Head of A&R Tebs Maqubela joins Hillman Grad Records from Columbia Records, where as an A&R executive he signed and developed talent.

Prior to that, Maqubela worked in artist management affiliated with the Brockhampton team.

Hillman Grad Records’ new General Manager Albert Cooke spent years at Island Def Jam as an Artist Development executive before heading to Soundcloud, where he was instrumental in the Artist Relations department.

Maqubela and Cooke will report to Lena Waithe (CEO) and Rishi Rajani (President of Film & TV) of Hillman Grad Productions.

“Def Jam is the perfect partner for Lena Waithe’s new Hillman Grad venture, and we look forward to bringing her musical vision to life.”

Jeff Harles­ton, Def Jam

“Lena Waithe has established herself as one of the most artistically and commercially successful creators and storytellers at work today,” said Jeff Harles­ton.

“Lena has a profound understanding of and appreciation for music. After making her mark on television as an actor and writer, then smoothly shifting gears into her role as a film producer and CEO, it follows that she would now spread her wings at the helm of this exciting new record label.

“Def Jam is the perfect partner for Lena Waithe’s new Hillman Grad venture, and we look forward to bringing her musical vision to life.”

“Jeff Harleston and his phenomenal team at Def Jam have given us their trust and their resources to help develop artists that not only have potential, but staying power. We look forward to the journey ahead.”

Lena Waithe

Lena Waithe added: “Music and storytelling have always gone hand in hand. And I think that’s because musicians are the storytellers we love the most.

“They can take complex emotions and simplify it in four minutes, the same artist can sing about the revolution and falling in love. Music is a part of us.

“It’s so often connected to our fondest and sometimes our darkest memories. Musicians tell our story. At Hillman Grad Productions we believe in identifying and amplifying new talent, and we want to continue to do that in the music industry.

“Jeff Harleston and his phenomenal team at Def Jam have given us their trust and their resources to help develop artists that not only have potential, but staying power. We look forward to the journey ahead.”Music Business Worldwide