March 10th 2024.
Sylvia Rhone has had an incredible 40-year career in the music industry, making her one of the most accomplished figures in the business. Throughout her time in the industry, she has launched the careers of some of the biggest names in music, such as MC Lyte, Missy Elliott, and Nicki Minaj, and revitalized many others.
Rhone's journey in the music industry began in 1974 when she worked as a secretary for Buddha Records, which is now defunct. She then moved on to positions at ABC Records and Ariola Records before being promoted to northeast regional promotion manager for special markets at Electra in 1980. Her hard work and dedication eventually led her to become the director of national Black music marketing at Atlantic Records, where she managed the careers of iconic artists like En Vogue, Brandy, Miki Howard, Busta Rhymes, Tracy Chapman, and MC Lyte. In fact, MC Lyte became the first female rapper to release a full-length album under Rhone's direction in 1988.
In 2019, Rhone made history as the first woman CEO of a major record label owned by a Fortune 500 company when she was named the chairperson and CEO of Epic Records. She also became the first Black woman to hold both positions at a major label. Billboard Magazine recognized Rhone's groundbreaking career in a 2023 profile, calling her a trailblazer and role model for women in the music industry. That same year, she was also named Billboard's Women in Music Executive of the Year, a well-deserved recognition for her numerous achievements in the business.
Rob Stringer, the chairman of Sony Music Group, praised Rhone's impact on the industry, stating that she has opened doors for countless others to follow in her footsteps. He also highlighted how she has shaped the careers of many artists and supported them throughout their journey. Despite her groundbreaking success, Rhone remains humble and realistic about the challenges of the music industry, stating that there is no magic pill for success. She believes in creating a diverse and inclusive culture at Epic Records, where the creativity of artists and executives from all backgrounds can thrive.
Rhone's impact on the music business goes beyond her own success. She has played a significant role in reshaping the industry, leading to the creation of the Black Music Collective by the Recording Academy. She was also honored as one of the initial recipients of the Global Impact Award, recognizing her contributions to hip-hop and making sure it received the recognition and respect it deserves. During her acceptance speech, Rhone expressed her appreciation for being recognized alongside other cultural icons and the enduring power of hip-hop.
However, Rhone's journey in the music industry hasn't been without obstacles. She had to fight for hip-hop in its early days, facing pushback from radio stations and the overall community who didn't understand the genre. Rhone and her team had to justify why they were promoting hip-hop at board meetings and even faced protests from shareholders. Today, she continues to fight for the genre, especially against the use of rap lyrics as evidence for prosecuting artists. She firmly believes that the First Amendment rights of rappers should be protected and that using their art to imprison them is a political attack on the genre.
Rhone's legacy in the music industry is unmatched. Not only has she broken barriers for women and Black women in particular, but she has also been instrumental in creating a more diverse and inclusive space in an industry that has often been seen as a boys' club. Her journey embodies the spirit of hip-hop, one that embraces change and perseveres in the face of challenges. Sylvia Rhone is a true pioneer in the music business, and her impact will continue to be felt for years to come.
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