Jennifer Drake (US) // SVP of A&R at Interscope Records

Biography

The success of Oakland-bred music mogul, Jennifer Drake, is hardly a product of luck. Her ascension to the height of the music industry unfolds as a mighty testament to the eternal, unassailable qualities of diligence and focus. After graduating from Clark Atlanta University with a degree in Political Science, Drake began her career working for the federal government. When given the opportunity to manage event planning for NFL superstar Terrell Owens in 2006, Drake made a transition that would ultimately change the direction of her career. The rest, as they say, is history.

Along the way, Drake compiled a client list that spanned some of the entertainment industry’s most prominent names, including Magic Johnson, T.I., Ne-Yo, Ford Motor Company, Hennessy, Red Bull and former Atlanta mayor, Shirley Franklin, Kendrick Lamar, and Mike Will just to name a few. In 2007, while seeking to extend her reach as an event planner, Drake channeled her focus toward the music industry, taking on the role of Director of Operations for Aphilliates Music Group, DJ Drama’s imprint. In the process, she established a magisterial presence that eventually led to a position as A&R Coordinator at the esteemed media powerhouse, Warner Bros Records. As her time with Warner Bros. winded down, Drake embraced her desire to work in the music publishing. She was soon after hired by Vice President of the Rhythm & Soul Department of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, better known as ASCAP. Drake moved to NYC and assumed the role of Director of Membership in Rhythm and Soul for ASCAP. Drake would not get too comfortable in NYC, however, as she would soon thereafter receive a promotion and return to Atlanta to run and oversee ASCAP’s Southeast Region.

Her passion for sifting out up-and-coming talent has led to her signing such household names as Kendrick Lamar— hottest MC in the game —and Mike WiLL Made it—one of hip hop’s most sought-after producers, and recording artist Drake. In addition to her commitment to her career, Jennifer serves as a member of the Atlanta Chapter of the Recording Academy and as a board member of The Compound Foundation (Ne-Yo’s foundation).

Drake was offered a role as Creative Director at UMPG’s west coast office in Santa Monica CA.
Continuing to follow her clear talent for publishing, in 2016 Drake made the shift to Sony/ATV Music Publishing, serving as Senior Director, A&R. Her recent signings include Cardi B, Khalid, Ella Mai, DJ Mustard and many more fresh talents who show immense promise for the future. Drake is dedicated to finding the newest talent (songwriters, producers, artists), using every resource she has gained in the music business to date.

Currently Jennifer is SVP of A&R at Interscope Records and CEO of her own Company Drake Branded LLC. Which is a full-service marketing, branding, management and production house with clients that include, Mike Wills Ear Drummer Records, producer Polow da don, and a full roster of writer’s producers and influencers ranging from tv/film to multimedia and sports.

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