Orlando Wharton named EVP of Capitol Music Group and President of Priority Records

A&R CEO Orlando Wharton, who helped establish the careers of rapper and singer Fetty Wap and several other hip-hop acts, has been named Executive Vice President at Capitol Music Group (CMG).

Wharton Appointed by Chairman and CEO of CMG Michelle Jubelirer in a new role, in addition to being President of Priority Records as CMG seeks to relaunch the label as a platform dedicated to new, growing and established hip hop artists.

“Priority Records is the legendary label that gave artists a voice when they had no voice; a music production label that really doesn’t rely on gimmicks to make an impact,” Wharton said of Priority Records’ launch.

Founded in 1985, the label is known for artists including hip-hop group NWA and award-winning rappers Ice-T, Jay-Z and Snoop Dogg. Priority Records became part of Capitol Records in 2004 and then ceased operations until 2006 when EMI revived the label, releasing Snoop Dogg’s studio album. Malice N Wonderland in December 2009.

“Priority Records is the legendary label that gave artists a voice when they had no voice; a real music production label doesn’t rely on gimmicks to make an impact. “

Orlando Wharton

The label was relaunched in 2013 through a joint venture between Capitol Records and Insurgency Music and again in 2015 as a distributor.

Now, CMG is looking to revive Priority for the nth time with Wharton’s direction.

“Orlando has an undeniable track record in finding and developing talented and groundbreaking artists.”

Michelle Jubelirer, Capitol Music Group

“Music is Orlando’s purpose, and he is the ideal executive to relaunch Priority and help write the next chapter for Capitol Music Group,” said Jubelirer. Wharton will report directly to Jubelirer when he takes on the new role early next year. He will be based in the company’s New York office.

“Orlando has an undeniable track record of finding and developing talented and groundbreaking artists. Between his boundless energy and deep relationship lies his unwavering commitment to helping artists realize their fullest potential and bring their creative vision to fruition,” said the director. executive added.

Wharton, born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey, is noted for the success of several hip-hop stars in his career as an A&R executive.

In 2015, he signed with rapper and singer Fetty Wap 300 Entertainment and helped the artist work on his multi-platinum eponymous debut, reaching No.1 on Billboards 200 and produced three top 10 singles including RIAA– Confirmed Diamonds (10x Platinum) Trap Queen.

Wharton joined Atlantic Profile was Director of A&R in 2014 and was promoted to Senior Vice President in 2016. There he signed a contract with rapper Kodak Black, collaborating with the rapper on his releases including including the platinum albums, Painting Pictures (2017) and Billboard 200 No.1 Dying To Live (2018).

Wharton’s portfolio also includes signing rapper and singer PnB Rock to Atlantic and managing two albums the artist has released including Catch These Vibes (2017) and TrapStar Turnt PopStar (2019), reaching a Top 5 spot in the Billboard Top 200. (PnB Rock passed away two weeks ago following a fatal shooting in Los Angeles.)

Other artists on Wharton’s extensive roster include Boogie wit da Hoodie, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, XXXTentacion, Shoreline Mafia, Little Eazzyy and rising star YOVNGCHIMI.

In 2017, Billboard heralded Wharton about the next generation of executives and producers that “changed the sound, face, and future of hip-hop.”

“I am really looking forward to working with Michelle Jubelirer and the amazing team she has assembled at CMG, keeping in mind that the artists lead the way and we are here to support excellence and creativity. them,” Wharton said of his date.Worldwide music business