Kevin Liles

Kevin Liles (born February 27, 1968, in Baltimore, Maryland, United States) is an American record executive and co-founder and CEO of 300 Entertainment.[1] In 2020, Kevin was recognized by Billboard Magazine as R&B/Hip-Hop Executive of the Year[2] for both his efforts in activism and the continued success of Megan Thee Stallion.[3]

Kevin Liles
Born (1968-02-27) February 27, 1968
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
NationalityAmerican
OccupationChief executive officer, record executive, Manager
Years active1986 – present
Spouse(s)Erika
ChildrenFour

Early life and education

Liles grew up near Baltimore, Maryland, and graduated from Woodlawn High School. He was raised by his mother, Alberta Fennoy, an accountant, and stepfather Jerome Fennoy, a railway conductor, along with three siblings.[4][5] He attended Morgan State University, studying engineering on an electrical engineering scholarship from NASA, but left the program prior to graduating to pursue a musical career.[6][4]

Career

Liles began his music career as a member of the Baltimore-based DJ crew, Numarx. In 1986, the group co-wrote "Girl You Know It's True," which was first recorded by Numarx but later became a massive first hit for Milli Vanilli.[4]

Liles was president of Def Jam Recordings and executive vice president of The Island Def Jam Music Group from 1999 to 2004. He served as executive vice president for Warner Music Group, working under his former Island Def Jam associate Lyor Cohen before stepping down as executive vice president of Warner Music Group to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors in September 2009.[7]

In 2009, Lyles launched New York City-based KWL Enterprises.[4] In 2012, he co-founded 300 Entertainment with Lyor Cohen, Roger Gold and Todd Moscowitz.[8]

Philanthropy

Liles' philanthropic activity has included serving as co-chair for the New Yorkers For Children Gala and his creation and ongoing participation in the Kevin Liles for a Better Baltimore Foundation.[9][4]

Personal life

Liles is married to Erika Liles. He and Erika have two daughters together.[10]

References
  1. Rys, Dan. "Kevin Liles Talks the Past, Present and Future of 300 Entertainment: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved 23 January 2018.
  2. "Revealed: Billboard's 2020 R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players — In A Year of Activism". Billboard Magazine. 12 November 2020. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
  3. "How Kevin Liles & 300 Entertainment 'Move Our Culture Forward'". Billboard.com. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
  4. Owens, Donna (15 August 2014). "Baltimore native Kevin Liles is a big hit in music and beyond". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2 February 2019.
  5. "40 Under 40 - Kevin Liles". Crain's New York Business. 2003-01-01. Retrieved 2020-12-21.
  6. Eichensehr, Morgan (4 October 2018). "Morgan State University surpasses $250 million funding campaign goal". Baltimore Business Journal. Retrieved 2 February 2019.
  7. Salima Koroma (September 3, 2009). "Executive VP Kevin Liles Leaves Warner Music Group". HipHopDX.
  8. Resnikoff, Paul (31 July 2018). "Rich the Kid Calls 300 Entertainment 'The Worst, Worst Label Ever'". Digital Music News. Retrieved 2 February 2019.
  9. Sabino, Catherine (26 September 2016). "Who Went to the Glam New Yorkers For Children Gala?". Haute Living. Retrieved 2 February 2019.
  10. "RHOP: Who Is Gizelle's Biz Partner Erika Liles Millionaire Husband?". 2paragraphs.com. 22 July 2018. Retrieved 21 October 2019.
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