Who’s Moving Up and Who’s Moving On: DJ Drama & The-Dream admin Thursday, January 9, 2014 Power Moves, Studio Xclusive, The Studio Seasons change. A new year comes, and with it, many individuals turn the page to a next chapter in their lives. This week, life-changing announcements were made by two of our favs in the music industry: DJ Drama and The-Dream. Moving Up… DJ Drama is now part of the A&R staff over at Atlantic Records. Rightfully acknowledged as one of hip hop’s most accomplished DJs, he will now use his expertise to scout and development new artists. With a plethora of mixtape and album projects under his belt, DJ Drama will also oversee recording projects of various Atlantic Records artists. “My first two albums as an artist were on Atlantic. And I’m now looking forward to working with Craig and Julie [Atlantic chairman/COO Greenwald] in a new capacity, helping them break the label’s next crop of amazing talent.” (Billboard) The Philadelphia-native began his journey of success while in Atlanta working as T.I.’s official DJ. He went on to establish The Aphilliates Music Group and the hugely popular Gangsta Grillz mixtape series. Those two ventures easily secured his ascend into great artistry and success. Over the years, DJ Drama has worked with Young Jeezy, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Outkast, and many others. He is currently working on his fifth album Quality Street Music 2. Moving On… The-Dream announced via Instagram that he was parting ways with Def Jam Records. After spending seven years at the label, the singer/songwriter hinted that it was time to move on. “I will miss this logo. It all started here! Love Everything that I achieved there, EXODUS THE-DREAM #exodusthedream.” The Atlanta-native recorded five albums while at Def Jam, which included his classic debut album LoveHate (released in 2007). He dropped IV Play in 2013 to not much fanfare. In 2012, however, he was named Vice President of A&R at Def Jam. During his stint, he produced hits for Rihanna, Justin Bieber, and many more big name artists. Not much detail has hit the streets as to why he’s saying bye to Def Jam. But, he did write this cryptic message on his Instagram: “Let the New Tides bring The Things not yet seen! There’s more where those came from! We have only heard what I’ve brought to shore the things that lay in the deep want lye there for much longer.” Can’t wait to see and hear what he has planned next!
