Makeba Riddick

In my role as an A&R Manager/Producer, I provide talent acquisition and production consultation to major record labels including Sony Music Group, working with industry executives to strategize initiatives. During this time, I've worked with award-winning artists including Rihanna, Kanye West, Jessica Simpson and Selena Gomez, contributing to the production of musical works with over 100 million albums sold. Key Highlights: • Secured client partnerships and contracts which generated over $2 million in new revenue, devising key strategies to establish and expand artist brands. • Served as primary liaison with 500+ artists and creatives during tenure, planning studio sessions and providing professional development to high-profile talent including Rihanna, James Fauntleroy and Tamar Braxton. • Led A&R meetings with executives and songwriters, interfacing with record labels and producers to promote the success of key projects and partnerships.

In my earlier role as a Songwriter & Lyricist, I provided original lyrics and songwriting support for over 100 musicians and television series, working closely with artists affiliated with major record labels worldwide. Key Highlights: • Worked closely with engineering team to provide mastered versions of recordings to labels for radio distribution. • Recruited artists and songwriters, providing vocal production and industry expertise to improve recording projects.

I was personally recruited as a Songwriter & Producer by acclaimed Director Lee Daniels to join the production team for two new television series, Star and Empire, with episodes reaching up to 17 million viewers. During this time, I developed original songs which were broadcast during six seasons.

In my work with Atlas Music Publishing, I've scouted and secured new talent, with artists securing placement on albums which sold more than 500,000 copies. Key Highlights: • Served as liaison between publishers and labels including Epic and Roc Nation, promoting the success of key projects. • Worked closely with incoming talent to develop professional aptitudes across songwriting and production realms.

While working as a Producer & Songwriter, I collaborated with the Founder & CEO of a recording company generating over $100 million in annual revenue. In this capacity, I worked closely with 20+ artists including Rihanna, Beyoncé, Willow Smith, Selena Gomez and Toni Braxton, interfacing with major labels including Epic and Def Jam Records under Jay-Z and Jay Brown. Key Highlights: • Recruited talented songwriter who wrote original lyrics for Beyoncé and Rihanna, with musical works generating more than $800,000 in revenue. • Contributed to production partnership with Justin Timberlake, discovering Egyptian producer and securing competitive contract with leading production houses. • Negotiated contract for hit songwriter who contributed to songs for Bruno Mars, generating $300,000 in sales. • Served as company representative, traveling to London, Paris and Sweden to attend studio sessions, label meetings and industry events including the Grammy Awards, American Music Awards and BET Awards. • Initially hired as songwriter, earning promotion to Producer in recognition of exceptional performance.

As Head of A&R, I was recruited by the founder of a start-up record label run by an Interscope Records executive who had previously launched the careers of Eminem, Dr. Dre and 50 Cent. In this role, I worked to secure and develop new talent, overseeing studio sessions, songwriting and producing for new signees. Additionally, I interfaced with marketing executives, coordinating A&R initiatives and leading meetings to promote optimal outcomes.

As an A&R Consultant with Epic Records, I worked with six major artists including Jennifer Lopez, James Fontlavoie and The Fray, contributing to works which generated more than $1 million in revenue. Key Highlights: • Provided consultation to label executives regarding new artist signings, providing recommendations regarding high-potential producers and songwriters while reporting to Company President. • Served as primary client liaison, attending A&R meeting, scheduling performances and studio sessions while providing feedback regarding songwriting methods and pitching strategies.