DEF JAM'S NIMENE GETS HER EVP STRIPES

Happy birthday to Natina Nimene—who's not only celebrating another trip around the sun but also a promotion at Def Jam. In her 10th year at the label, she's now EVP of Promotion & Artist Relations.

“Natina is a gifted, one-of-a-kind executive who has a rare, innate talent for connecting with artists in a meaningful way and executing their plans with care, passion and razor-sharp focus and expertise,” said Chairman and CEO Tunji Balogun. “Her huge impact on our label, staff and records is felt every day. More than that, she acts as an all-important emissary and beacon to our industry and culture at large. I’m beyond excited to congratulate Natina on this well-deserved promotion and look forward to the many wins we will achieve together.”

Nimene said she has never felt "such optimism and belief in [Def Jam's] leadership than at this moment.” She called Balogun’s "unparalleled" talent, creative instincts and artist-development skills inspirational and further related, "I’m excited to lend my energy, experience and drive to this incredible journey."