From an unpaid internship in 1991, Liles soared though the ranks to become President of Def Jam Music Group in 1998 at the tender age of 30. As president he was largely credited with building up revenues from less than $100 million to more than $400 million in just four years, turning what was a small but wildly successful record business into a mature corporation that become the crown jewel of Universal’s music group. He oversaw the creation of the brands Def Jam South, Def Soul, Def Soul Classics, Roc-a-Fella and Murder Inc. Under his stewardship, Def Jam grew into one of the most influential record labels in the world just as the rest of the music industry was facing a protracted slump.
By 2002, Liles added the title of executive vice president of Island Def Jam Music Group. Instrumental in the success of superstars and emerging artists such as Jay Z, Hoobastank, Ludacris, Sum 41, Ja Rule, LL Cool J, DMX, Kanye West, Musiq and Ashanti, Liles’ track record of artist successes solidifies him as one of the most important executives in the music industry. In recognition of these extraordinary achievements in the music industry, Kevin received the UJA-Federation’s Music Visionary Award in 2003.
A native of Baltimore, the first of four siblings, Liles attended Morgan State College, but exited one semester shy of his degree, opting instead to hit the road with his burgeoning hip hop group. It was during this period in his life that Mr. Liles began to realize that the business side of the music industry interested him most. “I absorbed a lot of hands-on knowledge about the inner workings of the business back then,” says Mr. Liles. “In the beginning there were only five of us; no titles, no job descriptions, we each did what it took to get the job done.”
In June of 2001, Mr. Liles joined his mentor Russell Simmons in hosting the first of several hip hop summits created to reach out to members of the hip hop community to better grasp the social, political, and cultural ramifications of the hip hop movement.
As far as Liles is concerned, efforts to improve the lives of the young people of his culture are simply the right thing to do.
Hey Mr.Liles I just had to let you know that your book was great and it help me and my team alot! Thanks. I really look forward to meeting you one day. Jerz.
So...I sent you a letter-an email-a MySpace message-all that’s left is to give you my thanks in person (along with that demo ;o) EXPECT IT! God Bless you Mr.Liles! I just finished "Make It Happen" and it resonates with me throughout the day; in tasks both menial and substantial and in perception and action. Though good influences are few and far in between-I will surround myself with the likes of those like you through books and study until I am surrounded by greatness myself. Thank you for the jewels of wisdom you so generously shared, I am one whose soil your word will take root in-I will allow good and bad times to water the seed-I will set forth until my dying day with a tenacious spirit-an on fire spirit-the spirit of a finisher! You have inspired me-Thank you.
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