Republic Records Names Ken ‘Duro’ Ifill as Senior VP of A&R: Exclusive
Republic Records announced on Wednesday that it has appointed Ken "Duro" Ifill as senior VP, A&R. Duro's new role will focus on identifying, signing, cultivating and introducing new talent throughout…
Republic Records announced on Wednesday that it has appointed Ken “Duro” Ifill as senior VP, A&R. Duro’s new role will focus on identifying, signing, cultivating and introducing new talent throughout the worlds of hip-hop, rap, urban and R&B.
A multi-faceted engineer in the music industry, Duro has earned six Grammy awards for his work on Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ “Empire State of Mind,” Erykah Badu’s Baduizm, Will Smith’s Big Willie Style, Jay-Z’s Vol. 2…Hard Knock Life, Ashanti’s Ashanti and Usher’s “U Don’t Have To Call.” He also co-founded and has operated Desert Storm Records since 1997.
“‘Duro’ knows records inside and out as he’s mixed many of the groundbreaking records influencing this next wave of artists,” said Rob Stevenson, EVP, Republic. “His experience from behind the mixing board and as an executive give him a unique insight into the creative and real-world challenges facing artists in this evolving landscape.”
Republic EVP Wendy Goldstein also added: “I’ve been a fan of and have worked with Duro for many years. He’s the consummate music visionary whose talent extends from creation to marketing and promotion. It’s an exciting moment for our team to welcome him to the fold.”
“Republic is truly a powerhouse. I have an immense amount of respect for [Co-Founders] Monte and Avery Lipman, Wendy, Rob, and the entire team. I’d love to add that studio perspective to the label’s A&R process. I’m excited to find the next round of Republic superstars and work with them to create a new generation of classic records,” said Duro.
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