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Kevin Liles

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Kevin Liles
Liles at the 2023 Preakness Stakes
Born (1968-02-27) February 27, 1968 (age 57)
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S
EducationMorgan State University (no degree)
OccupationRecord executive
Years active1986–present
SpouseErika Liles (m. 2010)
Children4
Signature

Kevin Liles (born February 27, 1968) is an American record executive who is the co-founder and CEO of 300 Entertainment.[1] In 2020, Kevin was recognized by Billboard Magazine as R&B/Hip-Hop Executive of the Year[2] for both his efforts in activism and the continued success of Megan Thee Stallion.[3]

Early life and education

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Liles grew up near Baltimore, Maryland, and graduated from Woodlawn High School. He was raised by his mother, Alberta Fennoy, an accountant, and stepfather Jerome Fennoy, a railway conductor, along with three siblings.[4][5] He attended Morgan State University, studying engineering on an electrical engineering scholarship from NASA, but left the program prior to graduating to pursue a musical career.[6][4]

Career

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Liles began his music career as a member of the Baltimore-based DJ crew, Numarx. In 1986, the group co-wrote "Girl You Know It's True," which was first recorded by Numarx but later became a massive first hit for Milli Vanilli.[4]

Liles was president of Def Jam Recordings and executive vice president of The Island Def Jam Music Group from 1999 to 2004. He served as executive vice president for Warner Music Group, working under his former Island Def Jam associate Lyor Cohen before stepping down as executive vice president of Warner Music Group to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors in September 2009.[7]

In 2009, Liles launched New York City-based KWL Enterprises.[4] In 2012, he co-founded 300 Entertainment with Lyor Cohen, Roger Gold and Todd Moscowitz. On September 17, 2024, Liles announced that he is stepping down at CEO of 300 Entertainment.[8]

Philanthropy

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Liles' philanthropic activity has included serving as co-chair for the New Yorkers For Children Gala and his creation and ongoing participation in the Kevin Liles for a Better Baltimore Foundation.[9][4]

Personal life

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Liles is married to Erika Liles. He and Erika have two daughters together.[10]

IN February 2025, a former Def Jam employee filed a lawsuit against Liles, alleging that he had sexually harassed and assaulted her while she was an executive assistant to the general manager at Def Jam. In the lawsuit, the former employee alleges that Liles had made "derogatory and degrading comments based on her gender regarding her body and appearance" starting soon after she began working at Def Jam around 1999 and escalating afterwards, with Liles pushing his body against her breasts and grabbing her behind up until 2002, when he allegedly made unwanted sexual advances toward the employee and later forcing himself on top of her and raping her despite continued protests.[11]

References

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  1. ^ Rys, Dan. "Kevin Liles Talks the Past, Present and Future of 300 Entertainment: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved January 23, 2018.
  2. ^ "Revealed: Billboard's 2020 R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players — In A Year of Activism". Billboard Magazine. November 12, 2020. Retrieved November 14, 2020.
  3. ^ "How Kevin Liles & 300 Entertainment 'Move Our Culture Forward'". Billboard.com. Retrieved November 14, 2020.
  4. ^ a b c d e Owens, Donna (August 15, 2014). "Baltimore native Kevin Liles is a big hit in music and beyond". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved February 2, 2019.
  5. ^ "40 Under 40 - Kevin Liles". Crain's New York Business. January 1, 2003. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  6. ^ Eichensehr, Morgan (October 4, 2018). "Morgan State University surpasses $250 million funding campaign goal". Baltimore Business Journal. Retrieved February 2, 2019.
  7. ^ Salima Koroma (September 3, 2009). "Executive VP Kevin Liles Leaves Warner Music Group". HipHopDX.
  8. ^ Resnikoff, Paul (July 31, 2018). "Rich the Kid Calls 300 Entertainment 'The Worst, Worst Label Ever'". Digital Music News. Retrieved February 2, 2019.
  9. ^ Sabino, Catherine (September 26, 2016). "Who Went to the Glam New Yorkers For Children Gala?". Haute Living. Retrieved February 2, 2019.
  10. ^ "RHOP: Who Is Gizelle's Biz Partner Erika Liles Millionaire Husband?". 2paragraphs.com. July 22, 2018. Retrieved October 21, 2019.
  11. ^ Horowitz, Steven J. (February 27, 2025). "Kevin Liles and Def Jam Sued by Jane Doe for Sexual Assault". Variety. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
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