Rap Radar

For the last three months, rumor has it that Lyor Cohen is forming a talent mgmt company. Now, the NY Post reports that Irv Gotti is set to come on board. According to an anonymous source, the deal was made this week. The Inc. shall rise again? Stay tuned.

Eyebrows (and middle fingers) were raised earlier this week when it was announced that was Lyor Cohen was resigning from his post at Warner Bros. But according to the NY Daily News, he’s set to launch his own talent management company.

“He’s working to bridge the gap between label and management,” says a second source, indicating Cohen wants to help record companies and bands work together more cohesively. “He has for some time now.”

After eight years, Warner Music Group announced that Lyor Cohen is leaving his position as Chairman/CEO. No word as to who will takeover, but it’s rumored former EMI CEO Roger Saxon will take position. Says Lyor:

To all the artists and employees who live and die for the music every day, and who personally sacrifice for the good of the creative process: ‘keep on keepin’ on’ in the tradition of a company that respects and honors the artistic community.”  

Warner Music Group CEO Stephen Cooper added:

“Lyor Cohen has built something very special here. While we understand his desire to move on to his next challenge, the enduring success of our recorded music division will serve as a great testament to the progress we’ve made during Lyor’s time at WMG. We are grateful for Lyor’s contributions, and we wish him the best. I’m confident that given the strength of our talented management team in Recorded Music, we’ll be able to drive further success.”

billboard.biz

Common, who’s been a free agent since December, phoned MTV to explain his recent deal with Warner Bros. Records and the call he received from the label’s CEO, Lyor Cohen. The Dreamer, The Believer drops this November.

This flick of Lyor Cohen was snapped last year during Drake’s gig at S.O.B’s . Today though, Complex posted their interview with the Warner Music CEO. In a excerpt below, he speaks on not securing Drizzy to the label.

Speaking of new artists, many people were expecting Drake to sign with you at Warner Music. Did it disappoint you that he ended up going with Universal Motown?
Lyor Cohen: A very disappointing thing. But I’m a lover of rap music. I want good things to happen to this industry. I have so much good fortune and already have everything. I feel like we have a terrific company, and we’re very old-school in that once we grip someone’s hand, fundamentally we believe that’s a deal. But that’s not this generation. They’ll grip someone’s hand and say they’re coming, but if someone offers them more they will renege. That’s not how we get down.

Did Drake do that?
Lyor Cohen: I’ll keep that between Drake and myself.

Real Talk: This guy being at the Drake show the other day caused more of a stir than you favorite rapper. Lyor Cohen is the Don Dada of music industry ball busters. Fuck a Pause. And fuck your camera. Historically: This guy is known for flippin’ the bird. Word.