1924 Music Group General Manager Waleed Bilal is climbing the ranks in the music business as a top music executive. Recently being named the General Manager of the indie label, Waleed’s hard work is finally paying off. The influence he is generating in the entertainment business continues to grow, impacting the next generation of superstars.
Hailing from the Bronx, New York he comes from humble beginnings. Starting off in the music business as an artist in 1990, he opened up shows for Hip Hop legends Notorious BIG, Keith Murray, Jay-Z and The Fugees. As his notoriety began to blossom, he caught the attention of Cory Rooney of Sony Records and signed a demo with him in 1992. After being shelved from the signing of Mariah Carey, Waleed decided to switch gears and pursue a college degree. He eventually attended East Carolina University in Greenville NC where he was riding when he caught his big break.
In 1998, the Bronx native moved to Atlanta GA in which he came across a talented artist by the name of Keith Brown (JR Get Money). He believed in this young man’s talent so much that he took JR to Gurk Smith whose brother was Gary Smith. Smith at the time was a platinum producer and songwriter, responsible for much of the success of So-So Def recording artists. Jermaine Dupri made So So Def popular in the late 90’s with acts such as Kriss Kross, Xscape, Da Brat and Jagged Edge.
Nothing was the same for Waleed at this point. JR signed a publishing deal with Gary Smith’s publishing company, Mood Swing Productions and 6 months later signed a major recording deal under Sylvia Rhone of Universal Motown. Rhone later orchestrated a co-deal with Grand Hustle Records, which is Atlanta Hip hop icon T.I. record label. This deal landed Waleed in the company of TI and Young Dro as well as the rest of the Grand Hustle family. His artist Keith Brown co-wrote Lupe Fiasco’s hit single “The Show Goes On” which received 3 Grammy nominations in 2012. After finding success with Brown, he started his own booking agency called Groove Society. He then began booking major artists for concerts all around the world.
As the general manager for 1924, Walled is in good company. Working with platinum selling artist Qui Qui Martin of the former girls group Isyss, and rising stars Lor Sosa and Yung Inkky, he is making sure that they achieve the next level of success. with his extensive network. He is on track to become one of the most influential music executives in the game.
