Billboard.biz is reporting that not only has the Roc La Familia staff been axed but there are more cuts at Island Def Jam ahead, possibly up to 40.
Others given the boot include:
Crystal Issacs, senior national director of mixshow promotions; Ray Romulus, A&R manager; one member of the creative department; one artist development person.
You have to wonder about the fact that Roc La Familia’s launch started with the signing of Aztek, who was then revealed to be somewhat of a con artist which was followed by a period of extended inactivity that mostly continued unabated.
Like the Billboard article says, Roc La Familia "serviced Def Jam’s international arm", so I guess their services are no longer of use. Sorry, y’all.
Via The Rizoh.
I’m a bit sad to see Roc La Familia go. Not that it was so effective, but it represented the Roc’s inclusion of international acts. But alas, if their core is rotten there was probably no way they could support an international artist.
I think it represents a lost opportunity but it seemed lost long before these unfortunate folks got sent home.
Most A&Rs are tools with expense accounts who only seriously consider signing relatvices or ‘homeboys’ from their hoods…Deep six’n a few A&Rs can take 100s of thousands off the books so this was a good move for Def Jam since its obvious they aren’t signing new acts this year (don’t bother sending in your demos).