Kevin Liles is a prominent figure in the music industry, known for his remarkable journey from an unpaid intern to the President and CEO of 300 Entertainment. His career began in the late 1980s as a member of the DJ crew Numarx, where he co-wrote the hit song “Girl You Know It’s True,” which later propelled Milli Vanilli to fame. This early success laid the foundation for Liles’ future endeavors in the music business.
Liles made significant strides at Def Jam Recordings, where he served as president from 1999 to 2004. Under his leadership, the label experienced unprecedented growth, signing and promoting influential artists that shaped the hip-hop genre. His strategic vision and ability to identify emerging talent were instrumental in solidifying Def Jam’s status as a powerhouse in the music industry.
In 2009, Liles transitioned to entrepreneurial ventures, founding KWL Enterprises before co-founding 300 Entertainment in 2012. His innovative approach to artist development and marketing has led to the success of numerous artists, including Megan Thee Stallion, for whom he was recognized as R&B/Hip-Hop Executive of the Year by Billboard Magazine in 2020.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Liles is a dedicated philanthropist and activist, advocating for social causes such as civil rights and voting rights. His commitment to community service is exemplified through the Kevin Liles for a Better Baltimore Foundation, reflecting his desire to give back and inspire future generations in the music industry and beyond.