Features
Roc Nation Label Taps Shari Bryant, Omar Grant As Co-Presidents
– Shari Bryant and Omar Grant
Roc Nation
Roc Nation has named Shari Bryant and Omar Grant co-presidents of the Roc Nation Label to develop strategies for signed artists while continuing to build the talent roster.
Said Bryuant, “There is no better way to celebrate my 20th anniversary in the music business than to return home. The values and lessons that the Roc Nation founders instilled in me provided me the tools to become the best executive I could possibly be. I am honored to make even more history with my family.”
Added Grant, “After nine incredible years here, it’s an unbelievable honor to step into this new role. Inspiration comes from the top down at Roc Nation, and the founders set a precedent for a culture of progress in terms of both business and creativity. That’s a legacy I’m humbled to uphold and extend as co-president.”
Roc Nation cofounder and President of A&R Tyran Smith commented, “Shari and Omar love culture and all it encompasses. Both are consummate professionals who understand and respect artists and their process. It’s an honor to work alongside and see them at the helm, poised to usher in the next Roc Nation generation.”
Bryant began her career as an intern at Roc-A-Fella records and later became an executive assistant in the early ‘00s. She has gone on to hold roles at Def Jam Recordings, Warner Bros., Atlantic Records, United Masters and eventually became the GM/Partner of Alamo Records. She also founded the company PinkestLuv, dedicated to helping young women.
Grant began his career as an intern at Columbia Records while a freshman at Adelphi University. After graduating, he worked as a road manager for Destiny’s Child, Creative Director of Urban A&R for EMI Music Publishing and Senior Director of A&R at Epic Records before joining Roc Nation nine years ago.
Over the years he has worked with Rihanna, Big Sean, Shakira, Belly, both Willow and Jaden Smith as well as managing songwriters and producers, including No I.D., who has produced songs for Kanye West and Jay-Z.
In 2013, Grant signed Mustard to both Roc Nation management and as an artist under the label. Most recently, he signed Grammy-winning producer Tainy (Cardi B, J Balvin, Bad Bunny), as an artist to the label.
Roc Nation was founded in 2008 by Jay-Z, and has a multi-year partnership with Live Nation.