2023 Impact 50: Cara Lewis

FOUNDER & CEO
Cara Lewis Group

When it comes to hip-hop, veteran music executive Cara Lewis – a self-described Jewish girl from The Bronx – has the ultimate street cred, name-checked by none other than OGs (and still clients) Eric B. and Rakim in their most famous rap, “Cara Lewis is our agent … and together we can get paid in full!”

Last year, Lewis basked in the success of her longtime client Eminem – she booked his very first Los Angeles club show at House of Blues – being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where he dedicated his speech to a roll call of his own rap pantheon, many of whom were also Lewis’ clients.

“Consumer confidence and demand for live events is thriving and will continue to do so,” she says. “Our daily focus is always on seeking out innovative opportunities for all our clients. The thrill of finding that perfect fit for each is everything, a main driving factor in our day-to-day operations.”

Cara’s current roster boasts some of the genre’s biggest names, including Travis Scott, Eminem, Khalid, Don Toliver, Pusha T, The Roots, Ludacris, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Bryson Tiller, Vic Mensa and RUSS, as well as what she calls “the next wave of iconic female rappers,” such as GloRilla, Ice Spice, BIA and Coi Leray. Longtime client Jill Scott is currently on the ongoing “Who Is Jill Scott” 23rd anniversary tour and headlined this year’s New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, while Erykah Badu is embarking on a 25-city “Unfollow Me” headline arena tour in June and July.

She also worked on her own Smokin’ Grooves event at L.A. Historical State Park in March 2022 headlined by Badu, Nas, The Roots, Miguel, Jhene Aiko and Kamasi Washington.
Lewis was inspired to see the 92-year-old legend Norby Walters, her first boss and mentor, speak at the recent Pollstar Live! panel dedicated to 50 years of hip-hop.

“Norby supported my efforts 100% in the early days. … He is as incredible as he always was,” Lewis says.