Darrale Jones is the SVP of Urban A&R for Atlantic Records. This marks the well-respected executive’s return to the label, where he served as VP of A&R from 2005 until 2013. Most recently, Jones has been serving as an independent A&R consultant, during which he was responsible for bringing several new artists to Atlantic, including break-out superstar Cardi B.
“Darrale is one of the most accomplished and admired A&R people in the business, and it’s great to officially have him back in the fold,” said Craig Kallman and Atlantic Chairman & COO Julie Greenwald. “Across a career that spans 25 years, he’s always had a fantastic instinct for the next sound coming around the corner and the expertise and stamina to identify, pursue, and nurture original, brilliant artists. He knew right away that Cardi B was going to be a genuine star, and it’s that kind of insight that has made him a true hitmaker, time and time again. We’re all looking forward to the great music that we know he’ll be bringing to us in the months and years to come.”
In addition to Cardi B, Jones has recently brought newcomers Bri Steves, Ghoss, Kateel, and Pardison Fontaine to Atlantic. During his previous eight-year stint at the label, he signed artists such as Gucci Mane, Sevyn Streeter, and Lupe Fiasco, for whom he co-executive produced his triple Grammy-nominated debut album, Food & Liquor. He also worked with Yolanda Adams, Missy Elliott, Trey Songz, Jaheim, and Pretty Ricky, among others. Prior to Atlantic, Jones was Vice President of A&R at Arista Records, where he played an instrumental role in Usher’s landmark No. 1 album, Confessions, which was certified Diamond by the RIAA, has sold over 20 million copies worldwide, and won three Grammy Awards.
Jones began his career as an intern at Motown Records, where he rose to Associate Director of A&R, working for artists such as Queen Latifah, Shanice, Johnny Gill, Another Bad Creation, and Boyz II Men. He moved on to Dreamworks, where his projects included the Prince of Egypt soundtrack, which included hit singles from Mariah Carey & Whitney Houston, and Boyz II Men. This was followed by a stint at Columbia Records, where Jones was responsible for the hit soundtrack of The Best Man (the NAACP Image Award winner for Album of the Year).