As the Senior VP of Marketing at Island Def Jam, Chris Atlas McDaniel has his work cut out for him. With artists like Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, Nas, Jadakiss and others, Atlas is responsible for overseeing the marketing of some of the biggest names on today’s hip hop scene. The record executive has over 15 years of experience in the game–couple that with being on the winning team–and you’ve got a recipe for holding up a legacy that isn’t going anywhere.
TUD: How did you get your start in the music industry?
Chris Atlas: I started, I don’t even wanna say how long ago (laughs), but I started at Tommy Boy records as an intern in 96. Then it progressed into a full-time gig. I went from college promotion to mix show promotion, then I did A&R while I was there. When I left Tommy Boy I was General Manager for the urban division.
How is working at Def Jam different from past experiences at other labels?
The biggest difference is the legacy and the level of competition that exists within the company to just be the best. Def Jam is like one of the most iconic hip-hop labels ever and we fight really hard to maintain that. It’s a battle to maintain the relevancy of the brand, the status of the artists, and the quality of music. Def Jam has been on top for a long time, it might have had its periods of decline, but we are aggressive about trying to hold up the legacy and take the artists to the next level.
I know it’s hard to pick one, since you work with so many, but are there any artists that you work with that impress you with their style?
I think Fabolous has a great sense of style. He just always remains youthful to me. His style represents his music well. It represents his confidence. I like Kanye’s style, of course; he sets his own trends. We’ve seen so many different evolutions of his style, but I’m always impressed with Kanye. Ross’ style is dope too. He’s a big guy and a bit adventurous in some of the things he wears.
How important is grooming to an artist’s style?
It’s very important. It represents their artistry. You see how Fabolous carries himself differently than Rick Ross who is different from Jeezy but they all have a certain aesthetic to their grooming, how they get their shaping to how Rick Ross maintains his beard.
How do you make a great first impression, and what role if any does facial grooming play in this?
I think, being well-groomed and maintained says a lot about the individual. If you take the time to get your hair cut, if you have facial hair, and if you get manicured, it says a lot about the level of person you are. I think when you’re a professional [grooming] becomes a priority.
Have you ever gotten grooming advice from a woman?
Yeah, absolutely. As a black male, sometimes when you shave, if you don’t shave properly, the way your hairs can grow back can cause razor bumps. I’ve gotten tips from women on cream. Razor bumps are some of the most painful things ever. Women have given me tips on certain creams to use on my face particularly after I shave.
Being in such a high profile position, you must know where the hotspots in the city are. Do you have a favorite club or restaurant?
I don’t know if they are new or not, but Lure Fish Bar is downtown on Mercer across from the Mercer Hotel. Club-wise, it would be Greenhouse.
The G-List is TheUrbandaily.com’s annual celebration of 40 influential men from various walks of life who define what it means to be a trendsetter with style in their field.
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