THE MOST CREATIVE PEOPLE IN BUSINESS 2021
EBRO DARDEN
GLOBAL EDITORIAL HEAD OF HIP-HOP AND R&B, APPLE MUSIC; COHOST, HOT 97 ’S EBRO IN THE MORNING
When Apple Music named Ebro Darden as its first head of hip-hop and R&B, in 2019, Darden, who’s also the cohost of one of the highest-rated hip-hop and R&B morning radio shows in the United States, saw it as more than just an opportunity to go global. It was a chance, he says, to expand his mission “to platform the other genres where Black artists don’t get to shine.” For example, last year he commissioned Black artists across genres, from country to gospel, to create original music for an Apple Music compilation celebrating Juneteenth. He’s also that was featured across Apple Music’s platforms and YouTube. And in June 2020, Darden chose Nigerian rapper Rema for Apple Music’s monthly rising artist showcase, . By featuring African music worldwide, Darden has helped Apple Music expand on the continent: The service launched in 25 African countries last year, and global plays of African music genres increased more than 230% compared to 2019.
