The Bob Lefsetz Podcast

Ethiopia Habtemariam

Holding down dual roles as both President of Motown Records and President of Urban Music/Co-Head of Creative at Universal Publishing Music Group, Ethiopia Habtemariam shares the story of her rapid rise through the Atlanta music scene. She discusses race in America, being a female executive in the music industry, the future of hip hop, and how she develops global strategy for the artists under her wing. 1:00 - Hip hop as the universal language 3:00 - Her name &amp; heritage 6:00 - Moved to Atlanta, Kris Kross in the same class 10:00 - First contact with LaFace Records 11:00 - SouthernPlayalistic Music Fest, Outkast 17:00 - Emmis Music Publishing gig 19:00 - Started working with NSync managing their charity efforts 22:00 - Started at Universal, signed Ludacris, Pussycat Dolls, Kerry Hilson 25:00 - Moved to LA for Motown - signed Ciarra, started doing A&amp;R 33:00 - Racism in the music industry 38:00 - Being a woman in the music business 50:00 - Is Kanye West crazy or intentional 1:05:00 - Q&amp;A with audience at the Music Media Summit in Santa Barbara, CA Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com">https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</a>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Bob Lefsetz is the author of “The Lefsetz Letter.” Listen to his new podcast where he'll address the issues at the core of the music business, internet, and the world at large.