Epic Records has appointed Ezekiel Lewis to the post of president. He will continue to report to Sylvia Rhone, Epic Records’ Chairwoman and CEO, and to lead the A&R division while helping run the day-to-day operations of the company.
Lewis has served as the company’s executive vice president and head of A&R since 2020, working closely with 21 Savage, Future, GIVĒON, Madison Beer and Meghan Trainor. Prior to his tenure at Epic, he was SVP of A&R at Motown Records, where he collaborated with Ne-Yo, Erykah Badu, Migos and Lil Yachty. As a co-writer and co-producer, he’s contributed to projects by Justin Bieber, Mary J. Blige, Usher and Trey Songz.
“Having been a hit songwriter and producer for many years, Zeke brings an invaluable understanding of the artist’s creative journey,” Rhone said. “His knowledge and experience of the inner workings of the music industry give him an immeasurable edge to drive key business conversations while staying true to his A&R roots.”
“The entire Epic Records team embodies what it means to champion artist development in this fast-moving industry, and I’m excited to help shape its future,” Lewis said.
ABOUT EZEKIEL LEWIS:
Born in Montgomery, Alabama, Zeke was always surrounded by music, preferring not to categorize it into genres, with an emphasis on songs. By the time he was 17, he left home for Atlanta to expand his music business career, moving from a vocalist to writing and production, landing one of his first big placements on Pink’s 2000 debut album, Can’t Take Me Home. He then went on to contribute a songs on albums by Luther Vandross and Trey Songz’s debut album, “I Gotta Make It.”
In 2005, Lewis formed The Clutch, a collective of songwriter-producers responsible for such hit singles as Omarion’s “Ice Box,” Ciara’s “Like a Boy,” Timbaland’s “The Way I Are” and Britney Spears’ “Radar.”
Other hit songwriting/composing credits include Justin Bieber’s “One Less Lonely Girl,” Trey Songz’ “Sex Ain’t Better Than Love” and “Unusual,” featuring Drake; Mary J. Blige’s “Take Me As I Am” and Trey Songz’s “What’s Best For You”. His long resume includes a song on Luther Vandross’ best-selling Grammy-winning album Dance with My Father as well as Mary J. Blige’s The Breakthrough.
In 2011, Lewis founded The Bar Music Group a publishing and production company which represents songwriters, producers and artists, among them John “SK” McGee (Future,Trey Songz, Pusha T, Kevin Gates), Najja McDowell (Trey Songz’ “2 Reasons” featuring T.I., “Simply Amazing” and “Dive In”) as well as up and coming Motown/Capitol Recording artist Kevin Ross, who is also responsible for writing hit singles on a number of artists including Trey Songz (“Touchin Lovin” feat Nicki Minaj & “What’s Best For You”).
The Bar Music Group’s BMI dba Bar Raising Tracks as well as it’s ASCAP dba Bar Raising Anthems have both won publisher awards for having titles amongst the most performed songs in the country.
