3Q Episode Seventeen: Chris Atlas

No matter where you are in your career, you’ll benefit from listening to 3Q. 3Q provides a window into the careers of some of the best in the music business. Every episode is an insider's view of the realities of life as a music executive. Topics include issues of empowerment, uncertainty, trust, finances, etc; issues that will impact you both personally and professionally. The executives we interview represent every aspect of the industry including but not limited to A&R, Marketing, Music Supervision, Artist Management, Promotion, and more. The best part? Every executive answers the same three questions and 3Q never takes more than 15 minutes of your time. About Chris: A City College graduate, Chris Atlas began his career as an intern at Tommy Boy Records; within his first year of interning, he focused on compilation research. Impressed by his passion, knowledge, and aggressiveness toward the music industry, Tom Silverman- President of Tommy Boy invited him to join the team. In his tenure at Tommy Boy, he served as a Product Manager, National Director of Rap Promotion, A&R and founder of Tommy Boy black label, and General Manager of Urban Music Promotions. In 2001, Atlas joined Cornerstone Promotion as VP of Urban Marketing & Radio Promotions managing the mix show promotion team and production of monthly promotional hip-hop and R&B mix CDs created each month titled The Cornerstone Mix tape Atlas was also involved in the corporate strategies and execution for several of Cornerstone’s biggest corporate clients including Sprite, Reebok and Boost Mobile to name a few. From 2008- 2017, Atlas served as EVP of marketing at Def Jam Recordings overseeing the marketing and brand identity for the iconic label and its roster of artists. In 2017 Atlas joined Warner Records as SVP Marketing/Head of Urban Marketing working to build out the urban presence for the label’s developing roster and helming projects on Lil Pump, Saweetie, YFN Lucci, Wale, and NLE Choppa to name a few. In July 2020, Atlas was promoted to EVP of Urban Music and Marketing for the label. Atlas is the recipient of the Culture Creators awards in 2016. He was also recently listed as one of XXL Magazine’s Hip Hop Heavyweights of 2022