Popular music executive and author Kevin Liles will be honored by his home city of Baltimore on September 1st, in which a street name will be renamed after him.
A ceremony/blockparty will take place from 1:00 to 4:00 honoring Liles’ achievements, both as an executive and a community man. The 2900 Block of Presstman Street on which Liles grew up will then be renamed “Kevin Liles Drive.”
“As a proud native of Baltimore, I am humbled
to receive such a huge honor,” said Liles. “I would like to thank
Governor Mark O’Malley and Mayor Shelia Dixon for believing in young
America because we do want to make a difference. I would like to thank
the City of Baltimore for allowing me to be its symbol of hope, and
show the young men and women of this city that despite your environment
you can be successful by establishing a commitment to excellence within
yourself.”
Liles began his career as an unpaid intern in 1991 at Def Jam, quickly becoming the President of Def Jam Music Group in 1998. Under his careful watch, the comapny went from revenues of under $100 million to over $400 million in only four years. He also oversaw the establishment of Def Jam South, Def Soul, Def Soul Classics, Roc-A-Fella and Murder Inc.
Currently, Liles is the Executive Vice President of Warner Music Group and CEO of the Make it Happen Foundation and Kevin Liles for a better Baltimore. “Kevin’s dedication to building a better
Baltimore has been proven through his constant contributions and
charity work,” said Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon. “Kevin has been instrumental in shaping the lives of so
many young people with his commitment to education and improving the
quality of life for our residents. This ceremony will help congratulate
all his accomplishments and show our appreciation.”