Pictured: Barry Weiss, Ne-Yo and Ethiopia HabtemariamThere was a time not long ago that record labels made the horrific mistake of hiring people in A&R who knew NOTHING about certain types of music. As a matter of fact, some of them were downright terrified of the artists that they could not relate to (like rappers). Labels have finally come to realize the best people to find singers and musicians are… well… OTHER singers and musicians. Great idea. To that end, Motown has just taped singer and writer Ne-Yo who exits Def Jam records and moves over to the Motown roster as an artist as well as the senior VP of A&R. Â Ne-Yo will mentor the label’s current roster as well as find new talent.
