#Roommates, it’s no secret that Lena Waithe is one of the busiest women in Hollywood with a host of television and films projects on her plate—but now she’s adding a new business venture that’s all about music. In a recent interview, Lena Waithe officially revealed that she is launching her very own record label in the hopes of bringing back the “old vibe and nostalgia” that music is missing these days.
During an exclusive interview with @RollingStone for its “Future Of Music” issue, Lena Waithe spoke extensively about her brand new record label and how important music has always been in her life—and how it also plays a crucial role in her film and TV projects. Her label, Hillman Grad Records is under an exclusive joint venture with legendary record label Def Jam and she hopes to sign some legendary acts of her own.
“As I got older and more into my career, I think people really started to pick up on the music choices in the film or TV that I was doing, and that really spoke to me,” she said. She also listed Lil Nas X, Jazmine Sullivan, Summer Walker, H.E.R., and Miguel as the types of artists she’s looking to sign because of their storytelling and continued growth.
She continued, adding:
“I don’t want to do the typical thing. We are not going to come out with 10 albums a year. It’s about finding really interesting artists who have a real drive and sense of wanting to figure out who they are over time. We really want artists that can grow. Yes, it includes albums and singles, but to me it’s about personality and moments.
I think there is this desire to have artists do the same thing again and again. I really miss watching an artist and their albums shift and change with each one. But I want to bring back some of that old vibe and nostalgia and rollout of actual singles.”
Largely due to her very busy schedule, Lena Waithe has not yet confirmed when she plans to release new music or sign new acts to her label—but she is actively looking to do both.
Want tea directly in your text inbox? Hit us up at 917-722-8057 or click here to join!
