Executive Action: MNRK Music Group
• MNRK Music Group, a leading, digitally focused, independent music company has elevated Brandon Squar to General Manager, and Ebrahim “Abe” Rasheed to SVP, Urban.
Both gentlemen continue to report to MNRK COO Sean Stevenson, who said, “Brandon and Abe have demonstrated their commitment, passion and drive for our artists, and in these new roles, they’ll continue to lead and nurture our first-rate talent, cementing MNRK as a destination for music talent and as a leading indie.”
The LA-based Squar (left) joined MNRK in 2020 and most recently served as SVP of Sales and Marketing. In his newly expanded position, he will lead company initiatives, overseeing commerce, marketing, project management, and publicity for the company’s diverse roster of artists. Squar has worked in the music industry for 25+ years and has extensive label & distribution experience in artist development, digital, marketing, and sales, having previously worked for UMG, Island Def Jam, Live Nation, Warner Music Group, and ADA.
The New York-based Rasheed (right), who joined the company in 2017, most recently held the position of VP of A&R and Artist Development. He now steps into the role of SVP, Urban after the departure of Alan Grunblatt, who ran the Urban label for 20 years, and will spearhead all efforts in A&R and artist development for the Urban roster. Already this year, Rasheed led the rollout for Grammy-winning artist DJ Drama‘s new album, I’m Really Like That, and Kash Doll‘s Back on Dexter mixtape.
Squar said, “Music from independent artists has never been in a better place to succeed and it’s exciting to be in this position with MNRK to bring amazing music from our artists to the right audience in innovative ways.” Rasheed remarked, “I’m thrilled to lead MNRK’s Urban division while the world celebrates the 50th anniversary of hip hop! I’m looking forward to aggressively revamping our roster by signing numerous new artists this year while also building a culture and team around flagship artists like DJ Drama. Helming a division at a leading independent with an iconic catalog is an honor. I can’t wait to share all the great music we have coming down the line.”
