Wharton Named Pres. Of Priority Records
• Veteran creative executive Orlando Wharton has been named Executive Vice President of Capitol Music Group (CMG) and President of Priority Records. The announcement was made by CMG Chair & CEO Michelle Jubelirer, to whom Wharton will report. In his new position, Wharton will sign and guide artists across CMG’s portfolio of labels, and will relaunch the legendary Priority Records label as a dedicated home for new, developing and established hip hop artists.
Jubelirer said, “Orlando has an undeniable track record of finding and developing groundbreaking and talented artists. Between his boundless energy and deep well of relationships is his unwavering commitment to helping artists realize their maximum potential and bring their creative visions to reality. Music is Orlando’s purpose, and he’s the ideal executive to relaunch Priority and help write the next chapter for Capitol Music Group.”
As a highly regarded A&R executive, Wharton signed Fetty Wap to 300 Entertainment in 2015 and worked with him on his multi-platinum eponymous debut that peaked at #1 on the Billboard 200 and spawned three top ten singles, including the RIAA-certified Diamond “Trap Queen.”
While with Atlantic Records, Wharton rose to SVP in 2016, signed Kodak Black and has A&R’d all of that artist’s releases. Wharton also signed PnB Rock to Atlantic and A&R’d the two albums he released in his tragically short lifetime: Catch These Vibes (2017) and TrapStar Turnt PopStar (2019), which hit the Top 5 in the Billboard Top 200. Wharton then signed A Boogie wit da Hoodie and A&R’d his platinum debut album, The Bigger Artist (2017), which included the RIAA-certified 7X Platinum single, “Drowning.” He also worked closely with rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again‘s team on his three most recent albums. Other artists Wharton has signed and A&R’d include XXXTentacion, Shoreline Mafia, Little Eazzyy, and rising star YOVNGCHIMI to name a few.
Wharton said, “Priority Records is a legendary label that gave artists a voice when they were voiceless; a label that was about real music that didn’t rely on gimmicks to make an impact. I’m really looking forward to working with Michelle Jubelirer and the great team she’s assembled at CMG, always mindful that artists lead the way and that we’re here to support their brilliance and creativity.” Wharton will assume his positions at CMG early next year, and will be based at the company’s New York offices. [Photo credit: Angie Bambi]
