Recorded Music
 | Leota Blacknor
Instructor, Recorded Music |
Courses
Music Marketing
Education
B.S. Speech Communication, Syracuse University
Biography
Leota Blacknor’s 13 year track record began as an Executive Assistant at the House of Hitz, Inc., a production company owned by one of hip-hop’s pioneer producers-Marley Marl. A brief stint at MCA Records in the A&R department enabled Blacknor to enhance her music business background, but also sparked the interest of working at a boutique label. As Executive Assistant to Sean “P.Diddy” Combs in the early days of Bad Boy Entertainment, Blacknor was responsible for the day-day functions of the CEO’s fast pace office. Her Tenure included the multi-platinum record releases of the Notorious B.I.G, Faith, Total and 112 albums, P. Diddy later promoted her to Senior Director of administration serving as chief liaison between Bad Boy and venture partner Arista Records. As senior director of Administration to the music mogul, Blacknor assisted in the launching of his non-profit organization-Daddy’s House Social Programs, Daddy House Recording studio and Justin’s Restaurant. At 26 years old, Blacknor landed a job as general manager of Untertainment Records. She was one of the youngest female GM’s in the urban world of music. The gold album success of recording artists Cam’ron on the label continued to spark in maintaining her GM status at boutique records labels. As General Manager of Ruff Ryders records since 1999, she is ultimately responsible for the marketplace success of multi-platinum and platinum recording artists such as DMX, EVE, Drag-On and The LOX. Her success can be directly tied to the grass roots programs she conceptualizes and implements that significantly enhance the brand identity of the hip-hop label. Her efforts have included innovative partnerships that include unique and first time ever programs through channels such as MTV, Foot Action USA and Remy Martin. Blacknor proposed and fostered a partnership with MTV and Ruff Ryder to launch Eve’s sophomore album, Scorpion. This marked the first time that the music channel partnered with a hip-hop label through advertisements, a televised album release party, co-op marketing and financial support of a rap album. The success of her efforts resulted in 1.4 million of the scorpion album project. Leota Blacknor is currently the Vice President of Urban Marketing for Capitol Music Group. She is responsible for the marketing success of Dem Franchize Boyz and MIMS. Leota has achieved a lot in her career and will continue to do so.
