Tunji started his career as a marketing intern at Warner Brothers Records, where he was later hired as an assistant. He then became an A&R at Interscope before moving on to RCA as Executive Vice President in 2015.
Throughout that time, Tunji Balogun has worked with the likes of Wizkid, Bryson Tiller, H.E.R.; Childish Gambino, Goldlink, Khalid, Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, and many more. In 2018, he launched the record label Keep Cool, who have Normani, Lucky Daye, VanJess, and Freddie Gibbs & Madlibon their roster.
Tunji will be taking over at Def Jam from interim chief Jeff Harleston and past CEO Paul Rosenberg.
“Tunji is part of a new wave of dynamic executives who view today’s artists and music through a unique creative lens,” says UMG Chairman & CEO Sir Lucian Grainge. “Not only does he bring a deep understanding and respect for the cultural significance of what Def Jam; has created over the past four decades; but he also sees the boundless potential of what Def Jam can be to a new generation of artists and fans.”