Written By: Livengoodlivin
“When people see me, I want them to know that I’m not only an A&R but a successful black man. I want to be an A&R for the people, a role model for my fellow people of color, and the best person I can be.” – Yaasiel “Success” Davis
The humble and ingenious A&R Next Door, aka the vice president guru of Atlantic Recordings and the man behind some of the most notable musicians in the world recently, Yaasiel “Success” Davis. He is a man with great ambition, passion, and character. Davis balances being a keen ear to the streets and researching analytics to find the next prominent artist in music.
Priding his success on being a student of the industry and always looking towards discovering new methods of finding the next prominent artist in music, Yaasiel worked tirelessly at his craft. For over fifteen years, Davis has been a behind the scenes force within the industry that is continuously changing. The business savvy of Jay Z and the modesty of J.Cole, Yaasiel Davis, represents the keenest of successful African American men in the industry.
Working with current icons such as YBN Cordae and Nahmir, Teejayx6, Cardi B, Jucee Froot, Ravyn Lenae, and many more outstanding music artists, Davis is ahead of the game in developing prodigious musical talent. He made many efforts to be a bridge of positivity in the community. During a period where the world is undergoing a revolution in the treatment and advancement of the black community, Davis shines being his genuine self.
“Black people are not only beautiful but bold and brave,” he said. “The world needs to realize the excellence we have left in not only the liberal arts but in every aspect of the world. Black lives matter is the bare minimum; we should be treated as equals worldwide and be seen as the kings and queens we are!”
Throughout his life, Success has reached out to his community by being a mentor to the youth of many avenues of experience with 100 Black Men/Eagle Academy. Mentorship does not only include music but in every aspect of life. He is also an advocate for historically black colleges as he is a FAMU alumnus. With Success being an advocate of his community, it’s important to him to leave a legacy more significant than just being an A&R but one who is for his people and looks to guide his people.
“Mentorship is key for our children to grow comfortably into the best people they can be,” he said. “As successful black people and of color, we must look after and guide our young ones into leaders who will groom more leaders. That’s how we build generational wealth and a pipeline of success for the black community and people of color.”
It’s safe to say he is the A&R of the people, not just representation but being a champion for the black community. Recently, he has been coming up for creative methods for the artists under his prodigious wing to navigate through COVID-19.
Virtual zoom meetings, IG live performances, and continually rethinking his methods to ensure his current run of success, Davis is doing everything in his power to ensure that Atlantic Recordings maintains its edge as a leading label for churning out musical stars. With Yaasiel “Success” Davis leading the way, you can bet that every song or at least most of them will be a hit with him continuing to be the best role model possible for the black community and people of color!
To keep up with his journey, follow him on Instagram.
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