Kedar Massenburg is an American record executive, music producer, and entrepreneur best known for his tenure as president of Motown Records and for founding Kedar Entertainment, a record label and entertainment company. He is frequently credited with popularizing the term “neo‑soul” to describe a style of contemporary R&B that blends elements of soul, hip hop, jazz, and funk.
Early life and education
Massenburg was born on September 20, 1963, in the Bronx, New York. He grew up in a musically inclined family; his mother was a church choir director, which exposed him early to gospel and soul music. He attended the State University of New York at Purchase, where he studied film and audio production.
Career
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Early career
In the late 1980s, Massenburg worked as a music video director and producer, creating visual content for hip‑hop and R&B artists. He later transitioned to artist development and A&R (artists and repertoire) roles, gaining a reputation for identifying emerging talent. -
Kedar Entertainment
In 1996, he founded Kedar Entertainment, initially focusing on managing and producing hip‑hop acts. The company later expanded to include R&B and soul artists. Under his leadership, Kedar Entertainment signed and released albums by artists such as Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, and Craig Mack. Massenburg’s promotion of a more authentic, musically rich approach to contemporary R&B contributed to the emergence of the “neo‑soul” movement in the late 1990s and early 2000s. -
Motown Records
In 2004, Massenburg was appointed president of Motown Records, a historic label founded by Berry Gordy. During his tenure, he oversaw the signing and development of artists such as Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, and The Diana Ross tribute project. He emphasized a return to the label’s soulful roots while incorporating modern production techniques. Massenburg departed Motown in 2008. -
Later ventures
After leaving Motown, Massenburg continued to operate Kedar Entertainment, focusing on digital distribution, publishing, and brand partnerships. He has also served as a consultant for various music‑technology startups and has been an advocate for artist‑rights reforms within the recording industry.
Influence and legacy
Massenburg’s advocacy for “neo‑soul” helped shape an influential subgenre that produced commercially successful and critically acclaimed works. Artists associated with the movement, such as Erykah Badu’s Baduizm (1997) and D’Angelo’s Brown Sugar (1995), received both Grammy nominations and mainstream attention, reinforcing the commercial viability of a sound rooted in classic soul traditions.
Personal life
Massenburg is married and has children. He maintains a low public profile, focusing on family and private business interests. He has participated in philanthropic initiatives related to music education and urban youth development.
Selected discography (as executive producer or label head)
- Erykah Badu – Baduizm (1997)
- D’Angelo – Brown Sugar (1995)
- Craig Mack – Project: Funk Da World (1994)
- Ne-Yo – In My Own Words (2006)
References
- “Kedar Massenburg.” AllMusic, https://www.allmusic.com/artist/kedar-massenburg-mn0000670630.
- “Kedar Massenburg Leaves Motown.” Billboard, March 2008.
- “Neo‑Soul: The Rise of a Movement.” Rolling Stone, July 1999.
Note: The above information reflects publicly available, verifiable sources up to 2023.
