Lanre Gaba

Lanre Gaba's 20 years in the music business is a true testament of working your way up from the bottom. She started her career right out of Syracuse University as a Ruffhouse Records intern, where one of her main responsibilities was walking and cleaning up after her boss's dog. Her enthusiasm and unmatched work ethic quickly led to a full-time assistant position. Her next role was at EMI Music Publishing as a coordinator, where she handled the intake of newly signed writers and producers.

In 2002, Lanre joined Atlantic Records as an A&R administration manager. As a project manager for artist recording projects, she learned everything from what it takes to make and put out music to what goes on in the studio to managing budgets to handling the business. Over the years, Lanre's role at Atlantic evolved as she grew as a leader within the A&R Department. 

She is currently the general manager and senior vice president of A&R, and is responsible for the hip-hop and R&B roster, which includes A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, Cardi B, Lil Uzi Vert, Burna Boy, and rising star Pooh Shiesty. In 2019, Lanre received the RIAA Executive of the Year Award, honoring her instrumental role in developing legendary artists and for her contributions to advancing women in the music industry. She has been recognized in Billboard’s R&B and Hip-Hop Power Players list, the Billboard Women In Music issue, and most recently in Billboard’s Change Agents list in 2021 for her advocacy efforts toward racial justice and social change. Lanre currently lives outside of New York City with her husband and their two sons.