Ezekiel Lewis on Leading Epic Records & Finding New Stars | On The Record

Ezekiel Lewis has discussed his move from hit songwriter and producer to chairman and CEO of Epic Records, describing how that experience shapes his approach to developing artists. In his first interview since taking the role, he spoke about A&R, earning artists’ trust and helping build careers in a changing music industry.

Lewis cited Epic artists including Travis Scott, Future, 21 Savage, Tyla and Giveon, and explained how the label signed and developed Tyla into a global star. He also recalled working on Justin Bieber’s “One Less Lonely Girl” and said Travis Scott asked him to help put Tyla on a track. Lewis suggested rap’s recent downturn may relate to pandemic-era trends, TikTok one-offs and inflated deals, while describing hip-hop’s fortunes as cyclical.