Lena Waithe Launches New Record Label With Def Jam

Lena Waithe—the writer, producer, and actor from shows including The Chi, Master of None, Twenties, and more—has launched a new partnership with Def Jam Records with the formation of a new label called Hillman Grad Records. A new press release described the label as an effort

“Music and storytelling have always gone hand in hand. And I think that’s because musicians are the storytellers we love the most,” Lena Waithe said in a statement. “They can take complex emotions and simplify it in four minutes, the same artist can sing about the revolution and falling in love. Music is a part of us. It’s so often connected to our fondest and sometimes our darkest memories. Musicians tell our story. At Hillman Grad Productions we believe in identifying and amplifying new talent, and we want to continue to do that in the music industry. Jeff Harleston and his phenomenal team at Def Jam have given us their trust and their resources to help develop artists that not only have potential, but staying power. We look forward to the journey ahead.”