Trailblazing file government Sylvia Rhone is about to obtain the Final Icon award on the BET Awards in Los Angeles later this month, the community introduced on Thursday.
Rhone is among the most influential file executives within the historical past of the music enterprise, a ceiling-breaking determine in an business the place girls and minorities have typically been under-represented. She was the primary girl and black girl to be named CEO of a serious file label, and had management roles at iconic labels like Motown, Elektra, Atlantic Information and, most lately, Epic.
Rhone had joined Epic again in 2014 as president, and she or he was named CEO of the label in 2019. She stepped down from the company in 2025.
“I have worked in our industry since vinyl ruled, and women were rarely if ever in line for C-level or even vice-presidential roles,” Rhone wrote in a memo upon her departure. “I am proud of my achievements, and of my commitment to those who take inspiration from them.”
Throughout her profession, Among the many acts she’s labored with are Stevie Marvel, Missy Elliot, Busta Rhymes, Erykah Badu, Future, 21 Savage, DJ Khaled and Travis Scott.
“Sylvia Rhone’s influence extends far beyond the music business and into the culture itself,” Connie Orlando, government vp and head of programming for BET, mentioned in an announcement. “She championed artists and executives, shattered ceilings that had never been broken and redefined what leadership looks like for women and people of color in every boardroom that followed. Her legacy is heard in the music, seen in the careers she built and felt in the generation of leaders walking the path she cleared.”
The BET Awards are set for June 28 reside on the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with Druski internet hosting.
Earlier this week, the present introduced Teyana Taylor will obtain the icon of the yr award as nicely.
Extra honorees and performers will probably be revealed within the coming weeks forward of the present.
