Slim and Birdman on the cover of Billboard's Urban Power Players List 2012

Defining power and who possesses it is an ever-changing equation. It's a challenge that Billboard editors revisit each year with the Power Players series, which includes Women in Music, Latin Power Players, this year's inaugural Power 100 and the upcoming 40 Under 40. To that roster, add this issue's inaugural Urban Power List, profiling the 25 biggest players in the industry. The unranked tally targets executives whose concentration is urban, not executives who have oversight of urban music but also substantial responsibilities with other genres.


Rounding out the list: salutes to Urban Power Cities and the first Hall of Fame inductee. As with any such tally, numerous accomplished executives didn't make the cut. However, the selected honorees represent the collective judgment of Billboard's editors. Deal makers, rule breakers, beat creators -- these are the 25 most powerful players in the space, the men and women who define the game, direct its flow and determine its outcome. Congratulations to the 25 game-changing executives who comprise our first Urban Power List.

It's been 21 years since Bryan "Birdman" and Ronald "Slim" Williams founded Cash Money Records as an independent rap label in New Orleans, and 14 years since the Williams brothers signed their initial pressing and distribution deal with Universal for a reported $30 million.

In the years since, Cash Money Records Group has grown into an urban -- and increasingly, pop -- music powerhouse, racking up a staggering stack of chart stats on its way to nearly 54 million albums and more than 107 million singles sold in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. With a crop of young talent including Lil Wayne, Drake and Nicki Minaj in its stable, a rapidly expanding roster and significant international growth within sight, the Williams brothers are holding all of the cards, and they're playing for keeps.

Other persons making the list include:

Urban Power Players Honorees (In Alphabetical Order):

Cortez Bryant & Gee Roberson Co-CEOs, Blueprint Group

Sean "Diddy Combs Founder/CEO, Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment Group; brand manager, Ciroc

Dr. Dre Co-Founder/Beats By Dr. Dre Founder, Aftermath Entertainment

Shawn Gee President of Music and Entertainment, SEFG

Benjy Grinberg President, Rostrum Records

Ethiopia Habtemariam Sr VP of Motown, Exec VP/Head of Urban, UMPG

Jay-Z, Jay Brown, John Meneilly, Tyran "Ty Ty" Smith Roc Nation

Magic Johnson Owner, Magic Johnson Enterprises

Michael Kyser President, Black Music, Atlantic

Bryan Leach CEO, Polo Grounds Music

Debra Lee & Stephen Hill Chairman/CEO, BET Networks President of Music Programming & Specials, BET Networks

Cara Lewis Agent, CAA

Joie Manda President, Def Jam Recordings

Larry Mestel, Chris Lighty & Michael "Blue" Williams Chairman/CEO Primary Violator COO, Primary Violator; President, Primary Violator

Mark Pitts President, RCA Urban Music CEO, Bystorm Entertainment

Paul Rosenberg Co-Founder, Shady Records CEO, Goliath Artist Management

Rick Ross Founder, Maybach Music Group

Reggie Rouse VP of Urban Programming, CBS Radio PD, WVEE Atlanta

Jay Stevens SVP Programming, Radio One Steve Stoute CEO/Founder, Translation

Tech N9ne Founder, Strange Music

TI & Jason Geter Grand Hustle

Chang Weisberg Principal, Guerilla Union

Ronald "Slim" Williams & Bryan "Birdman" Williams Co-founders/Co-CEOs, Cash Money Records Group

Doc Wynter Brand Manager for Urban/Urban AC, Clear Channel

URBAN POWER LIST HALL OF FAME: CLARENCE AVANT President, Avant Garde and Interior Music

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