Johnson succeeds current urban radio promotions head Larry Kahn, who has announced he’ll retire next year.
Keinon Johnson has been promoted to senior vp of urban radio promotions at Interscope Records, the label announced Tuesday (June 30). He succeeds current urban radio promotions head Larry Khan, who has announced he’ll retire in 2021.
Johnson’s promotion comes during a high point for the company’s urban radio promotions department, which has enjoyed recent hits including DJ Mustard’s “Ballin” feat. Roddy Ricch, Moneybagg Yo’s “1 2 3,” Lil Mosey’s “Blueberry Faygo” and several tracks by DaBaby and Summer Walker, among others.
An employee of Interscope since 2010, when he joined the label as national director of urban promotions, Johnson launched his career in the ‘90s as a street team representative for Loud Records before working his way up through regional promotion departments at labels including MCA and Priority Records.
Khan joined Interscope seven years ago and in the succeeding years built up one of the top urban radio promotion departments in the industry. He was previously executive vp at Jive Records and has a three-decade career in the business.
“Keinon has been a vital part of the Interscope family for over a decade and proven to be a brilliant strategist who has earned the respect of his peers throughout the industry,” said Khan in a statement. “As I prepare for the next chapter of my life, I know that this department is in good hands with Keinon and I look forward to working with him closely on this transition.”
