In the rhythm of Black Music Month, I had the chance to sit down with Jamin Whatley, a confident yet humble force at Sony Music Publishing. Known for his role in shaping the music industry, Jamin carries a quiet reverence, much like the echo of a dope bassline, and for him, Atlanta is more than just a city—it’s the heart of hip-hop. Yet, while Atlanta’s vibrant pulse drives him, Jamin acknowledges the blueprint New York laid down in hip-hop’s early days.
His journey is a story of hard-earned wisdom. Early on, Jamin didn’t know much about music licensing or publishing, but his willingness to learn by showing up and being present, even when his name wasn’t on the door, taught him the ropes. The club scene, the late nights, the hustle—all of it became the foundation for his work today, where he nurtures a roster of artists, songwriters, and producers. His secret? Respect. He treats every artist with the same respect he showed me—treating every interaction like a signature on a track.
A Day in the Life of an A&R
Jamin’s day-to-day isn’t just about overseeing his roster of 90 artists and producers; it’s about creating the space for creativity and strategy to coexist. Whether it’s being in sessions with songwriters, pitching songs to labels, or managing album releases, no two days are the same. But at the core, he’s there to support the artist’s vision while balancing the business side of things.
One of the most interesting aspects of Jamin’s work is his breakdown of the role of music publishing A&R versus label A&R. While label A&Rs focus on bringing records to life, publishing A&Rs like Jamin focus on nurturing songwriters, connecting the dots, and understanding the long game. His philosophy is clear: educate and empower.
Atlanta’s Influence on Hip-Hop Culture
As a proud Atlanta native, Jamin doesn’t just work in the city—he embodies it. “Atlanta’s influence is undeniable,” he says, with a passion that’s unmistakable. From legends like OutKast to the new wave of artists like Lil Baby, the city continues to shape the sound and future of hip-hop. But Jamin also sees his role as part of a larger responsibility: he honors the past while carving out space for fresh voices and new sounds.
He spoke passionately about music industry education, especially for new producers. One of his big dreams is to see the kind of financial literacy and publishing workshops offered to musicians that athletes get in the NFL or NBA. Knowledge, to Jamin, isn’t just power—it’s protection, it’s equity, and it’s the path toward building generational wealth for Black creators and executives.
The Art of A&R: Building a Roster
Jamin’s philosophy on signing new talent isn’t just about talent—it’s about passion, understanding the business, and building a strong team. “I look for people who really want it, who have the drive,” Jamin shares. But beyond that, he values the ability to network, work with different producers, and push boundaries through cross-genre collaborations. His roster reads like a diverse, genre-bending dream team: from Rod Wave and Playboi Carti to Louie and Little Chucky, plus a punk rock group from Atlanta called Paradox. Jamin is not about staying in one lane; he’s about creating lanes between genres, giving his artists the opportunity to expand their creativity.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Jamin Whatley?
So what’s next for Jamin? He’s excited for the upcoming releases from Rod Wave and Playboi Carti, but his ambitions go beyond just putting out music. Jamin is committed to developing artists like Louie and Little Chucky, pushing them into new genres, and continuing to build bridges between Atlanta and other music hubs like Nashville.
Jamin Whatley is more than just an A&R at Sony Music Publishing—he’s a bridge builder, a culture keeper, and an advocate for artist development and education. In an industry that too often focuses on quick success, Jamin is showing that the true wealth lies in knowledge, connection, and long-term vision. As he continues to build legacies, Jamin’s work ensures that hip-hop’s future remains as rich and innovative as its past.
