WME’s Hip-Hop Division Co-Chiefs Exiting, Expected to Join Wasserman (Exclusive)

As a longtime music enthusiast and industry insider, I find the recent news of Kevin Shivers, James Rubin, and Christina Baxter leaving WME to join Casey Wasserman‘s talent management and production company absolutely thrilling! Having followed their impressive careers at WME, it’s exciting to see them take on new leadership roles at another prestigious firm.

With Kevin’s extensive experience working with heavyweight artists like Travis Scott, Tyler the Creator, Lil Baby, Snoop Dogg, and more, I believe that he will bring a fresh perspective and innovative ideas to Wasserman’s music division. James Rubin’s expertise in global touring acts and his successful clientele such as Run The Jewels and Action Bronson will undoubtedly be a valuable asset to the company. And with Christina Baxter’s impressive roster of clients like Miley Cyrus, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Kygo, she is certain to help solidify Wasserman’s position as a major player in the music industry.

It will be interesting to see how these talented executives will shape the future of Wasserman’s music unit and what new opportunities they will create for their clients. I can’t wait to witness the incredible things they will accomplish together!

And on a lighter note, I can only imagine the hilarious behind-the-scenes stories they must have collected during their time at WME – maybe one day they’ll write a tell-all book and give us a glimpse into the wild world of the music industry!

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Wasserman is anticipated to strengthen its music division by bringing in two key figures from WME’s hip-hop department, who are reportedly planning to join the Westwood-based talent management and production firm. In simpler terms, Wasserman might be adding two leaders from WME’s hip-hop team to its music unit, and they are rumored to be making a move to Wasserman.

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to share some exciting industry news: Kevin Shivers, James Rubin, and Christina Baxter, key figures in WME’s hip-hop division, are reportedly considering joining Casey Wasserman’s firm. According to a reliable source, the trio were negotiating a new deal at WME, but unfortunately, they couldn’t reach an agreement with the agency. It seems that Shivers was seeking a leadership role in his next venture. Wasserman, being the wise and tactful individual he is, has chosen not to comment on this matter at this time.

The hip-hop department at WME will still be managed by Caroline Yim and Zach Iser, who took over as co-leads following their move from CAA in 2021. On January 2nd, employees at the Beverly Hills-based talent agency were notified of the departures from WME through a brief message signed by the heads of contemporary music, Lucy Dickins and Kirk Sommer.

It’s uncertain which clients might switch to Wasserman, but one possibility hinted at by one source is that the decision could be based on which company is most suitable for handling film and TV projects for specific hip-hop artists in the industry. Another factor to consider could be the touring potential of each firm.

Since 2008, Shivers has been part of WME, representing notable figures such as Travis Scott, Tyler the Creator, Lil Baby, Snoop Dogg, Solange, Kid Cudi, Jon Favreau and Jon Lovett from Pod Save America, Jimmy Butler, among others. Rubin, who joined WME in 2015 after working at the U.K.-based Agency Group, specializes in global touring acts and has worked with Run The Jewels and Action Bronson. Both Shivers and Rubin were promoted to partners within the company in 2017.

Baxter started working in the music department back in 2011, got promoted to partner in 2022, and now collaborates with WME’s team on artists such as Miley Cyrus, Carly Rae Jepsen, Kygo, Sofi Tukker, and more.

Over the past four years, Wasserman, with its expanding workforce of over 3,000 employees and a substantial clientele in sports and entertainment, has consistently been building up its music division following its acquisition of Paradigm Talent Agency’s live music representation business in North America.

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2025-01-04 00:55