22 Hip Hop Managers You Need to Know About

Looking for the top hip hop managers in the game? Our article explores the behind-the-scenes masterminds who have guided some of the biggest names in rap to success. Discover the key qualities that make a great hip hop manager, and learn about the strategies and tactics these industry insiders use to build careers and navigate the ups and downs of the music business. Whether you're an aspiring artist or just a fan of the genre, this list is for you. In no particular order, here's our list of the 21 hip hop managers you need to know about.

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22. Rubi Rosa

Image credit: Instagram / @rubirosa

Client(s): Bizzy Banks, Leeky G Bando, Carlos Trvp, Kha Structure, Gabo Alonzo, Lil Perco, Lyrical Bomb, Breezy Banks

To kick off our list, let's start with Rubi Rosa. This manager is also a noteworthy producer, and has come a long way in his music career. He's helped to continue building Bizzy Banks' growth on the heels of Luva's initial impact as Bizzy's manager. It's no easy job to carry the torch from another influential manager, but Rubi has made it look simple. Additionally, he's continued to build out a management roster of international clients who are running up streams in all types of markets around the world: Latin, African, American, he's got it all.

21. Lil Nextel

Image credit: Instagram / @nextel

Client(s): Yeat

Yeat has had an enormous come-up in recent years, and it seems safe to say he wouldn't be in the same position if it weren't for his manager, Lil Nextel. Even Yeat's cult-like fanbase knows it's true, and thus Nextel has become somewhat of a celebrity in the underground as a result. Without a doubt, Nextel is one of the best hip hop managers in the game. He's made digital marketing look like a piece of cake, though it's far from it.

20. Coach Tek

Image credit: Instagram / @streetexecstek

Client(s): 2 Chainz, JoeLew

As 2 Chainz' manager, Coach Tek has helped the Atlanta star go the distance, from record sales to his trademark 'Most Expensivest Shit' show. Tek has shown just how scalable talent can be in the hip-hop space, and has done so gracefully.

19. Geoff Ogunlesi

Image credit: Instagram / @geoffo212

Client(s): Young Thug

Geoff is another example of a manager who knows how to go the distance with his clients. Young Thug has come a very long way in his career, and Geoff Ogunlesi has played a crucial role in that.

18. Chad Kemp

Image credit: Instagram / @payattenmedia / @madeinewyork

Client(s): Conway the Machine, Jae Skeese

Chad Kemp is next up on our list, who manages Conway the Machine and is in charge of the operations for his label, Drumwork Music Group. Chad has a breadth of experience in management, working with acts like Benny the Butcher and Armani Caesar in the past as well.

17. Millz Lucas

Image credit: Instagram / @millzlucastme

Client(s): Jay Critch, Slayter

Millz Lucas is another manager who's made quite an impact on his clients' careers. Between Jay Critch and Slayter, Millz' resume speaks for itself. He's built TME into something very special (to say the least), and he's just getting started.

16. Erin Larsen

Image credit: Getty Images

Client(s): Playboi Carti

Erin Larsen is a noteworthy candidate on our list of the best hip hop managers, and for good reason. She's helped Carti take his career to new levels, and he's been quick to credit her for the major role she plays in his success.

15. AR

Image credit: Instagram / @afuckinr

Client(s): Benji Blue Bills, Boog 100, Mayday

AR is a unique addition to our list of best hip hop managers, as he's not only just a manager - he's a multi-platinum producer as well. His management clients include Benji Blue Bills, Boog 100, and Mayday - all of whom should have your full attention at this point in time. Did we mention he started his own cannabis store in Astoria? Whether you're a music or weed connoisseur, you've gotta get hip to AR.

14. William Foster

Image credit: Instagram / @wxllxxm

Client(s): Lucki

William Foster is a manager who's helped develop Lucki into the superstar he is today. That's no easy task, yet William has made it look easy over the years. Did we mention he curates 'The New East Coast' playlist on Apple Music? This is just scratching the surface of his administrative prowess in the music game.

13. Jake Markow

Image credit: Instagram / @jakemarkow

Client(s): $not and Eem Triplin

Jake Markow is yet another manager on our list who makes artist development look easy, though it's far from it. He's taken $not and Eem Triplin to crazy heights, and something tells us they're all just getting started.

12. Chidiebere Udogwu

Image credit: Chidiebere Udogwu

Client(s): Highway, 18veno

Chidiebere Udogwu is a name you should remember on this list. He's played a crucial role in the careers of 18veno and Highway, and has built up a brand of his own that separates him from the pack. He's a natural creative, and seamlessly applies that expertise to his role as an artist manager.

11. Joey Walker

Image credit: Instagram / @itssmelvin

Client(s): wolffacejoeyy

In his time as the head of Daily Chiefers and as an A&R at Alamo Records, Joey Walker has a deeper familiarity with the underground music scene than anybody you'll ever meet. He's applied this knowledge to his management approach, and it shows. He's currently managing wolffacejoeyy (who has been making some serious waves lately), and has previously managed ABG Neal.

10. Barry Hefner

Image credit: Instagram / @barryhefner

Client(s): Earthgang, JID

Barry Hefner is a name you should remember from this list. He's a standout as far as development goes, and that is still such an understatement. Working with acts like Earthgang and JID (and more), he's built up a firm understanding of artist development, and has been eager to share that understanding with the world of up-and-comers.

9. Dave Free

Image credit: Getty Images

Client(s): Kendrick Lamar

Dave Free makes management look like an art, and that's really saying something. Somehow, he's made administrative duties seem so much cooler in his experience as Kendrick Lamar's manager. He's helped Kendrick build an empire - one that is continuously growing.

8. Ibrahim Hamad

Image credit: Instagram / @kingofqueenz25

Client(s): J. Cole

Not many managers in the game can say they manage a more prolific client than J. Cole. The man behind the superstar's notable growth is none other than Ibrahim Hamad. Ibrahim has played a crucial role in the evolution of J. Cole, and continues to help the artist shine in his trademark fashion.

7. Jentry Salvatore

Image credit: Instagram / @Chris_alas_

Client(s): G Perico

Jentry Salvatore is someone who should serve as a blueprint to any up-and-coming managers in the game. He's helped to carry G Perico through a noteworthy evolution, and in return has gotten plenty of lyrical shoutouts from G Perico (and even DJ Drama - on G's latest project). G isn't shy to tell the world just how influential Jentry has been in his success story, and he's lucky to have him on his team.

6. Steven Victor

Image credit: Instagram / @stevenvictor

Client(s): Pusha T, Ski Mask the Slump God, Pop Smoke

Steven Victor has become a legend in the management sphere of music, and for good reason. By helping to grow the careers of Pusha T, Ski Mask the Slump God, and Pop Smoke (and more), he's proven time and again just how capable he is. Additionally, his brand Victor Victor has been making waves over the past few years, to say the least.

5. Oliver El-Khatib

Image credit: Instagram / @oliverelkhatib

Client(s): Drake

It seems safe to say that Drake is the most prolific hip hop artist of our generation, and his story wouldn't be the same had it not been for his close friend and manager Oliver El-Khatib. Oliver has helped Drake build his business to the highest scale, and has somehow found ways to continue pushing forward.

4. Tony Sal and Amir Esmailian

Image credit: Instagram / @cashxo

Client(s): The Weeknd, Belly, NAV

The XO crew has become one of the most esteemed groups of managers in the game, and it's not for no reason. Between their clients The Weeknd, Belly, and NAV, they've kept themselves busy over the years by helping these stars shine even brighter.

3. Justin "Meezy" Williams

Image credit: Instagram / @megameezy

Client(s): 21 Savage

21 Savage is another prominent artist who is unrivaled by most of his peers in the music space. Justin "Meezy" Williams has played a major role in the development of 21, and has helped the ATL rapper go the distance in his career.

2. Kevin "Coach K" Lee and Pierre "Pee" Thomas

Image credit: Instagram / @CoachK44

Client(s): Quality Control

If there were textbooks for management, Coach K and Pee could write it themselves. Their experience as managers has resulted in some of the most renowned musical celebrities of the past decade, including the Migos, Cardi B, Lil Yachty, Lil Baby, City Girls, Duke Deuce, and more. On top of that, they just sold their company Quality Control (QC) to South Korean music company Hybe for $300M. Talk about development - these two make it look like a walk in the park.

1. Ebonie Ward

Image credit: Instagram / @ebsdaboss

Client(s): Future, Gunna, Flo Milli

Last but definitely not least is Ebonie Ward, who's become a renowned player in the industry for her role as the manager of Future, Gunna, and Flo Milli. Ebonie has taken their careers to new levels, and has inspired the next generation of female managers, showing that the music business is far from a man's game.