Scope of Work: Chief Innovation Officer
CHRISTOPHER HICKS APPOINTED CHIEF INNOVATION OFFICER AT QUALITY CONTROL MUSIC PARENT QC MEDIA HOLDINGS
NOVEMBER 24, 2020
Photo Courtesy of Quality Control
QC Media Holdings, the parent company to Quality Control Music (Lil Baby, Migos and others), QC Sports and Quality Control Music Publishing has appointed Christopher Hicks Chief Innovation Officer (CIO).
In an equity based deal, Hicks will focus on identifying, developing, and launching new partnerships and services across Film, TV, Digital, Music Master, Music Publishing and Technology verticals.
A widely respected entrepreneur and executive, Hicks’ 20 year career.has seen him work in the areas of production, publishing and management.
Hicks co-founded Noontime Music, home to over 35 No.1 Billboard Records.
He has served as the manager of the careers of Grammy Award winning writers Bryan-Michael Cox and Johnta Austin and has also worked as a creative consultant to Usher, Mary J. Blige, Aaliyah and Letoya.
As Senior Vice President for Warner Chappell Publishing, Hicks signed and worked with Grammy award-winning writers such as TI, Lil Wayne, The-Dream and more.
As the Executive Vice President of Island Def Jam, Hicks played a pivotal role in the signing and launch of Justin Bieber as well as the signing and comeback of Jennifer Lopez producing albums on both.
Most recently Hicks has focused on the film and television space after serving as the Director of the City of Atlanta’s Mayor’s Office of Film and Entertainment.
Hicks will put significant focus on the building out of Quality Control’s new Music Publishing ventures.
According a statement announcing his appointment, Hicks, along with the company’s principals Pierre “P” Thomas and Kevin “Coach K” Lee, “intends to leverage the company’s ability to develop market share against the company’s standing in popular culture to position the company as a pivotal player in both the development and acquisitions spaces”.
“PEE AND COACH ARE EXECUTING AN EXTENSIVE PLAN TO TAKE THE BRAND GLOBAL BEYOND MUSIC. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO ASSISTING IN MAKING IT A REALITY.”
CHRISTOPHER HICKS
“THIS IS A 20+ YEAR RELATIONSHIP ROOTED IN TRUST AND RESPECT. WE SIMPLY PLAN TO DO MORE OF WHAT WE ALL HAVE ALREADY EXECUTED IN THE PAST.”
COO KEVIN “COACH K” LEE
“HAVING HIS CALIBER OF EXECUTIVE ON OUR TEAM IS ANOTHER STEP TOWARD BUILDING OUR GLOBAL BUSINESS.”
PIERRE “P” THOMAS, QUALITY CONTROL
BILLBOARD: https://www.billboard.com/pro/hybe-acquires-quality-control-label-lil-baby-migos/
Scope of Work: Creator + Executive Producer
Genre: Scripted One Hour Drama.
Producers: Paramount+, Flavor Unit and Quality Films.
The present-day drama interlocks the complex journeys of a record executive, a young political powerhouse, a career criminal mastermind, and a singing phenom. Our characters engage in a Jenga game of colossal magnitudes in search of money, power and respect. While navigating the consequential land minds of past misdeeds one misstep could threaten their friendship, families, and hopes for the future.
Scope of Work: Album Producer
Project: Multiple
Hicks successfully brokered a “360” deal with Island Def Jam, Usher Raymond, and Scooter Braun which brought a young talent to Island Def Jam. This venture generated worldwide record sales of more than 12m units and singles of more than 15m units and spawned the career of who the world now knows as singer sensation, Justin Beiber. Hicks created a strategy based on his, then non-traditional viral cache' that resulted in 3 multi-platinum studio albums, 2 platinum remix albums, and a Christmas album. Hicks, a master in marketing and artist development, was the catalyst behind Beiber’s first 12 top-charting iTunes singles and served as album producer on Beiber’s first 6 albums released.
Scope of Work: A&R Creative
Project(s): “THE BREAKTHROUGH” & "GROWING PAINS.”
Pivotal in bringing hit songs to the table for Mary J’s Grammy Award winning album “The Breakthrough,” Hicks once again reassured the world that his infinite creative juices when the albums #1 smash “Be Without You” drove “The Breakthrough’s” album sales to 730,000 copies in the first week of release. The album sold broke Sound Scan history with the biggest first week, selling over 3 million copies in the U.S. and 7 million worldwide. A track record of proven success after success, Hicks followed up with notoriety worth success on Mary’s follow up project “Growing Pains,” which debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on the top R&B/Hip-Hop chart selling 692,000 copies with in its first week.
AJC: https://www.recordonline.com/article/20070211/ENTERTAIN/70207026
Scope of Work: Co-Founder + CEO
Christopher Hicks owned and operated Noontime Music Publishing since 1998, during which he enjoyed a string of successful hit singles and albums released worldwide. Known as one of the few successful publishing ventures in the music business, Hicks coined the phrase, “Have equity in what you create”. Noontime is the home of a contemporary music catalogue with over 600 working copy writes, 18 Billboard #1’s, and 33 Billboard top 10’s from artist such as Usher, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Drake, Chris Brown, Ludacris, Jagged Edge, Justin Beiber, Bryson Tiller, Aaliyah, Dream, Ciara, Destiny’s Child, Letoya Luckett, Kelly Rowland, Jennifer Lopez, , Lil Wayne, Summer Walker, Jermaine Dupri, Toni Braxton, Bow Wow, Alicia Keys, Trey Songz, Monica, Jay-Z, Diddy, Janet Jackson.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3ERm5Z2xMOhTbZQm3hQugT?si=8Ym7rX4wRtieCL_1hPEkOA
Scope of Work: Executive Producer
Project: Scripted Drama.
Producers: DSRPT, Quality Films and Polygram.
Last Name Unknown is a dramatic series that follows the young residents of the Beyond Hope Youth Shelter's harsh, yet hopeful lives of beating the odds, finding their place in society, and living their distant dreams.
Scope of Work: Creative Strategy
Project: “I CARE 4 YOU.”
Hicks, by way of NOONTIME, was instrumental in the creation of the Aaliyah and Blackground Records relationship. That relationship spawned the creation of over a half of a dozen masters including hit record “I Don’t Wanna” that appeared on both Friday and Romeo Must Die soundtracks. Those masters are a part of her final album entitled “I Care 4 U”. Chris served as Creative Consultant for Black Ground Records delivering #1 “Missing You” and Top 5 smash “Come Over”.
Scope of Work: Co-Creator + Executive Producer
Short Form.
The talk show where Tour Bus Tales meets the Defiant Ones.
Music is the soundtrack of life where a song often times stamps pivotal moments and experiences in our lives.
MASTERY takes viewers on a journey to chronicle the fascinating process behind what goes into constructing hit songs. Nine-time Grammy winner Bryan-Michael Cox and Two-time Grammy winner Johnta Austin will be both narrators and tour guides, giving viewers rare access into the compelling and uncensored stories; eccentric personalities, sacred rituals and dynamic collaborations.
Each episode will delve into the grit and guts of iconic producers, musicians, songwriters and artists spotlighting the elements that brought hit songs to life, from lightning in a bottle moments of inspiration to a peek behind-the-curtain with execs and artists. Impromptu riffs, photos and interviews will weave together epic moments in music across all genres – showcasing how a three-minute song can yield power and capture the heart, soul and minds of millions to influence culture and shape history.
This is the show music lovers have been waiting for.
This is Mastery.
Scope of Work: A&R Creative
Project: “LOVE?”
Hicks helped orchestrate the “360” deal (less film) that brought Jennifer Lopez over to Def Jam. Helping JLo settle into her new home, Hicks demonstrated his keen awareness of the entertainment industry and successfully A&R’ed her comeback album “Love?” which spawned a #1 hit single “On The Floor”. Continuing to tap into his creative genius, he worked intensively with Lopez’ management team, The Medina Company, continuing to build a dominant brand which resulted in global partnership opportunities with Gillette, Gucci, Kohl’s and Fiat.
Scope of Work:
Director of The Mayor's Office of Film & Entertainment (Reed Administration)
Senior Advisor to the Mayor, Content and Intellectual Property (Bottoms Administration)
On February 24th, 2016, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed announced that Christopher Hicks would serve as the new Director of the Mayor’s Office of Film and Entertainment. A citizen of the city since 1996 with an accomplished career in the entertainment industry and a pillar of Atlanta’s entertainment industry for more than twenty years, Hicks is the ideal spokesperson to speak to how entertainment driven companies can establish or relocate to the city of Atlanta, be supported by the city, and flourish within the city. He acknowledges the city of Atlanta as a hub for talent and the ability of the city to rank as a top player in the film industry and is working adamantly at making this a reality.
Scope of Work: Management + Business Strategy
Project: “HERE I STAND” & “RBMG.”
Chris Hicks co-managed the singer, songwriter, dancer entrepreneur and actor Usher during his “Here I Stand” album cycle. This album debuted #1 on the Billboard 200 chart with first week’s sales of over 433,000. Also, Hicks formulated a team with Raymond and Scooter Braun to establish a joint venture that would bring teen R&B sensation, Justin Beiber to the table at Island Def Jam with a 50/50 deal that yielded successful for both Raymond Braun Media Group and Usher alike.
Scope of Work: Executive Producer
Project: Digital Short Form Scripted Series
Producers: BET+ and DSRPT.
In his continuous efforts to identify exceptional projects, Chris Hicks ability to find quality content surly doesn’t stop at music. Chris teamed up with Rhavynn Drummer and Dui Jarrod creators of Brooklyn.blue.sky an 8-episode web series about two distant exes, Skylar and Blue, who reluctantly decide to come together to create a script for a ‘Netflix and Chill’ TV Pilot competition. Before they submit, they have to untie the binds that held them captive to their youthful love. Hicks assisted with finishing the project, and successfully secured placement on BET digital for the series that was originally created for YouTube.
BET: https://www.bet.com/shows/brooklyn-blue-sky.html
Scope of Work: Management + Advisor
Chris Hicks has been highly influential in the career of SECA Songwriter of the Year (7 years in a row!), Bryan-Michael Cox. Hicks co-brokered a deal that landed Cox on Monica’s Grammy-nominated comeback album “Still Standing” as executive producer. Starting as an intern with Noontime Production With 15 #1 songs under his belt, Cox is no stranger to success! He has written hits for Usher like “Burn”, “Confessions”, and “You Got It Bad” as well as Justin Beiber’s, “Never Let You Go”. Cox also attained a Guinness World Record for the longest consecutive period of chart success. He has topped the Billboard R&B Year End Chart & Billboard Hot 100 Year Chart as a producer or songwriter multiple times. Bryan has been responsible for over 100 million record sales, 35 number one hits, and 12 Grammy Award nominations (including 9 wins).
Scope of Work: Management + Advisor
Putting in major work over the span of 15+ years Chris Hicks developed and nurtured Johnta Austin’s career, brokering major deals along the way. Hicks initiated and brokered the deal for Junta to executive produce Trey Songz break through album “Ready” and follow up album “Passion, Pain & Pleasure”, both albums catalytic in taking Songz’ career to the top! This two-time Grammy award winning song writer and producer has written for a myriad of R&B artist including Chris Brown, Mariah Carey, Usher, Mary J. Blige and Aalyiah. Some of his award winning ballads includes Urban Song of the Decade- “Be Without You” and Song of the Year- “We Belong Together”. Some equally popular hits written by Austin are Chris Brown’s “With You”, Tyrese’s “Sweet Lady” and R&B Princess, Aalyiah’s “I Don’t Wanna”, and ever-popular “I Miss You”.
REVOLT: https://www.revolt.tv/2020/3/30/21199681/neyo-johnta-austin-instagram-live-battle
Scope of Work: Founder + CEO
Because we live in the attention economy and consumers are time-starved, but still seek content that is cultural, compelling, aspirational and worthy of sharing DSRPT was birthed. DSRPT’s primary goal is to create authentic connections to the underbelly of popular culture and entertainment through narrative scripted short and long form stories that infuse artist, culture and brand.
Scope of Work:
Head of Urban Music + Senior Vice President
Chris Hicks, re-structured the entire Urban Music Department at Warner Chappell, turning a once dormant operation into a major brand by increasing its Urban Market share from #5 to #2 in just two short years. Hicks successfully introduced a cost effective strategy of development and strategic partnerships to the organization resulting in a signing of some of the biggest pop artist in the business such as Lil Wayne, Dream, TI, and Bryan Michael Cox as developing then up and newcomers Drumma Boy, Claude Kelly, Danja, and Kevin Cossum. Chris used his resources to create market share for WCM on blockbuster albums such as Usher’s “Confessions”, Mariah Carey's “Emancipation of Mimi”, and Justin Timberlake’s “FutureSex/LoveSounds”. During his tenure, the WCM Urban acquired copyright interest in over 125 Top 10 records and over thirty #1 records.
Scope of Work: Business Strategy
Project: KD & KIND IS STRONG
Chris Hicks was charged with a business opportunity to increase affinity for the Kind brand, a natural food manufacturer by conceptualizing innovative marketing, multi-media and digital strategies that work. As a result, Content was able to work with the kind team to forge a partnership with NBA superstar Kevin Durant and assist in the development and implementation of strategies that will expand Kind market exposure.
Scope of Work: Creator + Executive Producer
Having seen the paradigm shift towards content production so rapidly, Chris Hicks, immediately saw an opportunity in Sonyae Elise as an underground artist, to highlight the pivot towards short film content. The creation of the hybrid “Apeshit”, which launched on Noisey/VICE, owes its conception and creation process to Mr. Hicks. Hicks co-created the project alongside the artist, built the team, executive produced the content, strategized the rollout, and orchestrated the placements that brought Apeshit from his mind to the world. His efforts helped garner national coverage and boosted Sonaye’s exposure exponentially. More importantly, this created a paradigm for the future of short film content.
VICE: https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/r3z9k3/premiere-watch-sonyae-elises-immersive-short-film-apeshit
Scope of Work: Executive Producer + Brand Development
The Road to Success is Paved! Chris Hicks known for taking the road less traveled is considered the catalyst that helped revitalize LeToya's career. Brokering the deal with Capital Records was only the beginning. Chris executive produced her entire project; bringing songs to the table that transcended into a #1 hit “Torn” that exploded in Urban Radio. To date, the album "Letoya" has been certified Platinum by the RIAA. Hicks' creative repositioning of Luckett's career help to land her roles in feature film "Preacher’s Kid" and HBO series "Treme" and "Ballers".
Scope of Work: Consultant + Business Strategy
On behalf of DSRPT, Chris Hicks served, as a co-broker in a deal that would later be labeled the most successful male/female hip-hop/R&B tour in history. Hicks was able to bring together two of the biggest names in popular music culture, Mary J. Blige and Jay Z to activate the Heart of The City Tour. In addition to Chris helping spear head a tour that grossed over $34.2 million dollars, he sealed the deal with adding The Dream as the opening act.
Scope of Work: Executive Vice-President
In January 2009, Christopher Hicks was appointed Executive Vice President of Def Jam Recordings reporting directly to Antonio “LA” Reid. Hicks directed the A&R Creative Team which was responsible for high profile roster which included Mariah Carey, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Rick Ross, YG, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Young Jeezy, Big Sean, The Dream and countless others.
Billboard: https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/1274395/hicks-named-exec-vp-at-def-jam
Scope of Work: Executive Producer
Project: Proof of Concept
New and emerging talent is the linchpin of DSPRT. Therefore, it is the priority to keep DSRPT’s ears to the streets and stay abreast of those artists, creatives, brands, and spokespersons for the culture that are making waves. This is the case with the short film, “Lunar”. Chris Hicks discovery of Los Angeles Film maker, Tyson Wade Johnston and the sizzle for his Sci-Fi film Lunar via the Vimeo platform, is a perfect example of DSRPT’s ability to extend the IP around content. The team created Lunar on a shoestring budget as a proof of concept with the intentions of expanding into a feature film. Through the utilization of DSRPT’s partnerships, Hicks was able to generate further value to the preexisting project, not only executive producing the film, but by assisting in the sale of the project to Blumhouse. This project is a case-in-point of the benefits to creatives and brands in aligning with Chris Hicks and DSRPT Media to take something that Tyson Wade Johnson refers to as “just an idea” and turn it into a viable entity of endless possibilities and revenue stream.
