Congratulations to music executive Wayne “Wayno” Clark as he has officially joined the team at Asylum Records as Vice President, A&R. Wayno’s new position, based at Asylum’s New York headquarters, will find the VP cultivating new talent and connecting them with top producers and songwriters. In addition to adding Chicago rapper 600Breezy to Asylum’s budding roster of artists, Wayno will A&R rising Detroit hip-hop star Sada Baby’s upcoming debut album.

Regarding Wayno’s newly appointed position within the company, Asylum Records General Manager Gabrielle Peluso says, “Wayno is an authority in the hip-hop community, having spent years climbing the ranks and working with some of the biggest names in the space.” Peluso continues, “His widespread network and his reputation as a respected go-getter are apparent in the emerging acts he’s already brought to us. The relaunched Asylum is made up of a dynamic group of creatives whose hunger and drive will help propel our roster to forward, and I’m thrilled to welcome Wayno into the family.”

Asylum Records continues to find success in the music industry as Ugly God’s “Hello” has generated over 15 million streams and Sada Baby’s “Bartier Bounty” mixtape generated 7.9 million streams in its first week despite Sada being a new artist.

As for Wayno, it is clear that he has built an impressive career path that has lead him to Asylum Records. Wayno has worked under A&R leaders like Kyambo “Hip-Hop” Joshua, Gee Roberson, and Lenny S., while also having worked with superstars from Jay-Z to Nas. “Asylum is a place where independent artists have the freedom and creative control to express themselves through their music, with support from some of the best young execs in the industry,” says Wayno, who is appreciative of his new position with the label.

Speaking in regards to Asylum GM Peluso, Wayno says, “The work Gabrielle’s team has done thus far is impressive, and I’m excited to start this next chapter of my career and continue to develop and mentor a new generation of talent.”

Wayno is clearly a great choice to take on such a powerful role within Asylum Records. In addition to working at the label with artists, we get to see Wayno in front of the camera as a co-host with DJ Akademiks in Complex News’ hip-hop debate show, Everyday Struggle.

Feature Image Via Warner Music Group/Majeda Hussein