Kevin Liles, executive vice president of Warner Music Group and author of the book “Make It Happen,” will be honored by his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland on September 1, with his own street.
“Kevin Liles Drive” will be located on the 2900 block of what is currently known as Presstman Street in Baltimore.
Liles is a popular and respected executive who launched his career in 1991, working as an unpaid intern in the mail room of Def Jam.
He quickly moved up the corporate ladder until he was named President of Def Jam Music Group in 1998 at the age of 30.
Liles helped create a number of successful brands as President of Def Jam, including Roc-A-Fella (Jay-Z), Murder Inc. (Ashanti, Ja Rule), Def Jam South (Ludacris) and many others.
He vacated his position as president of Def Jam in 2004 to become executive vice president of Warner Music Group.
“As a proud native of Baltimore, I am humbled to receive such a huge honor,” Liles told AllHipHop.com in a statement, “I would like to thank Governor Martin O’Malley and Mayor Shelia Dixon for believing in young America because we do want to make a difference. I would like to thank the City of Baltimore for allowing me to be its symbol of hope, and show the young men and women of this city that despite your environment you can be successful by establishing a commitment to excellence within yourself.”
In addition to the street renaming, Liles will also receive A Presidential Acknowledgment and challenge other successful individuals to revitalize their streets through his “Adopt Your Block” Initiative.
Liles is also the CEO of the Make it Happen Foundation and Kevin Liles for a Better Baltimore.
“Kevin’s dedication to building a better Baltimore has been proven through his constant contributions and charity work,” Mayor Sheila Dixon said. “Kevin has been instrumental in shaping the lives of so many young people with his commitment to education and improving the quality of life for our residents. This ceremony will help congratulate all his accomplishments and show our appreciation.”
The Presstman Street renaming ceremony and block party is scheduled to take place on Saturday September 1st, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m in the 2900 block of Presstman Street.