Nicki Minaj has jokes.
The Pink Friday rapper caused a stir this week when she addressed the impending layoffs at Atlantic Records, the home of her longtime foe, Cardi B.
“Dear fired executives & A&R’s: Don’t be mad, UPS is hiring,” she wrote on X before directing the out-of-work folk to her own label. “Also, feel free to submit your resumes for a job @ #HeavyOnIt.”
The Atlantic layoffs were first reported by Variety on Thursday and come on the heels of major industry shakeups. It was less than two months ago when Atlantic’s parent company, Warner Music Group, announced the departure of chairwoman Julie Greenwald. Fast-forward to Tuesday, September 17, when Kevin Liles revealed he was stepping down as CEO of WMG’s 300 Elektra Entertainment.
Shortly before the exits were confirmed, Atlantic appointed 10K Projects founder Elliot Grainge as its new CEO. He will assume the position on October 1.
Atlantic Music Group’s CEO Robert Kyncl warned about the upcoming layoffs in an internal memo obtained by Variety. Although he didn’t specify how many employees would be terminated, sources told the outlet that roughly 170 people will be impacted.
Kyncl told employees that the layoffs were part of a “dynamic” restructuring that would be revealed sometime next week. Those affected by the firings were expected to be notified by 9 p.m. ET on Thursday.
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“As part of this reorganization, we will unfortunately be saying goodbye to talented people,” the memo read in part. “I know you have been waiting to hear the plan, and rather than carry out changes piecemeal, we decided to make these difficult choices in one go…
“I want to acknowledge the hard work, passion, and creativity of everyone across Atlantic, 300, and Elektra,” he continued. “In particular, I want to thank the people who will be leaving us. You’ve made an indelible mark on this company and the careers of the extraordinary artists you’ve championed. Words never cut it in these situations but we’re forever grateful for all your contributions and achievements over the years. We wish you the very best and know that you will continue to do great things in your next chapters.”
