Steve Carless

Steve Carless
Carless in 2023
Born (1983-01-31) January 31, 1983 (age 41)
Roselle, New Jersey, U.S.
Other names"Steve-O"
EducationKean University
Occupations
  • Record executive
  • A&R representative
  • songwriter
  • businessman
Years active2004–present
Labels
Websitestevencarless.com

Steven Pierre Carless (born January 31, 1983), also known as "Steve-O", is an American record executive, talent manager, philanthropist and entrepreneur. He is best known for working with Nipsey Hussle.[1] In 2020, the duo received two Grammy Awards for the songs "Racks in the Middle" featuring Roddy Ricch and "Higher" with DJ Khaled.[2][3]

He is an A&R executive for Republic Records, Senior Vice President of A&R and Artist Relations for Universal Music Group, Vice President of A&R for Def Jam Recordings, co-founder of Marathon Agency, and the founder of the Steven Carless Company.[4][5] Carless was recognized in Billboard magazine's 40 Under 40 for 2020, as well as its Hip Hop Players Power List that same year, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.[2][3][6]

In December 2021, Carless was appointed President of A&R at Warner Records.[7] Also credited as Head of A&R, Associated Labels and Black Music.

In 2023 Carless launched Defiant Records in partnership with Warner Records[8]

  1. ^ Caramanica, Jon (19 August 2020). "How Much Is an Album Worth in 2020: $3.49? $77? $1,000? Maybe $0". The New York Times.
  2. ^ a b Billboard Staff (5 November 2020). "40 Under 40: Billboard reveals 2020 List of Young Executives Pushing the Industry Forward". Billboard.
  3. ^ a b Billboard Staff (12 November 2020). "Revealed: Billboard's 2020 R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players -- In A Year of Activism". Billboard.
  4. ^ Schiller, Rebecca (18 October 2019). "Steve Carless On Keeping Nipsey Hussle's Legacy Alive: 'His Currency Is Inspiration'". Billboard.
  5. ^ Chesman, Donna-Claire (10 January 2019). "Veteran Record Executive Steve Carless: 'Quantity is the Business. Quality is the Legacy'". DJ Booth.
  6. ^ "R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players: Billboard's 2024 List Revealed". Billboard.
  7. ^ Dan Rys. "Warner Records Names Steve Carless President of A&R". Billboard.
  8. ^ Lamarre, Carl (11 August 2023). "Warner Records Launches Defiant Records With Steve 'Steve-O' Carless". Billboard.