Steven Pierre Carless (born January 31, 1983), also known as "Steve-O", is an American record executive, talent manager, tech advisor, philanthropist and entrepreneur. He is best known for working with Beyonce, Polo G and

Nipsey Hussle Ermias Joseph Asghedom (born Airmiess Joseph Asghedom; August 15, 1985 – March 31, 2019), known professionally as Nipsey Hussle, was an American rapper, entrepreneur, and activist. Emerging from the West Coast hip-hop scene in the mid-20 ...

. In 2020, the duo received two

Grammy Awards The Grammy Awards, stylized as GRAMMY, and often referred to as The Grammys, are awards presented by The Recording Academy of the United States to recognize outstanding achievements in music. They are regarded by many as the most prestigious a ...

for the songs "

Racks in the Middle "Racks in the Middle" is a song by American rapper Nipsey Hussle featuring fellow American rapper Roddy Ricch and American record producer Hit-Boy, released on February 15, 2019, through All Money In and Atlantic Records. It is the last single Huss ...

" featuring Roddy Ricch and " Higher" with DJ Khaled. He was previously an A&R executive and Executive Vice President for

Republic Records Republic Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group (UMG). Based in New York City, it was founded by Avery Lipman and Monte Lipman as an independent label in 1995, and was acquired by UMG in 2000. Republic was initially ...

, Senior Vice President of A&R and Artist Relations for

Universal Music Group Universal Music Group N.V. (often abbreviated as UMG and referred to as Universal Music Group or Universal Music) is a Netherlands, Dutch–United States, American multinational Music industry, music corporation under Law of the Netherlands, ...

, Vice President of A&R for

Def Jam Recordings Def Jam Recordings (also simply known as Def Jam) is an American multinational record label owned by Universal Music Group. It is based in Manhattan, New York City, specializing predominantly in hip hop, contemporary R&B, soul and pop. The l ...

, co-founder of Marathon Agency, and the founder of the Steven Carless Company. Carless was recognized in ''

Billboard A billboard (also called a hoarding in the UK and many other parts of the world) is a large outdoor advertising structure (a billing board), typically found in high-traffic areas such as alongside busy roads. Billboards present large advertis ...

'' magazine's 40 Under 40 for 2020, as well as its Hip Hop Players Power List that same year, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. In December 2021, Carless was appointed President of A&R at

Warner Records Warner Records Inc. (known as Warner Bros. Records Inc. until 2019) is an American record label. A subsidiary of Warner Music Group, it is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. It was founded on March 19, 1958, as the recorded music division ...

. Also credited as Head of A&R, Associated Labels and Black Music. In 2023 Carless founded and launched

Defiant Records Defiant Records is a joint venture record label formed in 2023 between Warner Records and Steven "Steve-O" Carless, President of A&R at Warner Records. It focuses on genres such as hip-hop, R&B soul, dancehall, jersey club and drill. The label ...

in partnership with

Career

Carless has overseen the careers of multiple music artists, including

Jeezy Jay Wayne Jenkins (born September 28, 1977), known by his stage name Jeezy (or Young Jeezy), is an American rapper. He is credited, alongside fellow Georgia-based rappers T.I. and Gucci Mane, with pioneering the hip hop subgenre trap music for ...

, YG,

Dave East David Lawrence Brewster Jr. (born June 3, 1988), known professionally as Dave East, is an American rapper. East began his career in 2010, and gained attention in 2014 for his eighth mixtape, ''Black Rose''. Its release caught the attention of fe ...

Polo G Taurus Tremani Bartlett (born January 6, 1999), known professionally as Polo G, is an American rapper. He rose to prominence with his singles " Finer Things" and " Pop Out" (featuring Lil Tjay). His debut album '' Die a Legend'' (2019) peaked a ...

SAFE A safe (also called a strongbox or coffer) is a secure lockable enclosure used for securing valuable objects against theft or fire. A safe is usually a hollow cuboid or cylinder, with one face being removable or hinged to form a door. The body ...

, Jadakiss and Nipsey Hussle. He started as an intern for Star Trak Entertainment and went on to become lifestyle and mixshow promotions at Island Def Jam Recordings thereafter. From 2012 to 2014, Carless was President of Jeezy's label

CTE World CTE New World (acronym for Corporate Thugz Entertainment, formerly CTE World) is an American record label founded by rapper Jeezy and his former business partner Kinky B in 2001. In December 2012, the label signed a joint venture deal with Atla ...

and A&R Representative for Atlantic Records. In 2012, he began collaborating with Nipsey Hussle. He co-wrote YG and Hussle's controversial diss track " FDT" in 2016. In 2018, Carless collaborated with Hussle and served as management and one of the Executive Producers for the album ''

Victory Lap A victory lap (also lap of honor) is a term used in motorsports to describe an extra lap of the race track after the conclusion of a race. This lap, driven at reduced speed, allows the winning driver to celebrate their victory and gives the ...

'', which earned a Grammy nomination for

Grammy Award for Album of the Year The Grammy Award for Album of the Year is an award presented by the The Recording Academy, National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to "honor artistic achievement, technical proficiency and overall excellence in the r ...

. Carless also co-A&R'd

Beyoncé Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter ( ; born September 4, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. With a career spanning over three decades, she has established herself as one of the most Cultural impact of Beyoncé, ...

's '' The Lion King: The Gift'' in 2019, earning an

NAACP Image Awards The NAACP Image Awards is an annual awards ceremony presented by the U.S.-based National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to honor outstanding performances in film, television, theatre, music, and literature. The over 40 ...

for Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album (2020). The song ''

Brown Skin Girl "Brown Skin Girl" (stylized in uppercase) is a song by American singer Beyoncé, her daughter Blue Ivy Carter, Guyanese-American rapper Saint Jhn, and Nigerian singer Wizkid. Produced by P2J and Beyoncé, it is taken from the 2019 soundtrack alb ...

'' on the album won a

Soul Train Music Awards The Soul Train Music Awards is an annual music awards ceremony which honors the best in African-American culture, music and entertainment. It is produced by the production company of '' Soul Train'', the program from which it takes its name, and ...

(2019), an NAACP award (2020) and a Grammy award (2021). In 2020, Carless executive produced the Nipsey Hussle tribute at the 62nd Grammy Awards. In May 2020, Carless executive produced Polo G's album '' The Goat''. He also co-A&R'd a remix of

Megan Thee Stallion Megan Jovon Ruth Pete (born February 15, 1995), known professionally as Megan Thee Stallion, is an American rapper and singer-songwriter. Megan initially gained recognition when videos of her freestyling began to circulate widely on social me ...

Savage Savage may refer to: * Savage (pejorative term), a derogatory term to describe a member of a people the speaker regards as primitive and uncivilized Arts and entertainment Fictional characters * Bill Savage, in the 2000 AD ''Invasion!'' ...

" with Beyonce. In February 2021, Carless was named associated producer for his contributions to "Judas and the Black Messiah: The Inspired Album" released on RCA Records.

Republic Records Action Committee (R2AC)

He is a co-founder of the first Black music action coalition known as Republic Records Action Committee (R2AC), which works on social changes within the music industry. Carless is also Secretary of The Black Executive Excellence Association and a member of the Universal Music Group Task Force for Meaningful Change.

Partnership With Vybz Kartel

In 2024, following the overturning of his 2014 conviction and subsequent release from prison, Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel partnered with Defiant Records, founded by Carless. Kartel's single "Pretty Girl," produced by Now or Never Miami and directed by Rizzy, marked his first release under this new arrangement with Defiant Records.

Accomplishments

First Black President of Warner Records

In 2021, Carless made history in the music industry by becoming the first Black executive to hold the title of President at

. This appointment marked a historic first for both Carless and the company.

Personal life

Steven Carless was born and raised in Roselle, New Jersey and attended Abraham Clark High School, where he continues to reside. His heritage is of Portmore, Jamaica.

Philanthropy

2024: The Neighborhood Nip Foundation

In 2024, the Los Angeles Marathon partnered with the Neighborhood Nip Foundation, a charity established in memory of the late rapper Nipsey Hussle. Hussle's brand, The Marathon Clothing Co-Founded by Carless, participated in the marathon, with Carless, among the runners totaling 26.2 miles. Funds raised supported the revitalization of the Nipsey Hussle Plaza, the foundation's headquarters on Slauson Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard. The plaza offers community services, including a free barbershop, recording studio, educational programs, and a STEM center. Puma sponsored The Marathon Clothing team.

The Defiant Foundation

in 2024 Carless launched The Defiant Foundation (TDF) to address wealth disparity in underserved communities. Focused on empowering young Black and brown individuals, TDF provides mentorship and programs promoting financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Carless believes that "connectivity with the next generation is essential in forging leadership through mentorship," and aims to create sustainable change by equipping youth with essential skills and knowledge.

Music & Film Discography

Awards and honors

Grammy Awards

Carless has won seven (7)

for his A&R work.

Signal Awards

Carless has won four (4) awards for ''Blog Era Podcast'' as an Executive Producer.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Carless, Steve 1983 births African-American business executives African-American record producers African-American songwriters American hip-hop record producers American music industry executives American music publishers (people) Def Jam Recordings Warner Records People from Roselle, New Jersey Songwriters from New Jersey Living people