Music Biz: Wayne ‘Wayno’ Clark Joins Asylum Records As VP, A&R

NEW YORK — Harlem-native and music vet Wayne “Wayno” Clark has been appointed VP, A&R at Warner Music Group’s Asylum Records. He will be based at the label’s New York headquarters in Manhattan, and will report to Asylum general manager Gabrielle Peluso.

Clark’s oversight at Asylum — relaunched in the U.S. in 2017 — involves fostering the label’s next generation of talent, including rapper Ugly God (platinum-certified “Water,” “Hello”) and Detroit rapper Sada Baby (Bartier Bounty mixtape). In addition to having added Chicago rapper 600 Breezy to the fold, Clark will A&R Sada Baby’s debut album.

In a release announcing Clark’s appointment, Peluso said, “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. 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 forward.”

Clark counts nearly 15 years in A&R. That period includes a stint as assistant A&R at Roc-A-Fella Records and collaborating with Young Gunz, who earned a Grammy nod in 2003 for best rap performance by a duo or group. Over the course of his career, Clark has worked under the tutelage of veteran A&R executives such as Kyambo “Hip-Hop” Joshua, Gee Roberson and Lenny S. while collaborating on projects by Jay-Z and Nas among others.

“Asylum is a place where independent artists have the freedom and creative control to express themselves through their music,” noted Clark, “with support from some of the best young execs in the industry. The work Gabrielle’s team has done thus far is impressive. I’m excited to start this next chapter of my career and continue to develop and mentor a new generation of talent.”

Clark is also CEO of Triangle Offense, a management, A&R and marketing group that he founded in 2012. Its current management clients include Def Jam rapper TJ Porter and Epic Records singer-songwriter Daniel Munoz. In addition, Clark co-hosts Complex News’ hip-hop debate show Everyday Struggle.

Photo Credit: @calligrafist