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Leila Steinberg
Management
Leila Steinberg, born on December 18, 1961, in Venice, Los Angeles, California, is a multifaceted individual known for her work in the music industry, social activism, and youth empowerment.12 She is the founder of Steinberg MGMT, an artist and entertainment management company, and has been working in this role since December 2011.4
Steinberg is perhaps best known as the artist mentor and first manager of the legendary rapper Tupac Shakur, whom she met in 1989 when he attended her poetry class in Oakland.15 Her influence on Tupac's early career was significant, as she provided mentorship and encouragement for his writing and artistic development.
In addition to her work in artist management, Steinberg is the founder of AIM4TheHeART, a non-profit organization established in 1990 that focuses on helping at-risk youth find their voice through emotional literacy curriculum and writing workshops.14 This organization reflects Steinberg's commitment to social justice and youth empowerment, which is deeply rooted in her family background. Her mother was an activist of Mexican-Turkish descent, and her father was a criminal defense lawyer of Polish-Jewish descent, both of whom were involved in social causes.15
Steinberg's career has been diverse, including:
- Music industry executive: She has worked with major labels such as Atlantic Records, Sony, Def Jam, Tommy Boy, Interscope, and Relativity.15
- Performer: In the late 1980s, she was a backup dancer and singer, touring with O.J. Ekemode & The Nigerian Allstars and sharing stages with renowned artists like Santana and Bo Diddley.15
- Educator: Steinberg co-teaches a class on Race and the Law at USC's Law School and has taught writing workshops to inmates at San Quentin prison.1
- Current management: She manages rapper Earl Sweatshirt, formerly of Odd Future.1
More recently, Steinberg has ventured into the world of Web3 and NFTs, working with Gala Music to explore innovative approaches to the music industry.3 Her ongoing work continues to focus on empowering youth and shaping the future of music and culture.


