Will McKinney-Raphelt

Will McKinney-Raphelt is a seasoned music industry executive with over 15 years of experience, currently working as a Senior Product Manager at RCA Germany x GOLD LEAGUE, which is part of Sony Music Entertainment Germany GmbH.23 In this role, he focuses on international hip-hop, R&B, and Afrobeats artists.2

Career and Expertise

McKinney-Raphelt's primary responsibilities include:

1. Overseeing product releases and marketing campaigns for a roster of superstar artists, including A$AP Rocky, Wizkid, and Chris Brown.2
2. Developing marketing strategies to revitalize legendary albums and songs from international artists.1
3. Creating campaigns that convey the nostalgia of classic music through social media, partnerships, events, and content creation.1

Background and Experience

Will McKinney-Raphelt has an impressive track record in the music industry:

• He holds a degree in Music Business from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.1
• His career spans 13 years, during which he has worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry.1
• He has collaborated with artists such as Michael Jackson (through his estate), Ozzy Osbourne, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston's estate, Wu-Tang Clan, Outkast, Wyclef Jean, Mobb Deep, Lauryn Hill, and Destiny's Child.1

Passion and Projects

McKinney-Raphelt is particularly passionate about hip-hop and R&B music.1 Some of his notable projects include:

• Working on the 25th anniversary of A Tribe Called Quest's debut album.1
• Creating "Certified," a social media and lifestyle brand for classic hip-hop and R&B, which is now distributed in Germany, Italy, and South Africa in addition to the United States.1

Current Role and Responsibilities

In his position at Sony Music Germany, McKinney-Raphelt:

• Works in the catalog department, focusing on giving new life to legendary albums by international artists.1
• Develops creative ideas to reach German music fans and remind them of the timeless nature of classic songs and albums.1
• Collaborates closely with artists to present their music in innovative ways that fans haven't seen or heard before.1

Will McKinney-Raphelt's extensive experience and passion for hip-hop and R&B make him a valuable asset in the international music marketing landscape, particularly in bridging classic music with contemporary audiences.