Billboard Power Player Jasmine Young finds her voice

By Simone Denard

Jasmine Young, MBA (’94, B.A.), has trailblazed her way through the music industry, spearheading iconic marketing campaigns, forming effective relationships with music legends and shaping culture through strategic and relevant storytelling. Young’s achievements have garnered widespread recognition from a feature in Def Jam's Women's Month campaign to most recently being named a Billboard 2025 Global Power Player. 

Born and raised in Queens, New York, Young grew up in one of the world’s epicenters of music and culture. Music has been part of Young’s life from an early age, with many of her fondest memories centered around music.

“We had wood paneling in our living room, and I remember this stand-up record player. My father used to put these headphones on my head, and I recall listening to Sam Cooke and Otis Redding. We used to sit in front of the television and watch ‘Soul Train’ and ‘Purple Rain.’ I have all of these amazing memories of music and how it drove my life,” said Young. 

During a career day in elementary school, an artist who was a member of a band resonated most with Young. Her interest in music only grew from that point, with her taking on managerial roles with young talent at her high school, including managing a popular DJ in her neighborhood, DJ Johnny Wishbone.

“Anything that had to do with a talent show or green room, I felt attracted to. When I got to Howard, I began to truly understand the music industry and explore the opportunities available,” said Young.

Young learned about Howard through her own exploration. She began speaking to others in her community about the University and crafting a plan to ensure she got to Washington, D.C., by any means necessary.

“I’m from a time far before social media and digital technology existed. We just kept hearing about Howard University on the pages of Ebony and Jet magazines. I became enthralled with it,” said Young. “I told my mother that I was going to Howard; I would figure out a way.”

The moment she received her acceptance letter in the mail was life-changing, opening the door to a college experience that would be transformative for her future. While at Howard, Young landed an extraordinary internship at Def Jam Records that would later turn into a job opportunity following her graduation.

During her time at Def Jam Records, Young’s aptitude for music, culture and branding flourished through her role as product manager and later general manager of DMX’s Bloodline Records. 

Although she achieved significant success throughout her career, Young’s love and gratitude for Howard remained relevant.

“One day, I returned to Howard as a speaker on a panel. A young man tapped me on the shoulder and asked me for an internship. He was extremely passionate about being in the music industry, and he excelled. He attended Fordham University School of Law and is now the only Black head of business and legal affairs for any record label in the entire world. His name is Julian Petty,” said Young. 

Petty brought the idea to create a center for music and social justice at Howard to Young, who was wildly impressed by the concept. Petty secured funding from the Blavatnik Family Fund, and during COVID, Young decided to return to Washington, D.C., to serve Howard students. The Warner Music / Blavatnik Center for Music Business has taught and mentored countless students who have gone on to pursue groundbreaking careers at companies including Warner Records, Creative Artists Agency and Wasserman.

“It is enriching, empowering and inspiring to watch these students soar in this ever-changing industry,” said Young. 

Young says that she found her voice at Howard and encourages alumni to return to the Mecca to ensure that students for generations to come can do the same. Young will release her first book, “The Architect of Influence,” on rapper DMX’s birthday, December 18. “The Architect of Influence” will detail Young’s significant effect on the music industry, breaking barriers and reshaping rooms as a Black woman.

The Warner Music / Blavatnik Center for Music Business prepares students at the professional level for thriving careers. Please support the School of Business. Impact Fund – School of Business