Scooter Braun is quitting the world of music management — and he has a lot to say about it.
Over two decades after first joining the world of entertainment management — at the surprisingly young age of 19 — the infamous entrepreneur is finally hanging it up. In a lengthy Instagram post on Monday, captioned “23 years”, the 42-year-old went down memory lane through his entire career before announcing he’d made the decision to retire. He wrote in a carousel of images:
“23 years. That’s how long I have been a music manager. 23 years ago a 19 year old kid started managing an artist named Cato in Atlanta, GA and my journey began. Along the way I have had so many experiences I could never have dreamt of. I have been blessed to have had a ‘Forrest Gump’-like life while witnessing and taking part in the journeys of some of the most extraordinarily talented people the world has ever seen. I’m constantly pinching myself and asking ‘how did I get here?’ And after 23 years this chapter as a music manager has come to an end.”
He went on to explain how music management consumed his life 24/7 — and for a while he “loved it” — but now he’s ready to focus more on his kids after his “personal life took some hits”. But just because he’s disappearing from the management scene doesn’t mean he’s gone for good. He explained he’ll be continuing his role as the CEO of his company HYBE America:
“In this next chapter I have been honored to join as a board member of Hybe and serve as the CEO of Hybe America. My brilliant partner these past 3 years, Chairman Bang, has a vision I truly believe in. But even beyond that he has become a true friend who understands where I must be in my life these days. And that is a father first, a CEO second, and a manager no more.”
Scooter added how he felt he’d been heading toward retirement for a couple years now, saying it was God’s plan for him. Innerestingly he says doesn’t regret any of the time he spent as a manager. In particular, he said he still supports ALL his past clients and is cheering on “every single one of them”:
“I have nothing but love for those I have worked with over the years, and as we develop a different working relationship, I will always be in their corner to consult and support them whether it be directly or from afar. Every client I have had the privilege of working with has changed my life, and I know many of them are just beginning to see the success they deserve. I will cheer for every single one of them.”
No regrets, huh? Of course, the record exec has been mired in controversy ever since he bought Taylor Swift‘s discography masters — allegedly right out from under her. And when he name dropped all his current and past clients with to thank them for all their work and time over the years, every big name he collaborated, he notably left her name off the list.
Related: Taylor Swift Emotionally Gushes Over 100th Eras Tour Show!
He reflected on his work with artists like Andrew Watt, Lil Dicky, Tori Kelly, J Balvin, Martin Garrix, David Guetta, Steve Angello, Carly Rae Jepsen, PSY, Quavo, Kanye West, YG, The Kid LAROI, Dan+Shay, Asher Roth, and Usher. He also threw out the names of Demi Lovato and the Zac Brown Band, but it wasn’t until he started in on the successes of Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber did he really show his pride. The music pro said it had been an honor watching them grow up into the “legends they are today”:
“There will never be a day where I don’t take great pride and honor in what we accomplished together. The same can be said for so many I have had the pleasure of once being called “manager”.”
Scooter didn’t forget to address the elephant in the room, though! At least indirectly. He took a moment to reflect on how he says he’s always taken “the high road” when “attacked.” He wrote:
“There has been a lot said about what is happening in our company… and in my career. When we had success I smiled, and when we were attacked I always tried to take the high road. But for the last 3 years I have begin to feel that taking the high road has created confusion and ambiguity as to who we are.”
So Taylor “attacked” him, is what he’s saying? And he’s the better person for taking the high road, but also he now thinks taking the high road was a mistake? Hmm…
The record executive said his colleagues will now be the ones taking over the management positions while he oversees this new era diving into primarily K-Pop, new artists, new investments, and his family. Wrapping up his statement, he said:
“So yes, it’s been 23 your ears. And yes, this chapter has come to an end. But the great Berry Gordy once told me ‘young man, it never ends the way you wanted, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.’ That wisdom has proven to be correct. I never saw how this chapter would end, hell, I never even saw it happening. But it did. And I will cherish every moment of it. I made my plan… but it turns out I like God’s plan better. Cheers!”
See Scooter’s full post (below):
Wow! A lot to take in — and already a lot of discussion in the comments! What do U think, Perezcious readers? Sound OFF (below).
[Image via MEGA/WENN]
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