Steve Carless


Steven Pierre Carless, also known as "Steve-O", is an American record executive, talent manager, tech advisor, philanthropist and entrepreneur. He is best known for working with Beyonce, Polo G and Nipsey Hussle. In 2020, the duo received two Grammy Awards for the songs "Racks in the Middle" featuring Roddy Ricch and "Higher" with DJ Khaled.
He was previously an A&R executive and Executive Vice President for Republic Records, Senior Vice President of A&R and Artist Relations for Universal Music Group, Vice President of A&R for Def Jam Recordings, co-founder of Marathon Agency, and the founder of the Steven Carless Company. Carless was recognized in Billboard magazine's 40 Under 40 for 2020, as well as its Hip Hop Players Power List that same year, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
In December 2021, Carless was appointed President of A&R at Warner Records. Also credited as Head of A&R, Associated Labels and Black Music.
In 2023 Carless founded and launched Defiant Records in partnership with Warner Records

Career

Carless has overseen the careers of multiple music artists, including Jeezy, YG, Dave East, Polo G, SAFE, Jadakiss, Fabolous and Nipsey Hussle. He started as an intern for Star Trak Entertainment and went on to become lifestyle and mixshow promotions at Island Def Jam Recordings thereafter. From 2012 to 2014, Carless was President of Jeezy's label CTE World and A&R Representative for Atlantic Records. In 2012, he began collaborating with Nipsey Hussle. He co-wrote YG and Hussle's controversial diss track "FDT" in 2016. In 2018, Carless collaborated with Hussle and served as management and one of the Executive Producers for the album Victory Lap, which earned a Grammy nomination for Grammy Award for Album of the Year. Carless also co-A&R'd Beyoncé's The Lion King: The Gift in 2019, earning an NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album. The song Brown Skin Girl on the album won a Soul Train Music Awards, an NAACP award and a Grammy award.
In 2020, Carless executive produced the Nipsey Hussle tribute at the 62nd Grammy Awards. In May 2020, Carless executive produced Polo G's album The Goat. He co-managed and executive produced Polo G’s first Hot 100 Billboard #1 single with RapStar leading into his first #1 album on the Billboard Top 200 album charts at 146,000 units with album, “Hall of Fame” in 2021. He also co-A&R'd a remix of Megan Thee Stallion "Savage" with Beyonce. In February 2021, Carless was named associated producer for his contributions to "Judas and the Black Messiah: The Inspired Album" released on RCA Records.

Republic Records Action Committee (R2AC)

He is a co-founder of the first Black music action coalition known as Republic Records Action Committee, which works on social changes within the music industry. Carless is also Secretary of The Black Executive Excellence Association and a member of the Universal Music Group Task Force for Meaningful Change.

Partnership With Vybz Kartel

In 2024, following the overturning of his 2014 conviction and subsequent release from prison, Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel partnered with Defiant Records, founded by Carless. Kartel's single "Pretty Girl," produced by Now or Never Miami and directed by Rizzy, marked his first release under this new arrangement with Defiant Records.

Accomplishments

First Black President of Warner Records

In 2021, Carless made history in the music industry by becoming the first Black executive to hold the title of President at Warner Records. This appointment marked a historic first for both Carless and the company.

Personal life

Steven Carless was born and raised in Roselle, New Jersey and attended Abraham Clark High School, where he continues to reside. His heritage is of Portmore, Jamaica.

Philanthropy

2024: The Neighborhood Nip Foundation

In 2024, the Los Angeles Marathon partnered with the Neighborhood Nip Foundation, a charity established in memory of the late rapper Nipsey Hussle. Hussle's brand, The Marathon Clothing Co-Founded by Carless, participated in the marathon, with Carless, among the runners totaling 26.2 miles. Funds raised supported the revitalization of the Nipsey Hussle Plaza, the foundation's headquarters on Slauson Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard. The plaza offers community services, including a free barbershop, recording studio, educational programs, and a STEM center. Puma sponsored The Marathon Clothing team.

The Defiant Foundation

In 2024 Carless launched The Defiant Foundation to address wealth disparity in underserved communities. Focused on empowering young Black and brown individuals, TDF provides mentorship and programs promoting financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Carless believes that "connectivity with the next generation is essential in forging leadership through mentorship," and aims to create sustainable change by equipping youth with essential skills and knowledge.

Music & Film Discography

YearTitleNotesCredited asRef.
2019Inside a ChangeFilmProducer
2024The Honorable ShyneDocumentaryExecutive Producer

Awards and honors

Grammy Awards

Carless has won seven Grammy Awards for his A&R work.
AwardYearArtistResults
Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance2020Racks in the Middle by Nipsey HussleWon
Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Performance2020Higher by Nipsey HussleWon
Grammy Award for Best Music Video2021Brown Skin Girl by BeyonceWon
Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance2021Black Parade , BeyonceWon
Grammy Award for Best Rap Song2021Savage Remix, Megan Thee Stallion & BeyonceWon
Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance2021Savage Remix, Megan Thee Stallion & BeyonceWon
Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance2023Wait for U, Future Ft Drake Won

Signal Awards

Carless has won four awards for Blog Era Podcast as an Executive Producer.
AwardYearShowResults
Listener's Choice Documentary2023Blog Era PodcastWon
Gold Documentary2023Blog Era PodcastWon
Listener's Choice Arts, Culture & Lifestyle2023Blog Era PodcastWon
Bronze Art's, Culture & Lifestyle2023Blog Era PodcastWon