When Cardi B was searching for a record deal six years ago, the rapper remembered when many labels didn’t believe in her talent enough financially — except for Atlantic Records executives Julie Greenwald and Craig Kallman.
Cardi B paid tribute Saturday night to Greenwald and Craig Cullman, who were honored with the 2023 Industry Icon Award at the star-studded Clive Davis Pre-Grammys Gala in Beverly Hills, California. The uber-popular event – which was held the night before the Grammy Awards – returned for the first time since 2020 after being put on hold due to the pandemic.
In a heartfelt speech, the Grammy winner thanked Greenwald and Kallman for supporting her career aspirations. Kallman is the CEO and President of Atlantic Records, while Greenwald holds the position as CEO and President of Atlantic Music Group – a newly formed label that is home to Atlantic Records and 300 Elektra.
The rapper recalled, “Other labels were turning me down and not giving me what I thought I deserved, but Atlantic was right there respecting me, my vision and my career.” “Craig and Julie took me under their wing.”
Cardi B said she feared choosing between her career or being a mother while recording her debut album “Invasion of Privacy,” which eventually won her a Grammy in 2019.
“I was very scared, I was pregnant and I was scared to tell anyone,” she said. “I was afraid to tell anyone. I was afraid of people who wanted me to decide between my family and my career, because I knew the same thing happened to other labeled artists. But Craig And the exact opposite happened with Julie. You told me I could do both and I’ll never forget that.
Admission or invitations to Davis’ annual gala are difficult to obtain. With more than 300 tables filled, a plethora of celebrities helped pack the room, including former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, her husband Paul Pelosi, Tom Hanks, H.E.R., Janelle Monae, Lil Nas X, Demi Lovato, Tyrese, Olivia Rodrigo. , Machine Gun Kelly, Megan Fox and Chance the Rapper.
Kevin Costner opened the multi-hour program with a speech about his relationship with Davis and the late Whitney Houston, with whom the actor starred in the 1992 film “The Bodyguard.” The actor said all three of them took “huge leaps” in moving forward with the film – especially for Davis.
“Probably the hardest was for Clive,” Costner said. “I needed to believe I could make the movie I was envisioning. Whitney saw it as a chance to rediscover herself. But for Clive, it was a career move that ended in disaster.” The prescription was written. I needed Clive. I needed his trust and his blessings. I needed one thing he was not used to doing: control.
Costner called Davis a “miracle” in Houston’s life. The singer died in 2012 at the age of 48.
“You could not protect your beloved Whitney. Your fingerprints are clear on her life, my friend,” said Costner. “You were a miracle in her life. Thanks for being her bodyguard, Clive. … Everybody has a mother in this business. But not everyone gets a Clive.”
The event included several performances including Manskin, Lizzo, Sheryl Crow, Jennifer Hudson, Frankie Valli, Lauren Deagle, Lato, Lil Baby and Lil Wayne.
Davis said, “On this one night, we still break bread, we celebrate the music that originally and forever binds us all.” “There are no prizes. There’s no winner or loser tonight. It’s just our passion that makes our hearts beat faster. It makes our lives more purposeful with joy and fulfillment.”