For 2023, Billboard is introducing the R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players’ Choice Award, a peer-voted accolade chosen by Billboard Pro members to honor the executive they believe has made the most impact across the R&B/hip-hop music business over the past year. After three rounds of voting, Billboard Pro members have chosen Pierre “P” Thomas, CEO of Quality Control, to receive the inaugural award.
Celebrating QC’s 10th anniversary this year, Thomas and COO Kevin “Coach K” Lee have built a star roster that includes Lil Baby, City Girls, Lil Yachty, Quavo and Migos. In addition to its $300 million merger with South Korean music company HYBE earlier this year, the Atlanta-based full-service label and management company expanded into film and TV last year with the Lil Baby documentary Untrapped for Amazon Prime and an executive producer credit on Issa Rae’s Max series Rap Sh!t.
“This award might mean more to me than any I have received because it’s coming from my peers in the business who are in the trenches like I am,” says Thomas. “Their respect and support mean the world to me. I’m truly humbled and honored to receive this.”
This story originally appeared in the Aug. 5, 2023, issue of Billboard.
