A&R Research Manager

Posted on behalf of Quality Control, an entity of HYBE America:

Quality Control Music is an independent entertainment empire based in Atlanta, GA that provides label and management services to unique talent. QC is the home of rappers Migos, Lil Yachty, Lil Baby, JT, The Boykinz, EJ Jones, BEO Kenny, Kocky Ka, Syamali, Concrete Boys, and a host of other talented artists and producers.

Quality Control Music is seeking an A&R Research Manager to help identify emerging artists, cultural movements, music trends, and fan communities that will shape the future of Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, and global music culture.

This role will serve as a strategic partner to the A&R team, providing actionable insights that drive artist discovery, signing decisions, creative development, release strategy, and long-term company growth. The ideal candidate is equally obsessed with music, internet culture, data, and fandom behavior, with a deep understanding of how artists build audiences in today’s marketplace.

This position will work across Quality Control’s frontline and developing artist roster while helping build a scalable talent discovery and artist development pipeline.

This is a full-time, hybrid role based in our Santa Monica, CA or Atlanta, GA office, with in-person collaboration 3 days per week and remote work 2 days per week. Candidates must be based in or willing to relocate to the greater Los Angeles or Atlanta area at their own expense prior to their start date — we are not offering relocation assistance for this role, though it may be considered on a case‑basis for select candidates.

• Identify emerging artists, songwriters, producers, creators, and cultural influencers across Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, Afrobeats, Latin, and adjacent genres.
• Monitor DSPs, social platforms, live performance activity, independent releases, and grassroots movements to surface early opportunities.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive pipeline of developing talent across the U.S. and key international markets.
• Track artist momentum and audience growth before traditional industry awareness.
• Produce recurring reports on marketplace trends, genre shifts, audience behavior, and emerging cultural movements.
• Monitor streaming activity, social engagement, fan communities, touring trends, and content performance.
• Analyze competitive label activity, artist signings, partnerships, and release strategies.
• Identify white-space opportunities for QC artists and future signings.

• Study fandom behavior across music, gaming, sports, fashion, and entertainment.
• Analyze how audiences engage with artists across platforms including Tik Tok, You Tube, Instagram, Discord, Reddit, Twitch, and emerging communities.
• Provide insights that help deepen artist-to-fan relationships and support long-term audience development.
• Support QC’s efforts to build sustainable artist brands and cultural movements rather than short-term viral moments.

• Partner with A&R, Marketing, Digital, Commerce, and Management teams to support artist development initiatives.
• Provide audience insights that inform creative direction, collaborations, release planning, content strategy, and brand partnerships.
• Help identify songwriter, producer, and collaborator opportunities based on cultural and audience alignment.

• Track emerging music trends and talent across key international markets including the UK, Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
• Support HYBE America’s global music strategy by identifying opportunities for cultural exchange, collaborations, and international growth.
• Monitor global fan communities and music consumption patterns.

• Build executive-ready presentations and research reports for senior leadership.
• Translate large amounts of information into concise, actionable recommendations.
• Present findings to A&R leadership and artist teams.

• 3–7 years of experience in music, entertainment, media, research, analytics, strategy, consulting, or a related field.
• Deep passion for Hip-Hop, R&B, and…