Submit. Prompt. Generate.
Derek Johnson Jr., known as Derek Minor, is a Dove Award-winning rapper, producer, and label head with Grammy-winning production credits for Lecrae. Known for albums like Minorville, Reflection, and The Trap, he continues to shape Christian hip-hop through his artistry, leadership, and creative collaborations.
No Commitments. Pay Only When You Create.
Derek Minor (Derek Johnson, Jr.) — Rapper, Producer, Actor & Label Head
Dove Award Winner • 2× GRAMMY® (Producer for Lecrae) • RMG / 116 Clique Collaborator
A leading voice in Christian hip-hop, Derek Minor blends conviction, craftsmanship, and culture—delivering charting albums, career-defining production, and artist development that moves the genre forward.
Career Overview
Derek Minor is a Dove Award-winning rapper, producer, actor, and label executive. With a discography that includes Minorville, Reflection, and The Trap, along with two GRAMMY® wins for production with Lecrae, his influence spans studio, stage, and strategy.
Discography & Chart Highlights
- Redemption — Peaked at #8 on Billboard’s Gospel chart.
- Dying to Live (2011) — #1 on Billboard Christian; #2 on Gospel.
- Minorville • Reflection • The Trap — Critically acclaimed projects showcasing growth in sound and storytelling.
Collaborations & Crews
Key collaborations include work with R.M.G. and 116 Clique, expanding the reach of faith-driven hip-hop through collective creativity and touring momentum.
Recent Projects
Most recently, Derek teamed up with Greg James and Thicc James for the EP I’m Lovely, adding another distinct chapter to his catalog with vibrant production and uplifting themes.
Origins & Education
Born in Michigan and raised in Tennessee, Derek pursued his passion academically at Middle Tennessee State University, graduating with a degree in Recording Industry Management. That foundation powers his dual perspective as both artist and executive.
Vision & Leadership
As a label head and mentor, Derek champions excellence, ownership, and purpose—cultivating artists who pair elite craft with a clear message. His work continues to set standards for Christian hip-hop while inviting broader audiences into the conversation.
A&R Contacts
Preview of A&R executives (blurred). Full details available inside AvenueAR.
Jeff Fenster
A&R Executive · All Genres
Past: Jive, Island Def Jam, Geffen, Warner · Known for Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Dua Lipa, Bebe Rexha.
Alex Dollar
A&R Executive · Pop, Rock, Hip-Hop
Crazed Hits, Warner Bros. · Early discovers: Imagine Dragons, The Weeknd, Nicki Minaj; worked w/ Passenger, Bebe Rexha.
Sam Hook
A&R Executive · Pop, Hip-Hop
Artist-first development, relationship-driven feedback; R&B Money podcast guest.
Ken Komisar
A&R Executive · All Genres
President, NHMM (Notting Hill Music Masters & Management). Streams in tens of millions; UK/US radio support.
Donny “Dizzy” Flores
A&R Executive · Hip-Hop, Trap, Rap
We Good LLC; DJ Snake lead A&R/executive producer. Credits incl. “Taki Taki”, “Loco Contigo”.
Sydney Alston
A&R Executive · Hip-Hop, Pop, Rock
Artist development, mgmt & production; placements with UMG/Capitol/Sony acts.
Ryan Ramsey
A&R / Manager · Hip-Hop, R&B
Worked with Brandy, Nicki Minaj (Blueprint/Maverick); Rich The Kid management.
Chris Gotti
A&R Executive · Hip-Hop / R&B
Co-founder Murder Inc./The Inc.; Ja Rule, Ashanti, Lloyd. Add Ventures Music founder.
Anthony Johnson
A&R / CEO, 2 Johnson Ent. · All Genres
Work w/ Sony/Epic/Roc Nation/Republic/Atlantic/Def Jam; hits w/ Jay-Z, Kanye, Ne-Yo, Kelly Clarkson, Janet Jackson.
Dino Delvaille
A&R Executive · Artist-Rights Focus
Artist-centric approach; ensures creators retain rights and recognition.
Premo $tallone
A&R Executive · Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop
Affiliations: Darkchild, Timbaland, Don Cannon, DJ Drama. Gold/Platinum placements; billion+ streams.
Derek Minor
A&R Executive · Christian, Gospel, Trap
Dev & collabs: Lecrae, Andy Mineo, KB, Trip Lee, Hollyn, Canon; brand & audience strategy.
Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins
Producer / A&R · Pop, R&B, Hip-Hop
Whitney, Brandy/Monica, Destiny’s Child, J. Lopez; Darkchild Records, Alienz Alive.
DJ Clue
A&R / DJ / Exec · Hip-Hop
Desert Storm co-founder; broke Fabolous; Hot 97 alum; major collab & production credits.
Warryn Campbell
Producer / A&R · Gospel, R&B, Hip-Hop
Grammy-winning; My Block Inc. founder; Mary Mary, Jennifer Hudson, Musiq Soulchild.
Jay Leopardi
A&R / Founder · Pop, Rap, Hip-Hop
AvenueAR co-founder; background in branding, licensing, SEO, product launch, endorsements.
Mauricio Londoño
A&R / Host · Latin, Pop
“Checking con Mauro” podcast; Latinx market strategy & development.
Anthony Mundle
A&R · Hip-Hop
Def Jam projects; 2 Chainz, YG, Dave East; artist authenticity & long-term development focus.
Daniel Werner
VP A&R · Pop
Universal Music Group; work with Tove Lo, Taio Cruz, Astrid S, Sigrid, Dean Lewis.
DaShawn “Happie” White
Exec A&R · Pop, K-Pop, Hip-Hop
Empire; collabs incl. Kanye, H.E.R., John Legend, Kehlani; champion of creative rooms/collab.
Jazmine Valencia
SVP A&R · Pop, R&B, Alt
UMG / Sony affiliations; authenticity-first artist development & inclusive leadership.
Jonathan “Ganda” Gandarilla
Producer / Manager · Latin Trap
Ganda Entertainment; Trap Capos series; work with Anuel AA, Bad Bunny, Yandel, Prince Royce.
Esther Anaya
DJ / Producer / A&R · EDM, Pop, Latin
LA Chargers Official DJ; Zouk LV residency; collab w/ Snoop Dogg; ASAF Angels founder.
Dave Santaniello
A&R Executive · Pop, Rock, Country
Community-driven discovery; blends classic A&R instincts with tech-forward strategy.
Kyle Weers
A&R · Hip-Hop, Pop
Made in Memphis Ent./Beatroot/Heavy Hitters; artist dev., sync & publishing integration.
Terry “Bear” Brown
A&R · Pop, R&B, Hip-Hop
Early talent ID for Darkchild/EMI; signed/prod. dev. credits incl. Tommy Brown & Bieber cuts.
Hutson Miller
Exec / A&R · Multigenre
VP A&R (Atlantic/EMI); film/TV & consumer tech; EVP Talent Relations at AvenueAR.
Michael (Mike) Colton
Co-Founder & Head of Production, AvenueAR · A&R
Creator-centric ops, feedback loops, exec outreach; live mentorship programming.