Brooklyn, N.Y.,-Born CEO Works Hard to Turn Around Motown Records.

Publication: Daily News (New York, New York) (via Knight-Ridder/Tribune Business News)

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COPYRIGHT 2001 Daily News

Byline: Phyllis Furman

Apr. 9--It doesn't take long for Motown Records CEO Kedar Massenburg to want to tell you about his accomplishments.

Sitting in his plush midtown office, sporting black leather pants and a large diamond gleaming from his ear, he ticks off the artists he's propelled to stardom: neo-classic soul singer D'Angelo, urban music star Joe, Motown soul diva Erykah Badu.

"No matter where you put me, I will rise to the top," Massenburg insisted in an interview. "I am a survivor."

Massenburg, 38, had reason to be cocky. After nearly two mostly quiet years at the helm of legendary Motown, he finally broke through with a new artist last week: India.Arie, a dreadlock-wearing female soul artist discovered by Massenburg, landed a top 10 spot on the pop charts with her debut album, "Acoustic Soul."

But the strong start couldn't have come too soon for Massenburg. In recent months,...

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