Al Manerson: The Architect of Longevity in the Hit Driven Music and Entertainment Business

As R&B reclaims its rightful place at the forefront of music, Al Manerson is making it his priority, shaping careers, restoring credibility, and redefining what longevity means in today’s music and entertainment business.

In an industry often driven by viral moments and fast turnovers, Manerson stands as one of the best and most respected executives in the music business, known for building careers that last.

Raised in the Orchard Park Projects, the same community that produced New Edition, Manerson’s journey reflects both cultural roots and executive vision.

Over more than two decades, he has influenced the sound, strategy, and sustainability of modern music while quietly shaping some of the most important moments across genres.

As Founder and Chief Executive Officer of BluRaffe Entertainment Group and President and Chief Executive Officer of Red Velvet Inc., Manerson has operated at the highest levels of A&R, promotions, marketing, sales, production, and artist development.

His résumé spans major labels including Columbia, Epic, A&M, and Atlantic, where his leadership contributed to Gold, Platinum, and multi-Platinum albums, number-one records, and genre-defining releases.

Early in his career, Manerson played key roles in promotions and marketing for artists such as Mariah Carey on her debut Columbia album, Public Enemy, and numerous gospel greats including Shirley Caesar and the Clark Sisters.

His ability to move seamlessly between gospel, R&B, hip-hop, and pop became a defining strength.

At Epic Records, where he served as Vice President of Promotion and Marketing, Manerson worked with an elite roster that included Michael Jackson, Babyface, Sade, Ginuwine, Usher, and Raphael Saadiq, as well as hip-hop icons such as Cam’ron, MC Eiht, and Cappadonna.

He was also instrumental in early career moments tied to Snoop Dogg, including the breakthrough era surrounding “187” and the Deep Cover soundtrack.

Manerson’s success is rooted in vision and execution, not coincidence. He has consistently positioned artists and creators at pivotal moments, including executive producing and A&R leadership on Zendaya’s platinum single Replay, which has surpassed 230 million YouTube views.

In addition to developing artists, Manerson has been instrumental in securing publishing, production, and label deals for producers and songwriters behind some of today’s biggest hits, including Kadis & Sean, Shakespeare!, Stokley, S Dot, and Audio Push.

His guidance ensures that the creative teams behind the music are recognized, fairly compensated, and positioned for long-term success.

One of Manerson’s most defining contributions came through his work with Stokley of Mint Condition.

He not only helped Mint Condition secure new record deals and reclaim their catalog, but also orchestrated the collaboration between Stokley and Wale, resulting in The Gifted, Wale’s first number-one, gold-certified album.

That project, co-produced by Stokley, played a major role in the modern resurgence of R&B’s influence within hip-hop.

Manerson later helped position Stokley for sold-out theater success, including his award-winning portrayal of Rick James, which earned an NAACP Theatre Award.

His reach extends well beyond music. Manerson has served as a music supervisor, consultant, and dealmaker on film and television projects including Coming to America, Best of Enemies starring Sam Rockwell and Taraji P. Henson, Honey 2, My B.F.F., and independent international projects.

BluRaffe Entertainment Group appears in film credits reflecting his behind-the-scenes influence on creative placement and music usage.

Fast forward to 2026, and Manerson’s relevance has only grown.

He is a Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer, recipient of a Key to the City of Atlanta, officially proclaimed Al Moses Manerson Day by the Atlanta City Council, with additional recognition including business achievement awards and industry honors acknowledging both cultural and executive excellence.

At its core, BluRaffe Entertainment Group operates as a lifestyle brand and full-service entertainment company rooted in depth, stability, and truth.

Dubbed a Mini-Major independent company to watch, BluRaffe continues to launch new talent, oversee global campaigns, and expand across music, film, television, and brand partnerships, all while keeping R&B at the center of its mission.

In an industry obsessed with what’s next, Al Manerson remains focused on what lasts.

His legacy is measured not only by accolades and charts, but by the artists he has guided, the genres he has helped restore, and the culture he continues to shape as R&B reclaims its rightful place at the forefront of music.

 Follow Al Manerson on social media at @almanerson