Jason Lee, the founder and CEO of media company Hollywood Unlocked, has been named the new head of media and partnerships in Kanye West’s camp. Lee confirmed the news in a statement to Variety, reporting that the union of the two trailblazers is the result of an aligned vision.
“I think after the interview on Hollywood Unlocked, it was clear that we had an aligned vision for leveling the playing field in media,” Lee told the outlet. “Ye voiced a vision for a company he was building, and that media was an arm of that, and he felt I could be an asset.”
The announcement comes on the cusp of Lee and Ye hosting the Future Brunch, an invite-only event that included various representatives of Black media and consisted of profound discussions about the state of media, culture, and Kanye West.
“I’m helping him to understand the media landscape and high-level brand strategy,” Lee said. “There is a roadmap being developed that I think will shift his relationship with the press.”
In Lee’s new position, he will mastermind the overarching message of Ye’s brands, that include Donda initiatives, the Yeezy fashion line, and the music artist’s latest venture into tech, Stem Player. The partnership will also give Mr. West an unbiased platform to express his truth, which has not always been an option through traditional media that has controlled narratives of celebrities.
“Jason, in this new role, will work to bring in like-minded institutions and content that will further expand Ye’s media empire,” a statement from the official announcement reads. “As Ye builds out various entities committed to amplifying narratives and humanizing Black voices in media and storytelling.”
Lee and Ye developed a relationship after Ye went on Hollywood Unlocked to defend his public persona and correct the inaccurate narrative surrounding his divorce with Kim Kardashian and his relationship with his children. As they shared their truths about the treatment of Black culture, media, and entertainers, they came to understand that their mission to claim their impact was one in the same.
“Hollywood Unlocked is a company I started in 2015 with the purpose of pulling back the veil of the industry and giving fans a closer perspective and access to your favorite stars,” Lee continued. “This relationship allows for that to become a reality. We will continue to have the voice we have regardless of what he is doing. However, we offer our platform to him to clear the air when he feels he wants to.”
Lee was recently featured in a very candid interview on Drink Champs.
