Eric Nicks graduated from New York University and began co-managing the sister of his best friend, up and coming rapper, Foxy Brown-(rapper).In ‘96 Nicks received a call from Lyor Cohen and Chris Lighty, offering him an A&R position at Violator (company) Records and Management where he would help shape the careers of LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes, and Noreaga among others
Eric Nicks is a music industry veteran, having been named the Senior VP of A&R at Universal Motown. He also founded Rhythm & Blues Live New York, an industry showcase in New York City.
Nicks sits on the board of advisors for the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
He is often a guest speaker at a variety of colleges, including New York University, Morehouse, and many others On top of founding Alpine Music Group, Eric Nicks is also the king of the hill at Bowler City in Hackensack.
After spending 5 years at Violator, Lighty named him President of the records division until he stepped off to start a management company, EVision, with LL Cool J as one of his clients. He was involved in the platinum releases of Foxy Brown’s Illinois NaNa, LL Cool J’s The DEFinition, and Lyfe Jennings’ debut Lyfe 268-192.
Eric Nicks received a tap from Kevin Liles, former president of Def Jam, for a position as Vice President of A&R at Def Jam.
Under Nicks’ tenure at Def Jam, LL dropped his 10th studio album titled "10" which included LL Cool J"s 1st #1 single “Love You Better.” and 11th studio album "The Definition" which included LL"s 2nd #1 single "Headsprung" and 3rd #1 single "All I Need" featuring Jennifer Lopez. In 2003, Nicks left Def Jam to become Senior Vice President of A&R at Sony Records where he A&R"d Lyfe Jennings Platinum debut album "268-192".
He went on to become Senior
VP of A&R at Universal Motown Records in 2006. In 2007, Eric Nicks created Rhythm & Blues Live New New York
Since its inception, Rhythm & Blues Live has hosted artists such as Fantasia, Ne-Yo, Trey Songz, Brian McKnight and many more. The star-studded room has included Kevin Liles, Jay-Z, Denzel Washington, Terrence Howard and many other celebrities and industry executives.
2008 marked the conception of Brookland Entertainment, Eric Nicks’ own record label company formed in conjunction with the Trackmasters.
Brookland Entertainment was home to the hit single "Download" by Lil" Kim foot T-Pain and Charlie Wilson and dancehall artist Beenie Manitoba In 2010 Eric Nicks founded Alpine Music Group, which includes a self owned management company, a joint venture publishing company with Sony/ATV and a Record Label under Atlantic Records which houses upcoming sensation Justine Skye.
A&R Discography.
