Billboard names management executive David Ali its 2026 R&B/Hip-Hop Executive of the Year

Billboard named David Ali, CEO of management company Above Ground Entertainment, its 2026 R&B/Hip-Hop Executive of the Year on 20 August 2026. Ali, 37, manages Kehlani — signed in 2014 and named this year's R&B Artist of the Year — alongside Destin Conrad and Larry June. The honour tops a Power Players list otherwise dominated by label-side executives.