The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
MusicNewsThe Latest

Marv Brown of Top Cat names Mudasser Ali as Creative Director along with Nikko Bailey as Director of A&R

by Haleema Khan November 18, 2019
by Haleema Khan November 18, 2019 0 comments
3.3K
Marv Brown, CEO of Toronto-based upstart label Top Cat and A&R Executive at Polo Grounds Music/Sony RCA recently announced the addition of sought-after industry executives Mudasser Ali and Nikko Bailey to his growing staff. Marv’s history in the game goes back to the 90s.

He’s a 25 year veteran of the music and entertainment industry in North America. Working alongside Polo Grounds Music President Bryan Leach, his influential touch and experience in artist development and music production has helped sell millions of records globally and impacted the careers of Hurricane Chris, A$AP Mob — Rocky & Ferg and Pitbull. He’s also been building the city’s hip-hop culture since it’s golden-era:

We brought in the biggest R&B acts to Toronto, 112, Faith Evans, and Dru Hill” says Brown. “Later, I managed my own act, Ram-Z”

The R&B group got him his first big record deal with TVT Universal and led Polo Grounds president Bryan Leach (who was the A&R rep at TVT that signed Ram-Z) to take Brown under his wing and give him an A&R spot at Polo Grounds Music/Sony RCA in New York.

CEO Marv Brown w/ So So Def President Jermaine Dupri

As well, he’s created a foundation for urban acts in Canada through Top Cat Entertainment giving major exposure to Director X and renowned choreographer Luther Brown along with producing and marketing theatrical plays in both Toronto and New York, including Tyler Perry’s Marriage Counsellor, Umoja, Fela Kuti and Virtuality, all to critical acclaim.

Mudasser Ali, Creative Director

Mudasser Ali is a veteran Creative Director, DJ & industry executive who has worked with Warner Brothers & OVO Sound along with being a maverick project manager with Gramercy Records in Manhattan, NY that included content placements with BET, XXL, Billboard, Hypebeast, Karmaloop, VIBE, 12OZProphet & The Source Magazine amongst others. His creative work has been seen on Billboards in Toronto, Los Angeles & New York along with media outlets such as CNN & MTV. He brings relied upon industry intelligence and a mature sense of Creative Direction to the new conglomerate.

Nikko Bailey, Director of A&R

Nikko Bailey is a veteran record producer and A&R professional with one of the rarest resumes in hip-hop that includes working with Heavy D, Dipset, Wiz Khalifa, Juicy J, Playboi Carti, Bun B, Curren$y, Snoop Dogg, Diggy Simmons & more. He’s been featured on Billboard, VIBE, RESPECT, BET, and COMPLEX amongst others. He’s a highly-praised producer, songwriter and strategist with a keen sense of predicting future superstars. His music has been featured on multiple NETFLIX specials as his versatile ability to reach audiences in youth-forward metropolises such as NYC, Los Angeles, Toronto & the Mid-Western US has always been his strength. He brings a deep knowledge and winning history of identifying, preparing and developing underground talent for the mainstream.

Marv BrownMudasser AliNikko BaileyPGMPolo Grounds MusicSony RCATop CatToronto
0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Haleema Khan

Haleema is futuristic who writes about the present - a dedicated tastemaker from Toronto. She also DJs on the regular.

previous post
Charlie Puth, Jenny McCarthy and more attended SiriusXM’s Dial Up the Moment launch party
next post
Caroline Vreeland Performs Debut Public Show

Related Posts

The Bold and Haunting Narratives of Miami Film...

April 23, 2026

The Quiet Power of Programming a Film Festival

April 23, 2026

Taratoa Stappard on Reclamatory Horror of ‘Mārama’

April 23, 2026

Spirited Spring Musicale Shines with ‘GrannyCart Giggle Hour’

April 22, 2026

The Parliament Styles ‘Devil Wears Prada’ Brunch

April 22, 2026

Andy Serkis Explains His Connection to George Orwell’s...

April 22, 2026

‘Three Women’ Takes Stage

April 22, 2026

Beast & Butterflies is Best Rooftop Lounge in Times...

April 22, 2026

‘Two Seasons, Two Strangers’ – Seasonal Cinema at...

April 22, 2026

Mitsi Debuts as Newest Los Angeles Hub for...

April 21, 2026

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

Nicola Coughlin talked about the difference in her Nicola Coughlin talked about the difference in her ‘Big Mood’ character Maggie in Season 2, and what she learned in her research on bipolar disorder. ‘Big Mood’ officially out now on @tubi 

🎥: https://youtu.be/iYh-xquxzMc?si=Q3aUKgmwOFkUbuSS

📝: https://theknockturnal.com/big-mood-cast-talks-season-2/

#bigmood
‘Half Man’, created by and starring Richard Gadd, ‘Half Man’, created by and starring Richard Gadd, premieres April 23 on HBO and streaming on Max.

@hbo @hbomax @mrrichardgadd
Lydia West and Nicola Coughlin discuss loyalty in Lydia West and Nicola Coughlin discuss loyalty in Season 2 of Big Mood, officially out now on @tubi 

🎥: https://youtu.be/iYh-xquxzMc?si=Q3aUKgmwOFkUbuSS

📝: https://theknockturnal.com/big-mood-cast-talks-season-2/

#bigmood
Drag Race judge Carson Kressley showed up to the S Drag Race judge Carson Kressley showed up to the Season 18 finale carpet in style ✨

@rupaulsdragrace
Winner of @rupaulsdragrace Season 18, @myki.meeks Winner of @rupaulsdragrace Season 18, @myki.meeks reveals her favorite Madonna track 🎶
@theninicoco manifesting Bad Bunny as her dream ju @theninicoco manifesting Bad Bunny as her dream judge 👀🔥

@rupaulsdragrace
Wrapping up Season 18 of @rupaulsdragrace in New Y Wrapping up Season 18 of @rupaulsdragrace in New York City
Directors Christopher Miler and Philip Lord discus Directors Christopher Miler and Philip Lord discussed Andy Weir’s ‘Project Hail Mary’ novel and what it meant to make it for the big screen.

Back in IMAX for a limited time.
Sandra Hüller discusses what it meant for her to p Sandra Hüller discusses what it meant for her to portray Eva Stratt in Project Hail Mary. 

Back in IMAX for a limited time. 

🎥: 
https://youtu.be/NMfLeDy9ijk?si=OEYqIvh9DFoCuFub

#projecthailmary
Ryan Gosling had one very quick answer when asked Ryan Gosling had one very quick answer when asked which actor he’d recruit to save Earth, if the planet needed saving tomorrow: his wife, Eva Mendes 🤍

Project Hail Mary is back in IMAX for a limited time. 

🎥: 
https://youtu.be/NMfLeDy9ijk?si=OEYqIvh9DFoCuFub

#projecthailmary
P1Harmony is breaking the mold. Discover how a new P1Harmony is breaking the mold. Discover how a new approach to the creative process led to the biggest breakthrough of their career. Read our exclusive deep dive into the making of ‘UNIQUE’ now. 🎶

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/unique-by-p1harmony-redefines-soun/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#P1Harmony #UNIQUE #Kpop #Music #Exclusive
Desert sun and curated style. Step inside the excl Desert sun and curated style. Step inside the exclusive world of Revolve Festival as we break down the trends, the guest list, and the cultural impact of Coachella’s most coveted side stage. ✨

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/revolve-festival-in-the-desert-with-kehlani-and-don-tolliver/

✍️: Sebastian Cintron

-
#Revolve #RevolveFest #Coachella #Coachella2026 #Music
Jason Segel talked about his ‘Shrinking’ character Jason Segel talked about his ‘Shrinking’ character, Jimmy, and what it means to find happiness. 

All 3 seasons of ‘Shrinking’ are streaming on @appletv 

🎥: https://youtu.be/2dpVM625v2k?si=H5meZka85162pPPr
Juliano Valdi talks about what it was like to work Juliano Valdi talks about what it was like to work alongside Nia Long and Colman Domingo. 

The young actor stars as young Michael Jackson in the upcoming Antoine Fuqua-directed biopic Michael. 

Full interview:
https://youtu.be/DxYFFTgPZgs?si=DfQ6rxKk6l4xOatq

Coming to theaters and IMAX April 24.

#michaeljackson
Lukas Gage and Billie Lourd talk about their movie Lukas Gage and Billie Lourd talk about their movie Love Language-

Directed by Joey Power, the film premiered at SXSW on March 16, 2026, featuring an ensemble cast including Chloë Grace Moretz, Anthony Ramos, and Manny Jacinto.

#sxsw2026 #lovelanguage #billielourd
“Well no, he told me to learn them.” 💀 Caught up “Well no, he told me to learn them.” 💀

Caught up with Michaela Coel at the premiere of ‘Mother Mary’. Starring as Sam Anselm, a fashion designer and estranged former collaborator to Anne Hathaway’s pop star character, Coel knew she was tied to the script since first reading its “beautiful words”. Her standout performance is already gaining praise. 

In theaters this Friday.  @a24 @mothermarymovie 

🎥: @jm.rodrigueznyc 

https://youtu.be/j07ln9zeJMs

📝: https://theknockturnal.com/anne-hathaway-and-michaela-coel-at-mother-mary-premiere/
‘Mother Mary’ star Alba Baptista shared what made ‘Mother Mary’ star Alba Baptista shared what made joining the cast of the film an easy yes. 

The actress (and wife of Chris Evans) says the chance to work with director David Lowery was the driving force behind the decision. 

@a24 @mothermarymovie 

🎥: @jm.rodrigueznyc 

https://youtu.be/j07ln9zeJMs

📝: https://theknockturnal.com/anne-hathaway-and-michaela-coel-at-mother-mary-premiere/
‘Mother Mary’ in theaters this Friday! @a24 @moth ‘Mother Mary’ in theaters this Friday!

@a24 @mothermarymovie 

🎥: @jm.rodrigueznyc 
https://youtu.be/j07ln9zeJMs

📝: https://theknockturnal.com/anne-hathaway-and-michaela-coel-at-mother-mary-premiere/
Michaela Coel and FKA twigs embrace at the premier Michaela Coel and FKA twigs embrace at the premiere of @mothermarymovie
Sarah Michelle Gellar talks about her role in ‘Rea Sarah Michelle Gellar talks about her role in ‘Ready or Not 2: Here I Come’. 

The film premiered March 20 and can still be seen in theaters for a limited time. 

@readyornotfilm @sarahmgellar #readyornot2
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch