What is A&r?
1.
(n) The abbreviated form of "artist and repertoire." This is the designation for the branch of a record label that is responsible for scouting talent, handling contractual consultations, finding producers, and arranging recording sessions.
Some musicians, including many hip-hop artists such as the Wu-Tang Clan, have come to detest A&R executives, referencing them in song on ocassion.
"First of all, who's your A&R
A mountain climber who plays an electric guitar?
But he don't know the meaning of dope
When he's lookin for a suit and tie rap
that's cleaner than a bar of soap"
- The Gza, "Protect Ya Neck"
See
2.
(n) Refers to Artist and Repetoir execs in record companies they are hooked up with an artist to help to find new artists and put out an image for them. artists albums
A&R's tribe jerking me, thinking they calling shots
Offered me a deal, and a blanket full of smallpox
