William Salaam Named VP of A&R at Playbook Muzik

Playbook Muzik has announced the promotion of renowned songwriter, creative executive, and Chicago cultural pioneer William Salaam to Vice President of A&R, marking a powerful new chapter in both his career and the label’s future.

A Chicago native and early architect of the city’s hip-hop scene with his group, Mac city, Salaam, and the Vision, William Salaam has long stood at the intersection of music, fashion, and entrepreneurship. In the late 1990s, he made history as one of the first men’s streetwear retailers in Chicago to champion Black designers, helping introduce brands like Maurice Malone, Karl Kani, and Sean John to wider audiences. His influence during that era helped shape not only streetwear culture but also the creative business blueprint for a generation.

Now, decades later, Salaam’s musical pen is experiencing a resurgence. He recently wrote “Hole In The Wall” for country singer and Playbook Muzik label mate K. James, a song that marked a deeply personal return to songwriting after years of writer’s block. As a natural storyteller, Salaam says he feels spiritually aligned with country music’s narrative tradition, making the transition feel less like a departure and more like a homecoming.